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Systemic Corticosteroid — Acute Dermatoses

Prednisolone (Systemic)

Brand names: Deltacortril (enteric-coated), Predsol, Dilacort

Used in: COPD Asthma Gout Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Prednisolone is an oral glucocorticoid used across specialties for inflammatory, allergic and immunological conditions.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

US labelling (FDA)

Reference — US labelling, may differ from UK

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Shake well before using. Instill one to two drops into the conjunctival sac two to four times daily. During the initial 24 to 48 hours, the dosing frequency may be increased if necessary. Care should be taken not to discontinue therapy prematurely. If signs and symptoms fail to improve after 2 days, the patient should be re-evaluated (see PRECAUTIONS ).

Source: US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed), label dated 2024-02-02. Accessed 2026-06-12. US dosing and indications can differ from UK practice — use UK sources for prescribing decisions.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It activates glucocorticoid receptors to broadly suppress inflammation and immune responses through changes in gene expression.

Prescribing in practice

  • Do not stop abruptly after more than a short course — taper to avoid adrenal insufficiency, and issue a steroid card.
  • Prolonged or high-dose use causes hyperglycaemia, hypertension, osteoporosis, increased infection risk, mood change and gastrointestinal effects; consider bone and gastric protection.
  • Take it in the morning to mimic the natural cortisol rhythm; review the need to continue regularly.

Monitoring

Monitor blood glucose, blood pressure and weight; with longer courses consider bone health and infection risk.

Counselling the patient

  • Carry a steroid card and do not stop suddenly.
  • Report signs of infection, marked thirst, or mood changes.
  • Take it in the morning, with food.

Evidence & guidelines

Systemic corticosteroids are used for many inflammatory and allergic conditions at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration, with appropriate protection and tapering.

Reference: BAD Atopic Eczema Systemic Guidelines 2020; BAD Pemphigus Guidelines; NOGG Bone Protection Guidelines 2017; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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