Patient/caregiver was instructed upon indications for prednisone use as follows:
Inflammatory states:
- Release of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are the major inflammatory mediators, contribute to pain, swelling, and respiratory smooth muscle contraction during flare-up of inflammatory states, such as, exacerbation of arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and asthma.
- Prednisone, by inhibiting the release of these mediators help with relief of these symptoms of acute inflammation, thus controlling pain and swelling in various tissues and relieving shortness of breath by promoting dilation of respiratory smooth muscle.
Adrenal failure:
- Cortisol is a natural steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland in the human body, regulating important functions of body metabolism and response to stress.
- As prednisone mimics the action of cortisol, it can used in clinical states of adrenal failure, where the adrenal gland is unable to produce the required amounts of natural steroid hormone. This supplementation with prednisone can help with regulation of body metabolism and stress response.
