Prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone and methylprednisolone (corticosteroids), taken for a short time

What are prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone and methylprednisolone?

Prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone and methylprednisolone are medicines that help reduce inflammation and swelling in the airways. Your child may need to take these medicines for a few days only when they have problems with asthma or trouble with breathing, coughing or wheezing. These medicines may also be given for up to one week to treat other inflammatory conditions.

You also might hear these medicines called corticosteroids. These corticosteroids are not the same type of steroid that athletes use to make them better at their sports. These medicines do not cause the same types of side effects as the steroids that athletes use.

Using corticosteroids for a short time does not have an effect on the body’s immune system or your child’s growth.

Corticosteroids come in tablet, liquid and injection forms. Some liquids need to be specially compounded by a pharmacy.

Tell your child’s health-care provider if your child has ever reacted badly to a corticosteroid or any other medication.

Talk with your child’s health-care provider if your child has any of the following conditions. Precautions may need to be taken with this medicine if your child has: 

• an infection or recent exposure to infection (such as chickenpox)
• diabetes or problems with blood sugar
• stomach or intestine problems
• eye problems, such as glaucoma
• any heart, kidney or liver problems
• high blood pressure
• bone weakening or thinning
• behaviour problems

How should you give your child corticosteroids?

Follow these instructions when you give your child corticosteroids:

• Give your child corticosteroids exactly as their health-care provider tells you, even if your child seems better. Stop giving your child corticosteroids only if your child’s health-care provider tells you to stop. 
• Give your child corticosteroids with food to prevent upset stomach. 
• Give your child corticosteroids in the morning at the same time every day. Pick a time that is easy for you so that you do not miss doses. 
• If your child is taking the liquid form of the corticosteroid,
• shake the bottle well before you give your child the corticosteroid, and
  
• give your child corticosteroids with the special spoon or syringe that the pharmacist gives you.
  

If your child is prescribed a corticosteroid injection, a nurse will give it by needle into your child’s vein.

What should you do if your child misses a dose of corticosteroid?

If your child misses a dose of corticosteroid:

• Give your child the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose.
• Give your child the next dose at the regular time.

What are the possible side effects of corticosteroids?

When your child gets corticosteroids for only a few days, they will have few side effects or none at all. Call your child's health-care provider if your child has any of these signs or symptoms and they do not go away:

• An upset stomach
• Throwing up
• Increased appetite
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Restlessness or changes in mood
• Trouble sleeping

Most of the following side effects are not common, but they may be a sign of a serious problem. Call your child's health-care provider right away or take your child to the Emergency Department if your child has any of these side effects:

• Black, tarry stools or blood in stools
• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

What safety measures should you take when your child is using corticosteroids? 

There are some medicines that should not be taken together with corticosteroids, or, in some cases, the dose of the corticosteroid or the other medicine may need to be adjusted. It is important that you tell your child’s health-care provider if your child takes any other medications (prescription, over the counter or herbal), including:

• NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen)
• antifungals (such as ketoconazole)
• cyclosporine
• warfarin
• aprepitant, fosaprepitant

Call your child’s health-care provider if your child gets chickenpox or comes in contact with someone who has chickenpox.

Before your child has any kind of operation, even on the teeth, or an emergency treatment, tell the doctor or dentist that your child is taking a corticosteroid.

What other important information should you know about corticosteroids?

• Keep a list of all medications your child is on and show the list to the health-care provider.
• Do not share your child's medicine with others and do not give anyone else's medicine to your child.
• Make sure you always have enough corticosteroids to last through weekends, holidays and vacations. Call your pharmacy at least two days before your child runs out of medicine to order refills.
• Keep corticosteroid tablets at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Do NOT store in the bathroom or kitchen.
• Check with your pharmacist how to store corticosteroid liquid. Storage will depend on the type of corticosteroid your child is taking.
• Do not keep any medicines that are out of date. Check with your pharmacist about the best way to throw away outdated or leftover medicines.

Keep corticosteroids out of your child’s sight and reach and locked up in a safe place. If your child takes too much corticosteroids, call your local Poison Information Centre at one of these numbers. These calls are free. 

• Call 1-844 POISON-X, or 1-844-764-7669, from anywhere in Canada except Quebec.
• Call 1-800-463-5060 if you live in Quebec.