Prednisolone

Drug Class	Corticosteroid
Mechanism	* Inhibits phospholipase A2 activity - arachidonic acid production * Arachidonic acid - precursor for prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis - anti-inflammatory effect * B and T lymphocyte response to antigens - immunosuppressive effect
Typical Dose	40mg (for asthma exacerbation)
Indications	* Suppression of allergic inflammatory disorders * IBD * asthma * Rheumatoid disease * Immunosuppression (leukaemia, transplant)
Contra-indications	Systemic infection, hypersensitivity, osteoporosis, glaucoma, admin of live vaccines Caution in recent MI and Pregnancy
Side-effects	Common: bruising, hirsutism, moon-face, HTN, weight gain, impaired glucose tolerance Rare: neutrophilia (more here)
Interactions	Phenytoin: ↓ effect of prednisolone Rifampicin: ↓ effect of prednisolone
Elimination
Additional Notes	Should be withdrawn slowly after long-term treatment due to risk of acute adrenal crisis.