Prednisone Interactions

Overview

Prednisone is a corticosteroid that is used to treat a variety of conditions, including inflammation, allergies, and autoimmune disorders. It works by suppressing the immune system. Prednisone may interact with other medications, including anticoagulants, anti-infectives, anti-inflammatories, ciclosporin, digoxin, estrogens, insulin, live vaccines, oral hypoglycemics, and others. It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications, before taking prednisone.

Drug Interactions

Prednisone may interact with other medications, including anticoagulants, anti-infectives, anti-inflammatories, ciclosporin, digoxin, estrogens, insulin, live vaccines, and oral hypoglycemics. It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications, before taking prednisone.

Anticoagulants

Prednisone may interact with anticoagulants, such as warfarin, and increase the risk of bleeding. It is important to monitor your blood clotting time closely if you are taking prednisone and an anticoagulant. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose of your anticoagulant to prevent bleeding.

Here are some specific examples of anticoagulants that may interact with prednisone⁚

• Warfarin (Coumadin)
• Heparin
• Dabigatran (Pradaxa)
• Rivaroxaban (Xarelto)
• Apixaban (Eliquis)

If you are taking prednisone and an anticoagulant, it is important to tell your doctor so that they can monitor your blood clotting time and adjust the dose of your anticoagulant if necessary.

Warfarin

Warfarin is an anticoagulant that is used to prevent and treat blood clots. It works by interfering with the body’s ability to form clots. Prednisone may interact with warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding. This is because prednisone can decrease the production of proteins that are involved in blood clotting.

If you are taking prednisone and warfarin, it is important to tell your doctor so that they can monitor your blood clotting time and adjust the dose of your warfarin if necessary. Your doctor may also recommend that you take a lower dose of prednisone.

Here are some specific examples of how prednisone may interact with warfarin⁚

• Prednisone may decrease the absorption of warfarin from the gastrointestinal tract.
• Prednisone may increase the metabolism of warfarin, which can lead to lower levels of warfarin in the blood.
• Prednisone may increase the risk of bleeding in people who are taking warfarin.

If you are taking prednisone and warfarin, it is important to monitor your blood clotting time closely. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose of your warfarin to prevent bleeding.

Anti-Infectives

Prednisone may interact with anti-infectives, such as clarithromycin and telithromycin, and increase the risk of side effects. It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications, before taking prednisone.

Here are some specific examples of anti-infectives that may interact with prednisone⁚

• Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
• Telithromycin (Ketek)

If you are taking prednisone and an anti-infective, it is important to tell your doctor so that they can monitor you for side effects and adjust the dose of your medication if necessary.

Here are some specific examples of how prednisone may interact with anti-infectives⁚

• Prednisone may increase the levels of clarithromycin and telithromycin in the blood, which can lead to an increased risk of side effects, such as liver damage and heart rhythm problems.
• Prednisone may decrease the effectiveness of clarithromycin and telithromycin in treating infections.

If you are taking prednisone and an anti-infective, it is important to monitor your condition closely and report any side effects to your doctor.

Clarithromycin

Clarithromycin is an antibiotic that is used to treat a variety of infections, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and skin infections. Prednisone may interact with clarithromycin and increase the risk of side effects, such as liver damage and heart rhythm problems. It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications, before taking prednisone.

If you are taking prednisone and clarithromycin, it is important to tell your doctor so that they can monitor you for side effects and adjust the dose of your medication if necessary.

Here are some specific examples of how prednisone may interact with clarithromycin⁚

• Prednisone may increase the levels of clarithromycin in the blood, which can lead to an increased risk of side effects, such as liver damage and heart rhythm problems.
• Prednisone may decrease the effectiveness of clarithromycin in treating infections.

If you are taking prednisone and clarithromycin, it is important to monitor your condition closely and report any side effects to your doctor.

Telithromycin

Telithromycin is an antibiotic that is used to treat a variety of infections, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and skin infections. Prednisone may interact with telithromycin and increase the risk of side effects, such as liver damage and heart rhythm problems. It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications, before taking prednisone.

If you are taking prednisone and telithromycin, it is important to tell your doctor so that they can monitor you for side effects and adjust the dose of your medication if necessary.
Here are some specific examples of how prednisone may interact with telithromycin⁚

• Prednisone may increase the levels of telithromycin in the blood, which can lead to an increased risk of side effects, such as liver damage and heart rhythm problems.
• Prednisone may decrease the effectiveness of telithromycin in treating infections.

If you are taking prednisone and telithromycin, it is important to monitor your condition closely and report any side effects to your doctor.

