GENERIC NAME: MECHANISM OF ACTION SIDE EFFECTS/ ADVERSE NURSING

REACTION
PREDINISONE RESPONSIBILITY
Immediate-acting synthetic analog of
hydrocortisone. Effect depends on CNS: euphoria, headache, insomnia, -Establish baseline and continuing
biotransformation to prednisolone, a confusion, psychosis data regarding BP, I&O ratio and
conversion that may be impaired in pattern, weight, and sleep pattern.
CV: CHF (congestive heart failure),
patient with liver dysfunction. Less
edema -Check and record BP during close
mineralocorticoid activity than
stabilization period at least 2 times
hydrocortisone, but sodium retention GI: nausea, vomiting, peptic ulcer
daily.
and potassium depletion.
Musculoskeletal: muscle weakness,
-Lab tests: obtain fasting glucose,
Therapeutic Effects has anti- delayed wound healing, muscle
serum electrolytes, and routine
inflammatory properties. wasting, osteoporosis, aseptic necrosis
laboratory studies at regular intervals
of bone, spontaneous factors.
BRAND NAME: INDICATION during long-term steroid therapy.
Deltasone, Meticorten, Orasone, Endocrine: cushingoid features,
May be used as a single agent or -Be aware that older adult patients
Panadol, Prednicen-M, growth suppression in children,
Sterapred, Winpred conjunctively with antineoplastic in and patients with low serum albumin
carbohydrate intolerance,
cancer therapy; also used in are especially susceptible to adverse
DRUG ILLUSTRATION: hyperglycemia.
treatment of myasthenia gravis and effects because of excess circulating
inflammatory conditions and as an Special senses: cataracts free glucocorticoids.
immunosuppressant. Hematologic: leukocytosis
 Metabolic: hypokalemia -Be alert to signs of hypocalcemia

-Be alert to possibility of masked

affection and delayed healing.

-Monitor bone density.

-Be aware of previous history of

psychotic tendencies. Watch for
changes in moods and behavior.

-If a patient is receiving aspirin

CLASSIFICATION: CONTRAINDICATION concomitantly with a corticosteroid,
Hormones and synthetic Systemic fungal infections and salicylism may be induced when
substitutes: adrenal known hypersensitivity.
corticosteroids; glucocorticoid patient undergoes major surgery, but
dosage may be increase.
DOSAGE/ FREQUENCY/
ROUTE: -Monitor withdrawal syndrome and
PO 60 mg/m2/ day hypocorticism.

-Be aware that a slight weight gain

with improved appetite is expected.

-Avoid or minimize alcohol and

caffeine may contribute to steroid-
ulcer development in long term
 therapy.

-Report symptoms of GI distress to

physician and do not self-medicate to
find relief.

-Do not use aspirin to other OTC

drugs unless they are prescribed
specifically by the physician.

-Report slow healing, any vague

feeling of being sick or return of
pretreatment symptoms.

-Be fastidious about personal

hygiene; give special attention to foot
care.

-Report persistent backache or chest

pain

-Do not breastfeed while taking this

medication.

Reference/s: Nurses’ Drug Guide (Wilson B, Shannon M, Stang, C. 2004)