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CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Andrea Tarr, Fear Free,

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Medication: Prednisone/Prednisolone

Medication: Prednisone/Prednisolone

Your cat has been prescribed prednisone or prednisolone to manage a chronic allergic/inflammatory condition or as part of a chemotherapy protocol. Prednisone is an inactive form that is converted to prednisolone in the liver. They are essentially considered identical drugs.

Key points:
• Corticosteroid.
• Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive.
• Do not use in pregnant cats.
• Do not use in cats with kidney disease, diabetes mellitus or corneal ulceration.
• Dosage: once or twice daily.

This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.

Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage

Name
  • Prednisone (pred-ni-sone)/Prednisolone (pred-ni-so-lone).
Brand name
  • Prednidale® (Prednisolone) (UK & Europe).
Class of drug
  • Corticosteroid.
  • Anti-inflammatory.
  • Immunosuppressive.
  • Anti-fibrotic.
Storage
  • Store at <25°C in original sealed container in dry environment.
  • Protect from light.

Why has my cat been prescribed prednisone/prednisolone?

Your veterinarian has prescribed prednisone/prednisolone to manage a chronic allergic/inflammatory condition, eg atopy or inflammatory bowel disease, immune-mediated condition, and some cancers (such as lymphoma and mast cell tumors). Prednisone/prednisolone may be used as part of chemotherapy. It is also used in the management of hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease).

How is the medication given?

Prednisone/prednisolone is given as:

  • Ophthalmic solution (eye drops).
  • Topical skin preparation.
  • Injectable.
  • Oral tablets (with food).

Prednisone/prednisolone should be given at the same time(s) each day. Your veterinarian will taper the dose downwards in the process of stopping the therapy.

Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?

Prednisone/prednisolone has wide-ranging adverse effects including:

  • May lead to the development of hyperadrenocorticism.
  • Acute toxicity resulting in sedation, ataxia and anorexia.
  • Hepatopathy – with chronic administration results in hepatocellular hypertrophy and necrosis, lipidosis, and extramedullary hematopoiesis.
  • Coagulation defects → Vitamin K dependent.
  • Gingival hyperplasia.
  • Can result in sialosis.
  • Weight loss.
  • Poluria/polydipsia.
  • Vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Thinning of skin and poor wound healing.
  • Immunosuppression.
  • Gastric or intestinal ulceration: increased risk associated with concurrent use of NSAIDs.

Drug interactions

Systemic corticosteroids such as prednisone are generally contraindicated in diabetic animals.

  • Acetazolamide, amphotericin B or potassium-depleting diuretics, eg furosemide, thiazides:
    • Increased risk of hypokalemia.
  • Insulin: may antagonize the effects of insulin.
  • Phenytoin or phenobarbitone: may enhance the metabolism of prednisone.
  • Metabolism of prednisone may be enhanced by phenytoin or phenobarbital and decreased by anti-fungals.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Concurrent use increases the likelihood of gastric or intestinal ulceration.

How long will my cat need to receive this medication?

Your cat may only be prescribed prednisone/prednisolone for a short period of time (1-4 weeks) before the dose is tapered off. Some conditions may require use long-term (but an alternative treatment may be given instead).

How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?

Dispose of any unused prednisone/prednisolone safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save prednisone/prednisolone for future use or give to other pets.

What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?

If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not double up a dose. Make sure the dose given doesn’t exceed the total recommended amount in any 24-hour period.

My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?

If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.

What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?

Prednisone/prednisolone should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for:

  • Do not give to other pets in the household.
  • Do not give to pregnant cats.
  • Do not give in cats with kidney disease.
  • Use with caution in cats with diabetes mellitus.
  • If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.

If accidentally eaten by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.

Will my cat need to be monitored while on prednisone/prednisolone?

Your cat will need regular blood and urine tests while taking prednisone/prednisolone to monitor their kidney, liver function, blood sugar and for any urinary tract infections. Their adrenal function may also be monitored.

Further information

If you have any concerns, further information on prednisone/prednisolone can be found on the package insert and the following websites:

Europe & UK

US

  • Prednis-Tab®
  • Meticorten®.
  • Delta-Cortef®.
  • Solu-Delta-Cortef®.

Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.

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