Question 1

What Are Gastroresistant Tablets?

Accepted Answer

Gastroresistant tablets, also known as enteric-coated tablets, have a special coating designed to resist stomach acid. This coating prevents the tablet from dissolving in the stomach, allowing it to pass intact to the small intestine where it dissolves and is absorbed. This design serves two main purposes:

Question 2

How long does it take for Prednisolone to work for asthma?

Accepted Answer

Prednisolone typically begins to reduce inflammation within 1-4 hours, but noticeable improvement in asthma symptoms usually occurs within 24-48 hours. Maximum benefit is generally seen within 3-5 days of starting treatment. For acute asthma attacks, you should notice improved breathing, reduced wheezing, and decreased need for rescue inhalers within the first day.

Question 3

Why must I take Prednisolone with food?

Accepted Answer

Taking Prednisolone with food helps protect your stomach lining and reduces the risk of gastrointestinal side effects like indigestion, nausea, and stomach ulcers. The tablets can irritate the stomach lining, and food acts as a buffer. Additionally, some studies suggest food may improve absorption consistency.

Question 4

Can I drink alcohol while taking Prednisolone?

Accepted Answer

It's best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking Prednisolone. Alcohol increases the risk of stomach irritation and ulcers, which is already elevated with corticosteroid use. Additionally, both alcohol and Prednisolone can raise blood pressure and blood sugar levels. If you do drink, limit to 1-2 units occasionally and always with food.

Question 5

Why do I need to taper off Prednisolone?

Accepted Answer

If you've taken Prednisolone for more than 3 weeks, your adrenal glands may have reduced their natural cortisol production. Suddenly stopping the medication can cause adrenal insufficiency, with symptoms like severe fatigue, low blood pressure, nausea, and muscle weakness. Tapering allows your adrenal glands time to resume normal function gradually.

Question 6

Can Prednisolone affect my mood?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Prednisolone can cause mood changes in some people. These may include euphoria (feeling "high"), anxiety, irritability, depression, or in rare cases, psychosis. These effects are more common with higher doses and usually occur within the first few weeks. If you experience concerning mood changes, contact your doctor immediately—do not stop taking suddenly.

Question 7

What's the difference between standard and gastroresistant Prednisolone tablets?

Accepted Answer

Standard tablets dissolve in the stomach, while gastroresistant (enteric-coated) tablets have a special coating that resists stomach acid, dissolving instead in the intestine. Gastroresistant tablets reduce stomach irritation and are preferred for patients with GI issues. They come in different colors (brown for 2.5mg, maroon for 5mg) and must NEVER be crushed or chewed.

Question 8

Can I get Prednisolone over the counter?

Accepted Answer

No, Prednisolone is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK. It requires assessment by a doctor or qualified prescriber due to its significant side effects and need for proper dosing. At Chemist Doctor, our UK-registered clinicians can prescribe Prednisolone after an online consultation if appropriate for your condition.

Question 9

What's the difference between Prednisolone and Prednisone?

Accepted Answer

Prednisone must be converted by the liver into prednisolone to become active. Prednisolone is the active form, making it preferable for people with liver problems. They're generally considered equivalent in effectiveness for most people with normal liver function. The dosing is the same (5mg prednisone = 5mg prednisolone).

Question 10

Can children take Prednisolone for asthma?

Accepted Answer

Yes, children can take Prednisolone for acute asthma attacks under medical supervision. The dose is based on weight (usually 1-2mg/kg/day, maximum 40mg). Treatment should be for the shortest possible duration due to growth suppression concerns. Height should be monitored during long-term use. Never give adult doses to children.

Question 11

Will Prednisolone make me gain weight?

Accepted Answer

Weight gain is a common side effect, occurring in more than 10% of users. It's caused by increased appetite, fluid retention, and fat redistribution (to face, abdomen, back of neck). Short courses (5-14 days) usually cause minimal weight gain that resolves after stopping. For longer courses, a healthy diet and exercise can help manage weight.

Question 12

Can I take ibuprofen with Prednisolone?

Accepted Answer

It's generally advised to avoid ibuprofen and other NSAIDs while taking Prednisolone unless specifically recommended by your doctor. Both increase the risk of stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. If pain relief is needed, paracetamol is usually safer. If you must take both, use the lowest effective dose and take with food.

Question 13

How long do Prednisolone side effects last after stopping?

Accepted Answer

Most side effects resolve within days to weeks after stopping Prednisolone, depending on treatment duration. Weight gain and moon face typically improve within 2-8 weeks. Mood changes usually resolve within days. However, some effects like osteoporosis risk, cataracts, or adrenal suppression may persist longer, especially after prolonged high-dose treatment.

Product Name	Prednisolone
Manufacturer	Various UK licensed manufacturers
Active Ingredient	Prednisolone
Administration	Oral tablet
Presentation	Standard tablets: white; Gastroresistant: brown/maroon
Available Strengths	1mg Standard / 30 Tablet, 5mg Standard / 30 Tablet, 2.5mg Gastroresistant / 30 Tablet, 5mg Gastroresistant / 30 Tablet
Product Type	POM — Prescription Only
Starting Price	£15.49
Suitable for pregnancy?	Medical supervision only
Use with alcohol	Avoid or limit alcohol consumption
Link to Patient Information Leaflet	Prednisolone PIL ↗

Package type	Price	Availability
1mg Standard / 30 Tablet	£15.49	In stock
5mg Standard / 30 Tablet	£19.49	In stock
2.5mg Gastroresistant / 30 Tablet	£17.49	In stock
5mg Gastroresistant / 30 Tablet	£19.49	In stock

Prednisolone Tablets

Prednisolone Treatment

Prednisolone Pricing