💊 Prednisolone Oral Liquid 15 mg/5 mL (Pediatric) – As Licensed
📄 Description:
Prednisolone is a synthetic glucocorticoid corticosteroid used for its anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and anti-allergic actions. The oral liquid (15 mg/5 mL) is a concentrated formulation intended for pediatric use or adults needing flexible oral dosing in cases where tablets are unsuitable.
💊 Prescription / Use:
- Indications:
- Severe asthma or asthma exacerbation
- Allergic reactions (anaphylaxis adjunct, drug allergy, urticaria)
- Acute episodes of nephrotic syndrome
- Autoimmune conditions (juvenile idiopathic arthritis, lupus)
- Severe skin disorders (eczema, dermatitis)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis)
- Croup and upper airway obstruction
- Adrenal insufficiency (stress dosing)
- Dosage (to be prescribed individually):
- Children: ~0.5–2 mg/kg/day, dose individualized based on weight/severity
- The concentrated strength (15 mg/5 mL) allows lower volume dosing for better adherence
- Short courses often used for acute conditions
- Requires gradual taper if used for longer than a few days
- Route: Oral
- Form: Solution/Syrup
- Concentration: 15 mg per 5 mL
- Type: Intermediate-acting glucocorticoid
🔬 Nature:
- Class: Corticosteroid (Glucocorticoid)
- Form: Oral liquid (solution or suspension)
- Strength: 15 mg per 5 mL
- Taste-masked and usually sugar-free in pediatric formulations
- Mechanism: Modulates transcription of inflammatory genes and suppresses immune response
🌟 Advantages:
- High-concentration liquid allows small volumes to deliver effective doses
- Especially useful in younger children and patients with swallowing difficulty
- Enables precise weight-based dosing
- Faster onset than oral tablets
- Available in palatable flavors for pediatric use
📦 Common Packaging:
- Supplied in amber glass or plastic bottles of 30 mL, 60 mL, or 100 mL
- Child-proof cap
- Includes measuring cup or oral syringe
- Labeled with concentration, expiry, batch, and storage instructions
🧊 Storage:
- Store at 15–25°C (room temperature)
- Shake well before use
- Protect from direct light and freezing
- Use within 30–60 days of opening (check label for specifics)
- Keep out of reach of children
⚠️ Precautions:
- Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration
- Avoid live vaccines during corticosteroid use
- Monitor closely if used in:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Active infections
- Growth disorders (long-term use in children)
- Eye problems (e.g. glaucoma)
- Common Side Effects:
- Increased appetite, weight gain
- Mood swings, behavioral changes
- Sleep disturbances
- High blood pressure or blood sugar
- Immune suppression
- Slower growth in children (with chronic use)
👩⚕️ Patient Advice (Pediatric Use):
- Use measuring device (not a spoon) for accuracy
- Administer after food to prevent gastric upset
- Monitor child’s growth and behavior during long-term use
- Do not stop suddenly—taper dose under medical supervision
- Observe for infections, excessive tiredness, or mood changes
- Maintain hydration, ensure balanced diet
- Follow-up regularly with healthcare provider for monitoring