Anti-Inflammatories

Prednisone may interact with anti-inflammatories, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding. It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications, before taking prednisone.

Here are some specific examples of anti-inflammatories that may interact with prednisone⁚

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Naproxen (Aleve)
• Celecoxib (Celebrex)
• Meloxicam (Mobic)
• Rofecoxib (Vioxx)

If you are taking prednisone and an anti-inflammatory, it is important to tell your doctor so that they can monitor you for side effects and adjust the dose of your medication if necessary.
Here are some specific examples of how prednisone may interact with anti-inflammatories⁚

• Prednisone may increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding in people who are taking NSAIDs.
• Prednisone may decrease the effectiveness of NSAIDs in treating inflammation.

If you are taking prednisone and an anti-inflammatory, it is important to monitor your condition closely and report any side effects to your doctor.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs are a class of medications that are used to reduce inflammation and pain. Prednisone may interact with NSAIDs and increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding. It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications, before taking prednisone.

Here are some specific examples of NSAIDs that may interact with prednisone⁚

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Naproxen (Aleve)
• Celecoxib (Celebrex)
• Meloxicam (Mobic)
• Rofecoxib (Vioxx)

If you are taking prednisone and an NSAID, it is important to tell your doctor so that they can monitor you for side effects and adjust the dose of your medication if necessary.

Here are some specific examples of how prednisone may interact with NSAIDs⁚

• Prednisone may increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding in people who are taking NSAIDs.
• Prednisone may decrease the effectiveness of NSAIDs in treating inflammation.

If you are taking prednisone and an NSAID, it is important to monitor your condition closely and report any side effects to your doctor.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to reduce inflammation and pain. Prednisone may interact with ibuprofen and increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding. It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications, before taking prednisone.

If you are taking prednisone and ibuprofen, it is important to tell your doctor so that they can monitor you for side effects and adjust the dose of your medication if necessary.

Here are some specific examples of how prednisone may interact with ibuprofen⁚

• Prednisone may increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding in people who are taking ibuprofen.
• Prednisone may decrease the effectiveness of ibuprofen in treating inflammation.

If you are taking prednisone and ibuprofen, it is important to monitor your condition closely and report any side effects to your doctor.

Naproxen

Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to reduce inflammation and pain. Prednisone may interact with naproxen and increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding. It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications, before taking prednisone.

If you are taking prednisone and naproxen, it is important to tell your doctor so that they can monitor you for side effects and adjust the dose of your medication if necessary.

Here are some specific examples of how prednisone may interact with naproxen⁚

• Prednisone may increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding in people who are taking naproxen.
• Prednisone may decrease the effectiveness of naproxen in treating inflammation.

If you are taking prednisone and naproxen, it is important to monitor your condition closely and report any side effects to your doctor.

Ciclosporin

Ciclosporin is a medication that is used to suppress the immune system. It is used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs and to treat autoimmune diseases. Prednisone may interact with ciclosporin and increase the risk of side effects, such as kidney damage and high blood pressure. It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications, before taking prednisone.

If you are taking prednisone and ciclosporin, it is important to tell your doctor so that they can monitor you for side effects and adjust the dose of your medication if necessary.

Here are some specific examples of how prednisone may interact with ciclosporin⁚

• Prednisone may increase the levels of ciclosporin in the blood, which can lead to an increased risk of side effects, such as kidney damage and high blood pressure.
• Prednisone may decrease the effectiveness of ciclosporin in suppressing the immune system.

If you are taking prednisone and ciclosporin, it is important to monitor your condition closely and report any side effects to your doctor.

Digoxin

Digoxin is a medication that is used to treat heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Prednisone may interact with digoxin and increase the risk of side effects, such as heart rhythm problems and low potassium levels. It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications, before taking prednisone.

If you are taking prednisone and digoxin, it is important to tell your doctor so that they can monitor you for side effects and adjust the dose of your medication if necessary.

Here are some specific examples of how prednisone may interact with digoxin⁚

• Prednisone may increase the levels of digoxin in the blood, which can lead to an increased risk of side effects, such as heart rhythm problems and low potassium levels.
• Prednisone may decrease the effectiveness of digoxin in treating heart failure and atrial fibrillation.

If you are taking prednisone and digoxin, it is important to monitor your condition closely and report any side effects to your doctor.

Estrogens

Estrogens are a class of hormones that are produced by the ovaries. Prednisone may interact with estrogens and increase the risk of side effects, such as fluid retention and high blood pressure. It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications, before taking prednisone.

If you are taking prednisone and estrogens, it is important to tell your doctor so that they can monitor you for side effects and adjust the dose of your medication if necessary.

