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Pediapred |
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What is Pediapred and why is it prescribed? Pediapred, a steroid drug, is used to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in a variety of disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, acute gouty arthritis, and severe cases of asthma. It may be given to people to treat primary or secondary adrenal cortex insufficiency. It is also given to help treat the following disorders: Blood disorders (such as leukemia and various anemias), Certain cancers (along with other drugs), Connective tissue diseases (such as systemic lupus erythematosus), Digestive tract diseases (such as ulcerative colitis), Eye diseases of various kinds, Fluid retention due to nephrotic syndrome, High blood levels of calcium associated with cancer, Lung diseases (such as tuberculosis), Severe allergic conditions (such as drug-induced allergic reactions), and Severe skin eruptions. Studies have shown that high doses of Pediapred are effective in controlling severe symptoms of multiple sclerosis, although they do not affect the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease. Pediapred decreases your resistance to infection. It may also mask some of the signs and symptoms of an infection, which makes it difficult for a doctor to diagnose the actual problem. How should you take Pediapred? Follow your doctors directions for taking Pediapred. Pediapred may cause upset stomach and should be taken with food. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Pediapred in a cool place, and keep the bottle tightly closed. This medication may be refrigerated. Are there any Pediapred side effects? Pediapred side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Pediapred side effects may include abnormal loss of bony tissue causing fragile bones, abnormal redness of the face, backbone break that collapses the spinal column, bruising, cataracts, convulsions, dizziness, excess growth of body or facial hair, feeling of illness, fluid retention, fracture of long bones, glaucoma, headache, high blood pressure, hives, increased appetite, increased sweating, loss of muscle mass, menstrual irregularities, mental capacity changes, muscle disease, muscle weakness, nausea, peptic ulcer, protrusion of eyeball, psychotic disorders, ruptured tendons, salt retention, slow growth in children, slow wound healing, sugar diabetes, swelling of the abdomen, thinning of the skin, vertigo, and weight gain. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Pediapred? If Pediapred is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Pediapred with Amphotericin B, Aspirin, Barbiturates (such as phenobarbital and Seconal), Cyclosporine (Sandimmune and Neoral), Diabetes drugs (such as Glucotrol), Ephedrine (in products such as Marax and Rynatuss), Estrogens (such as Premarin), Isoniazid (Nydrazid), Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Motrin), Oral contraceptives, Phenytoin (Dilantin), Rifampin (Rifadin), Warfarin (Coumadin), or Water pills (such as Lasix). Are there any special warnings about Pediapred? You should not be vaccinated against smallpox while being treated with Pediapred. Avoid other immunizations as well, especially if you are taking Pediapred in high doses, because of the possible hazards of nervous system complications and a lack of natural immune response. Because Pediapred reduces resistance to infection, people who have never had measles or chickenpox, or been vaccinated against them, should be careful to avoid exposure. These diseases can be severe, or even fatal, in people with lowered resistance. Likewise, an ordinary case of threadworm or other intestinal parasites can grow into a grave emergency when the immune system is weak. Symptoms of threadworm include stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you suspect an infection, call your doctor immediately. If you are taking Pediapred and are subjected to unusual stress, notify your doctor. The drug reduces the function of your adrenal glands, and they may be unable to cope. Your doctor may therefore increase your dosage of this rapidly acting steroid before, during, and after the stressful situation. Prolonged use of steroids may produce posterior subcapsular cataracts or the eye disease glaucoma, and may intensify additional eye infections due to fungi or viruses. Average and high doses of Pediapred may cause an increase in blood pressure, salt and water retention, and an increased loss of potassium. Your doctor may have you decrease your salt intake and increase your potassium intake. The effects of Pediapred may be intensified if you have an underactive thyroid or long-term liver disease. If you have ocular herpes simplex, you should be careful using this drug because of the possibility of corneal perforation. The use of Pediapred may cause mood swings, feelings of elation, insomnia, personality changes, severe depression, or even severe mental disorders. If you are being treated for a blood clotting factor deficiency, use aspirin with caution when taking Pediapred. Do not use Pediapred for any disorder other than that for which it was prescribed. Your doctor will prescribe Pediapred very cautiously if you have ulcerative colitis where there is a possibility of a puncture, abscess, or other infection; diverticulitis; recent intestinal anastomoses; active or inactive peptic ulcers; unsatisfactory kidney function; high blood pressure; osteoporosis; and myasthenia gravis. Do not discontinue the use of Pediapred abruptly or without medical supervision. If you should develop a fever or other signs of infection while taking Pediapred, notify your doctor immediately. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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