Prednisolone

Prednisolone is a corticosteroid, a glucocorticoid made from hydrocortisone, used to treat allergies, inflammatory conditions, autoimmune disorders, cancers, electrolyte imbalances and skin conditions. These include adrenocortical insufficiency, high blood calcium, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatitis, eye inflammation, asthma, multiple sclerosis and phimosis. It can be taken by mouth, injected into a vein, applied as a skin cream or given as eye drops. Short-term side effects include nausea, poor concentration, insomnia, increased appetite and fatigue, and about five percent of people have psychiatric problems. Long-term use can cause bone loss, weakness, yeast infections and easy bruising. It was discovered and approved for medical use in 1955, is on the World Health Organization List of Essential Medicines and is available as a generic drug.