Prednisolone

• The dose for children depends on their body weight and the condition being treated and how they are responding to treatment. 
• Your doctor will work out the amount of prednisolone that is right for your child. 
• How often to give prednisolone depends on what condition is being treated. It can be given once daily, several times a day or on alternate days.
• Always give prednisolone exactly as your doctor has told you.
• The pharmacy label will tell you how much prednisolone to give your child, how often to give it and any special instructions.

• Timing: How often to give prednisolone depends on what condition is being treated. It can be given once daily, several times a day or on alternate days. If your child is taking prednisolone once a day or on alternate days, it is best given at the same time each day, usually in the morning after breakfast. If your child is taking prednisolone several times a day, it is best if you give the doses evenly spaced throughout the day.
• Measuring the dose: Measure out the right amount using an oral syringe or medicine spoon, which you can get from your pharmacy. Do not use a household kitchen spoon because it does not give the correct amount.
• If your child is sick: If your child is sick (vomits) less than 30 minutes after a dose of prednisolone, give the same dose again. But if they vomit and it is more than 30 minutes after a dose of prednisolone, they do not need to take another dose. Wait until the next normal dose.  
• Stopping prednisolone: Continue to give prednisolone for as long as your doctor or pharmacist tells you. Some children may need a short course of prednisolone (such as 5 days) while others may need it for longer (weeks to months). If your child has been taking prednisolone regularly for longer than 2 weeks, do not stop it suddenly. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, which can be serious or even life threatening. Instead your child will be given a tapering dose. This means their dose of prednisolone will be gradually reduced over a few days or weeks.

• Tell any healthcare provider: It is important to tell any healthcare provider taking care of your child that they are taking prednisolone.
• Increased risk of infections: Taking prednisolone for a long time can increase your child's risk of all types of infections. Tell your doctor if your child comes into contact with someone who has a contagious illness, such as chickenpox, shingles or measles, or if they feel or appear unwell.
• Vaccines: It is safe to have most vaccines while your child is taking prednisolone. Protecting them against infection is important because prednisolone suppresses their immune system. However, vaccination with 'live vaccines' should be postponed. Ask your doctor for advice before your child has any vaccinations while they are taking prednisolone.
• Expiry date: Redipred® must be discarded 4 weeks after opening.

Like all medicines, prednisolone can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Most side effects are related to the dose your child is taking and how long they are taking prednisolone for. Read more about taking steroids long term.