Pediapred® is a brand name of the generic medicine prednisolone, which is a steroid drug, designed to prevent inflammation or inflammatory conditions. The first part of the name of the drug demonstrates that this medication is designed for pediatric use or use with children. Most often, though there are several forms of this medication on the market in generic or trade name form, the drug comes in a liquid preparation. Its dosage and exact use depends on the condition, and some children may take it for long periods, while others might only take it for a few days or weeks at most.
It’s possible and desirable to get prednisolone in tablet form, but very young children cannot take the drug in this manner. In this form, the strong, bitter taste of the medicine cannot be disguised by flavoring or additions of sugar. It can be quite difficult to get a child to regularly take Pediapred® and some will immediately vomit in response to taking it. Offering a drink of something that has a strong but desirable taste right after using this medicine may help it go down easier.
Pediapred® dosing also has to be exact. If the medicine is used for more than a few days, tapering must occur. There is possibility of drug withdrawal symptoms if doses aren’t gradually reduced before discontinuation.
Undoubtedly, a child who is prescribed any form of steroid really needs it, and drugs like Pediapred® are used to treat a variety of severe conditions including autoimmune disorders, severe asthma, concussion, pneumonia, and numerous other things. Developing a way to administer this medicine without rejection is vital. If impossible, alternatives like injections of prednisolone or prednisone exist.
While the benefits of using Pediapred® or other steroids can be high and unmistakable, these drugs do come with a side effect profile that can increase with greater or longer-term usage. Use for a few days could cause upset stomach, excess sweating, mood changes, less resistance to bacterial or viral infections, insomnia, and skin problems like acne or rash. Longer term utilization may result in weight changes, redistribution of fat so that it is predominantly around the middle, a swollen or chipmunk cheek appearance, easy bruising, excess hair growth on the body, and other symptoms. These adverse effects are typically tolerated because the medicine’s benefits outweigh them.
Very serious side effects of Pediapred® may occur with short or long-term use. A doctor should be consulted if anyone develops hives, swelling of the face or inability to breath regularly, which may indicate an allergy. Abdominal bleeding may result, indicated by vomiting blood or bloody or black stool. Extreme depression could occur with use of this medication, and other conditions like dehydration, very high blood pressure, or pancreatitis could develop. These conditions occur rarely but people administering this drug to children need to be aware of the possible risks.
