Prednisone for Poison Ivy

Prednisone is used in the treatment of inflammatory conditions or diseases in which the immune system plays a significant role. Since prednisone is utilized in so many conditions, one of the most common uses is treatment of Poison Ivy. Corticosteroids, including prednisone, are usually used to decrease the immune system and block the body from rejecting transplanted organs. Prednisone is utilized as replacement management in patients whose adrenal glands are not capable to produce enough amounts of cortisol.
The primary dose of prednisone differs depending on the condition being managed and the age of the patient. The beginning dose may be from 5 to 60 mg per day and often is tapered based on the outcome of the condition being managed. Corticosteroids usually do not produce prompt effects and must be utilized for several days before optimum effects are observed. It may take much longer before conditions react to treatment. Prolonged use of prednisone causes the adrenal glands to shrink and stop making cortisol. When prednisone is stopped after a period of long therapy, the dose of prednisone must be tapered first to let the adrenal glands time to be ready. It is advised that prednisone be taken with meals.

Prednisone is an oral, synthetic corticosteroid utilized for suppressing the immune system and inflammation example is in Poison Ivy irritation. These synthetic corticosteroids copy the action of cortisol, the naturally-contained corticosteroid made in the body by the adrenal glands. Corticosteroids have many outcomes on the body, but they most usually are utilized for their active anti-inflammatory effects, specifically in those cases in which the immune system have a significant role. Such cases include asthma, bronchitis arthritis, colitis, Poison Ivy toxicity, and allergic or inflammatory conditions of the skin, nose and eyes. Prednisone is not potent in the body and, in order to be efficient, first must be changed to prednisolone by enzymes in our liver. Prednisone may not work as efficiently in people with liver disease whose ability to change prednisone to prednisolone is injured.

Avoid alcohol. Combined together, alcohol and prednisone can be destructing to the stomach. Avoid people with infection. Wash your hands regularly and remove them away from the mouth and eyes. Your immune system may be impaired while taking prednisone. Do not receive any vaccinations during treatment with prednisone without first consulting to your doctor. Corticosteroids are taken out in breast milk and can cause negative effects in the nursing child. Prednisone is less likely than other corticosteroids to be taken out in breast milk, but it may still have a risk to the baby.

Side effects of prednisone and other corticosteroids range from mild irritation to severe, irreversible damage, and they happen more frequently with larger doses and prolonged usage. Side effects consist of retention of sodium and fluid, gaining of weight, increase blood pressure, excretion of potassium, headache and muscle weakness. The psychiatric effects include insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, depression, euphoria, and even psychotic attitude. Prednisone weakens the immune system and, therefore, heightens the severity of infections and decreases the efficiency of vaccines and medications such as antibiotics.