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prelonePersons who are on drugs which suppress the immune system are more susceptible to infections than healthy individuals. Chickenpox and measles, for example, can have a more serious or even fatal course in non-immune children or adults on corticosteroids. In such children or adults who have not had these diseases, particular care should be taken to avoid exposure. How the dose, route and duration of corticosteroid administration affects the risk of developing a disseminated infection is not known.
The severity, prognosis, expected duration of the disease, and the reaction of the patient to medication are primary factors in determining dosage. Corticosteroids should be used cautiously in patients with ocular herpes simplex because of possible corneal perforation. Dosage should be decreased or discontinued gradually when the drug has been administered for more than a few days. In addition to the above indications PRELONE (prednisolone ) Syrup is indicated for systemic dermatomyositis . It also contains alcohol 5%, citric acid, edetate disodium, glycerin, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium saccharin, sucrose, artificial wild cherry flavor, FD&C blue #1 and red #40.
(See the respective package inserts for complete VZIG and IG prescribing information.) If chickenpox develops,treatment with antiviral agents may be considered. After a favorable response is noted, the proper maintenance dosage should be determined by decreasing the initial drug dosage in small decrements at appropriate time intervals until the lowest dosage which will maintain an adequate clinical response is reached. It should be kept in mind that constant monitoring is needed in regard to drug dosage. In this latter situation it may be necessary to increase the dosage of PRELONE (prednisolone ) Syrup for a period of time consistent with the patients condition.
Blood pressure, body weight, routine laboratory studies, including two-hour postprandial blood glucose and serum potassium, and a chest X-ray should be obtained at regular intervals during prolonged therapy. Upper Gl X-rays are desirable in patients with known or suspected peptic ulcer disease. Drug-induced secondary adrenocortical insufficiency may be minimized by gradual reduction of dosage. This type of relative insufficiency may persist for months after discontinuation of therapy; therefore, in any situation of stress occurring during that period, hormone therapy should be reinstituted. Average and large doses of hydrocortisone or cortisone can cause elevation of blood pressure, salt and water retention, and increased excretion of potassium. Patients who are on immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids should be warned to avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles.
If after long-term therapy the drug is to be stopped, it is recommended that it be withdrawn gradually rather than abruptly. The initial dosage of PRELONE (prednisolone ) Syrup may vary from 5 mg to 60 mg per day depending on the specific disease entity being treated. In situations of less severity lower doses will generally suffice while in selected patients higher initial doses may be required.
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