A.
It
may be used to decrease inflammation.
B.
It
may be used in replacement therapy in adrenalcortical
deficiency.
2.
Potential Adverse
Reactions
A.
Moon
face.
B.
Weight
gain.
C.
Edema.
D.
Potassium
loss.
E.
Delayed
wound healing.
F.
Increased
frequency of urination.
G.
Urination
at night time.
H.
Insomnia.
I.
Headache.
J.
Muscle
weakness.
K.
Allergic
reaction.
L.
Cardiovascular
effects (hypertension, thromboembolism, arteritis, congestive heart failure).
M.
Infection.
N.
Eye
complications.
O.
Peptic
ulcer.
P.
Adrenal
insufficiency.
A.
Side
effects are more likely if take for more than two weeks.
B.
Avoid
crowds or contact with people with infections because of increased
susceptibility to infections.
C.
Take
prednisone with food or milk to reduce possible gastrointestinal side effects.
D.
Report
any signs of slow healing. (Prednisone may mask or exacerbate infections.)
E.
Watch
for signs of hyperglycemia (sweating, shakiness, fruity odor of breath, etc.).
F.
Report
any early signs of adrenal insufficiency (fatigue, muscular weakness, join
pain, fever, anorexia, nausea, dyspnea, dizziness,
fainting).
G.
Assess
for cushingoid symptoms if on long-term dosage
(facial puffiness, hirsutism, thinning of extremities
with abdominal obesity, amenorrhea, edema).
H.
Assess
for signs of depression or psychotic episodes while taking high-dose therapy.
I.
Follow
a salt-restricted diet, rich in potassium and protein as ordered.
J.
Weigh
daily, and report any sudden weight increase to physician.
K.
If
taking steroids, discontinue; decrease dose gradually, never abruptly.
L.
Watch
for withdrawal symptoms, which include rebound inflammation, fatigue, weakness,
arthralgia fever, dizziness, lethargy, depression,
fainting, orthostatic hypotension, dyspnea, and
anorexia.
M.
Give
once-daily doses in the morning for less toxicity.
N.
Dosage
may need to be increased in periods of stress, but only with physician's
orders.