Prednisone Side Effects in Children

Prednisone is considered effective in the fight against asthma, problems and disorders associated with the skin and also allergies in children. It is also prescribed for effective treatment against arthritis, leukemia which is of the acute type, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, nervous system disorders, adrenocortical insufficiency and also poison ivy. The positives of prednisone include being less costly in the market and also its great use in helping people calm inflammations with IBD. It is a drug which has enabled many people overcome Crohn's disease and colitis of the ulcers. Before knowing the side effects, we should be aware of some more facts and information of this widely used drug.

Important Facts about Prednisone

In the recent market, as per a genuine research, prednisone is available in the form of pills, which have different sizes. These pills can range between two and a half milligram to fifty milligrams. Methylprednisolone as Solu-Medrol is generally administered to children in form four which is in an injectable form. Oral steroids such as Prelone or Orapred may be prescribed to those children by the doctors, who find it difficult to swallow the pills of prednisone.

Prednisone also treats nephrotic syndrome, collagen and also respiratory, gastrointestinal, hematologic and ophthalmic disorders. The intake quantity of prednisone is decided by the doctors after studying the case in particular, and only that quantity is prescribed which is actually needed. Stomach pain too, can be cured with the help of this useful drug.

Side Effects of Prednisone in Children

As applicable for all other medicines and steroids, side effects of prednisone usage should be studied, as prevention is always better than cure. Adrenal suppression is one of the most common side effects. In this condition, the dependence of the body on the prednisone increases to a very large extent, basically due to the difficulty faced in the process of synthesizing the natural corticosteroids. This can be prevented by gradual withdrawal, not suddenly. The occurrence of high blood glucose levels, especially in patients who are already suffering from diabetes, cannot be ruled out. Mania, insomnia, and euphoria are some other side effects.

According to many medical practitioners, weight gain, osteoporosis and type two diabetes are also the side effects of prednisone in children. Problems in vision, such as blurred vision, pain in the stomach, hips, shoulders and sleep problems are others, which can be prevented by consulting a good medical practitioner. Feeling of nervousness, swelling in the face, hyper activeness, marks on the skin are not as prominently seen as compared to that of the earlier mentioned ones.

Weakness in the muscles of children, cataract problems, seizures, headaches and vomiting are some common side effects of prednisone use in children. Children also have problems related to their fast growth, peptic ulcers, alkalosis and the loss of the density of bones due to improper dosage. Here are some more side effects of prednisone in children:

• Digestion problems
• Increased appetite
• Hiccups
• Lot of sweating
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Cataract problems

The above mentioned side effects can be dangerous, and sometimes, even fatal. Parents should not ignore the symptoms and contact their family doctor immediately for fast treatment of the problem. With collective efforts, it is possible to overcome them.