Here are some specific examples of how prednisone may interact with estrogens⁚

• Prednisone may increase the levels of estrogens in the blood, which can lead to an increased risk of side effects, such as fluid retention and high blood pressure.
• Prednisone may decrease the effectiveness of estrogens in treating menopausal symptoms.

If you are taking prednisone and estrogens, it is important to monitor your condition closely and report any side effects to your doctor.

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas. It is used to treat diabetes. Prednisone may interact with insulin and increase the risk of high blood sugar levels. It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications, before taking prednisone.

If you are taking prednisone and insulin, it is important to tell your doctor so that they can monitor your blood sugar levels and adjust the dose of your insulin if necessary.
Here are some specific examples of how prednisone may interact with insulin⁚

• Prednisone may increase the levels of glucose in the blood, which can lead to an increased risk of high blood sugar levels.
• Prednisone may decrease the effectiveness of insulin in lowering blood sugar levels.

If you are taking prednisone and insulin, it is important to monitor your blood sugar levels closely and report any changes to your doctor.

Live Vaccines

Live vaccines are vaccines that contain a weakened form of the virus or bacteria that they are intended to protect against. Prednisone may interact with live vaccines and decrease their effectiveness. It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications, before receiving a live vaccine.

If you are taking prednisone and are scheduled to receive a live vaccine, it is important to tell your doctor so that they can determine if the vaccine is safe for you to receive.

Here are some specific examples of live vaccines that may interact with prednisone⁚

• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine
• Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
• Rotavirus vaccine
• Yellow fever vaccine
• Typhoid vaccine

If you are taking prednisone and are scheduled to receive a live vaccine, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of the vaccine with your doctor.

Oral Hypoglycemics

Oral hypoglycemics are medications that are used to treat diabetes. Prednisone may interact with oral hypoglycemics and increase the risk of high blood sugar levels. It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications, before taking prednisone.

If you are taking prednisone and an oral hypoglycemic, it is important to tell your doctor so that they can monitor your blood sugar levels and adjust the dose of your oral hypoglycemic if necessary.

Here are some specific examples of how prednisone may interact with oral hypoglycemics⁚

• Prednisone may increase the levels of glucose in the blood, which can lead to an increased risk of high blood sugar levels.
• Prednisone may decrease the effectiveness of oral hypoglycemics in lowering blood sugar levels.

If you are taking prednisone and an oral hypoglycemic, it is important to monitor your blood sugar levels closely and report any changes to your doctor.

Disease Interactions

Prednisone may interact with certain diseases and medical conditions. It is important to tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions before taking prednisone.

Hepatic Impairment

Prednisone may interact with hepatic impairment and increase the risk of side effects, such as liver damage. It is important to tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including liver disease, before taking prednisone.

If you have hepatic impairment and are taking prednisone, it is important to tell your doctor so that they can monitor your liver function and adjust the dose of your prednisone if necessary.

Here are some specific examples of how prednisone may interact with hepatic impairment⁚

• Prednisone may increase the levels of prednisone in the blood, which can lead to an increased risk of side effects, such as liver damage.
• Prednisone may decrease the effectiveness of prednisone in treating your condition.

If you have hepatic impairment and are taking prednisone, it is important to monitor your condition closely and report any side effects to your doctor.

Renal Impairment

Prednisone may interact with renal impairment and increase the risk of side effects, such as kidney damage. It is important to tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including kidney disease, before taking prednisone.

If you have renal impairment and are taking prednisone, it is important to tell your doctor so that they can monitor your kidney function and adjust the dose of your prednisone if necessary.

Here are some specific examples of how prednisone may interact with renal impairment⁚

• Prednisone may increase the levels of prednisone in the blood, which can lead to an increased risk of side effects, such as kidney damage.
• Prednisone may decrease the effectiveness of prednisone in treating your condition.

If you have renal impairment and are taking prednisone, it is important to monitor your condition closely and report any side effects to your doctor.

Alcohol Interactions

Prednisone may interact with alcohol. It is important to avoid alcohol while taking prednisone.

Alcohol

Prednisone may interact with alcohol and increase the risk of side effects, such as stomach bleeding and liver damage. It is important to avoid alcohol while taking prednisone.

If you drink alcohol and are taking prednisone, it is important to tell your doctor so that they can monitor your condition and adjust the dose of your prednisone if necessary.

Here are some specific examples of how prednisone may interact with alcohol⁚

• Prednisone may increase the levels of alcohol in the blood, which can lead to an increased risk of side effects, such as stomach bleeding and liver damage.
• Prednisone may decrease the effectiveness of alcohol in treating your condition.

