What is Prelone®?

Prelone® is a prescription corticosteroid solution given to patients with inflammatory conditions. Symptoms of asthma, allergies, psoriasis, arthritis, and a number of other disorders tend to respond very well to regular doses of the drug. Prelone® usually comes in cherry-flavored syrup form and is usually taken with meals or as recommended by prescribing doctors. The risks of adverse side effects or drug interactions are low, but a patient may experience head and stomach aches shortly after taking a dose.

The active ingredient in Prelone® is prednisone, a popular corticosteroid that is useful in treating a wide variety of conditions. When prednisone enters the bloodstream, it effectively blocks the immune system's inflammatory response to pathogens, tissue irritation, and injury sites. With histamine and other inflammation-inducing chemicals blocked, pain and swelling immediately begin to subside. Prelone® helps to lessen inflammation that is caused by chronic lung disorders, severe allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, skin rashes, and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, patients who suffer from multiple sclerosis and adrenal gland disorders are commonly prescribed the drug for long-term symptom management.

Before prescribing Prelone®, doctors take complete medical histories and review current medication use to ensure it will be safe for use. Dosage amounts vary between patients based on their particular conditions and ages, but most adults are instructed to take 1 teaspoon (about 5 milliliter) doses of the syrup with food one to four times a day. Pediatric patients are usually prescribed lower, less frequent doses. Bottles of Prelone® come with measuring cups built into the lids to make it easier to take the right amount and avoid overdose.

Most people do not experience side effects when taking the drug. The most common reported issues include stomach upset, abdominal cramps, and loss of appetite. Some patients get headaches, feel dizzy, and become nauseous. Less commonly, an individual may start to sweat and become confused with a large dose of Prelone®. Allergic reactions to the drug may result in hives, joint aches, throat swelling, and high blood pressure. A person who experiences mild side effects should keep taking the medication and report them to a doctor, while severe complications need to be addressed in the emergency room.

Depending on a patient's specific medical condition, he or she may need to take Prelone® for just a few weeks or maintain dosages indefinitely. Regular checkups are important so a doctor can monitor the effectiveness of the drug and adjust dosage amounts if necessary. Most people experience significant relief from their symptoms when they follow their doctors' orders and maintain healthy diet and exercise habits.