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Corticosteroid

Prednisolone (Systemic)

Brand names: Deltacortril, Pred Forte

Prednisolone is an oral glucocorticoid used across many inflammatory, allergic, respiratory and autoimmune 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

A synthetic glucocorticoid that suppresses inflammation and immune responses through the glucocorticoid receptor.

Prescribing in practice

  • Do not stop a prolonged course abruptly — taper to avoid adrenal crisis.
  • Longer use brings a wide range of effects (hyperglycaemia, hypertension, osteoporosis, peptic-ulcer risk, mood disturbance, infection including reactivation, Cushingoid features, growth effects in children).
  • Consider gastroprotection, bone protection and infection precautions where appropriate.

Monitoring

Monitor glucose, blood pressure and weight; review bone health and eyes with long-term use; review mood and infection risk.

Counselling the patient

  • Take it in the morning, with food; never stop a longer course suddenly.
  • Carry a steroid card; report signs of infection or severe abdominal pain.
  • If you are not immune, contact with chickenpox or measles needs prompt advice.

Evidence & guidelines

A mainstay anti-inflammatory across specialties, balanced against well-characterised steroid harms.

Reference: BTS/SIGN Asthma 2023; NICE NG115 COPD; NICE NG187 GIOP; 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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