Prednisone (Prednisolone)

Prednisone Precautions

Avoid alcohol when you take any medicines like Prednisone. Acting together, alcohol and Prednisone can be damaging to the stomach. Avoid sources of bad bacteria and infection. Wash your hands frequently and keep them away from the mouth and eyes. This is all because your immune system may be weakened while taking Prednisone.

Avoid any immunizations during treatment with Prednisone without first asking your doctor. Prednisone may interact with estrogens and phenytoin (Dilantin). Estrogens may reduce the action of enzymes in the liver that break down (eliminate) the active form of Prednisone. The levels of Prednisolone (active substance of Prednisone) in the body may increase and lead to more frequent side effects.

Phenytoin increases the activity of enzymes in the liver that break down (eliminate) prednisone and thereby may reduce the effectiveness of prednisone. Thus, if phenytoin is being taken, an increased dose of prednisone may be required.

Corticosteroids like Prednisone are secreted in breast milk and can cause side effects in the nursing infant.