If you drink alcohol and are taking prednisone, it is important to monitor your condition closely and report any side effects to your doctor.

Food Interactions

Prednisone may interact with certain foods. It is important to tell your doctor about all of the foods you eat before taking prednisone.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit may interact with prednisone and increase the risk of side effects, such as high blood pressure and fluid retention. It is important to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking prednisone.

If you eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice and are taking prednisone, it is important to tell your doctor so that they can monitor your condition and adjust the dose of your prednisone if necessary.

Here are some specific examples of how grapefruit may interact with prednisone⁚

• Grapefruit may increase the levels of prednisone in the blood, which can lead to an increased risk of side effects, such as high blood pressure and fluid retention.
• Grapefruit may decrease the effectiveness of prednisone in treating your condition.

If you eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice and are taking prednisone, it is important to monitor your condition closely and report any side effects to your doctor.

Precautions

Prednisone may interact with certain medical conditions and other medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and medications before taking prednisone.

Pregnancy

Prednisone may interact with pregnancy and increase the risk of birth defects. It is important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before taking prednisone.

If you are pregnant and are taking prednisone, it is important to tell your doctor so that they can monitor your pregnancy and adjust the dose of your prednisone if necessary.

Here are some specific examples of how prednisone may interact with pregnancy⁚

• Prednisone may increase the risk of birth defects, such as cleft lip and palate.
• Prednisone may decrease the effectiveness of prednisone in treating your condition.

If you are pregnant and are taking prednisone, it is important to monitor your condition closely and report any side effects to your doctor.

Breastfeeding

Prednisone may interact with breastfeeding and pass into breast milk. It is important to tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed before taking prednisone.

If you are breastfeeding and are taking prednisone, it is important to tell your doctor so that they can monitor your baby for side effects and adjust the dose of your prednisone if necessary.

Here are some specific examples of how prednisone may interact with breastfeeding⁚

• Prednisone may pass into breast milk and cause side effects in your baby, such as weight gain and growth problems.
• Prednisone may decrease the effectiveness of prednisone in treating your condition.

If you are breastfeeding and are taking prednisone, it is important to monitor your baby closely and report any side effects to your doctor.

Pediatric Use

Prednisone may interact with pediatric use and increase the risk of side effects, such as growth problems and weight gain. It is important to tell your doctor if you are giving prednisone to a child.

If you are giving prednisone to a child, it is important to tell your doctor so that they can monitor your child for side effects and adjust the dose of prednisone if necessary.

Here are some specific examples of how prednisone may interact with pediatric use⁚

• Prednisone may slow growth in children.
• Prednisone may cause weight gain in children.
• Prednisone may decrease the effectiveness of prednisone in treating your child’s condition.

If you are giving prednisone to a child, it is important to monitor your child closely and report any side effects to your doctor.

Geriatric Use

Prednisone may interact with geriatric use and increase the risk of side effects, such as osteoporosis and high blood pressure. It is important to tell your doctor if you are elderly.

If you are elderly and are taking prednisone, it is important to tell your doctor so that they can monitor you for side effects and adjust the dose of your prednisone if necessary.

Here are some specific examples of how prednisone may interact with geriatric use⁚

• Prednisone may increase the risk of osteoporosis in elderly people.
• Prednisone may increase the risk of high blood pressure in elderly people;
• Prednisone may decrease the effectiveness of prednisone in treating your condition.

If you are elderly and are taking prednisone, it is important to monitor your condition closely and report any side effects to your doctor.

Management

Prednisone interactions may require special monitoring and adjustment of drug therapy.

Monitoring

Patients taking prednisone should be closely monitored for side effects, especially if they are taking other medications that may interact with prednisone. Some of the side effects that should be monitored include⁚

• High blood pressure
• Fluid retention
• Weight gain
• Increased blood sugar levels
• Decreased immune function
• Mood changes
• Gastrointestinal problems

Your doctor may order blood tests, urine tests, or other tests to monitor your condition and adjust the dose of your prednisone if necessary.

Dosage Adjustment

The dose of prednisone may need to be adjusted if you are taking other medications that may interact with prednisone. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose of prednisone based on your individual needs and the medications you are taking.

Here are some examples of how the dose of prednisone may need to be adjusted⁚

• If you are taking prednisone with an anticoagulant, your doctor may need to decrease the dose of your anticoagulant.
• If you are taking prednisone with an anti-infective, your doctor may need to increase the dose of your anti-infective.
• If you are taking prednisone with an anti-inflammatory, your doctor may need to decrease the dose of your anti-inflammatory.

It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications.