Prednisone for kids could be prescribed for immune system-related diseases. Prednisone and its metabolite (Prednisolone) are corticosteroids that suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation (1). They have many indications, including those for children, and are analogous to hormones produced by the body. However, there are uncertainties about their use in children and the potential side effects. This post discusses prednisone’s safety profile, dosing, and other relevant aspects for children.
When Is Prednisone Prescribed For children?
Prednisone, also known by its brand name Rayos, is given to children for the following health issues. Krista Elkins, a registered nurse specialist from Bozeman, Montana, says, “ Prednisone is not the first-line treatment but is prescribed during an asthma attack and for the first few days following the attack to help prevent its recurrence. It takes a few hours for the drug to show its anti-inflammatory effects. Still, it is a critical piece of the overall treatment plan, as prednisone reduces the severity and length of asthma exacerbations, reducing the need for hospitalizations.”
Is Prednisone Safe For Children?
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the efficacy and safety of prednisone in children are backed by well-established studies. However, it observes that the effects of prolonged treatment with prednisone should be weighed against the clinical benefits. Children should be given the lowest effective dose to minimize the negative effects (1). Some studies prove that prednisone is effective and safe in children to treat nephrotic syndrome and aggressive lymphomas and leukemia, severe asthma, and wheezing. A randomized study on 76 children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, who were treated with a combination of tacrolimus and low-dose prednisone was found safe and effective (4). Prednisone should only be given to children when your doctor prescribes them. Never self-medicate as it can result in some serious consequences.
Prednisone Dosage For Children
Your doctor will prescribe the dosage based on your child’s body response and the severity of the condition. There are certain dosage specific precautions to be taken while administering prednisone to children:
Prednisone should not be given on an empty stomach. If your child’s doctor has prescribed prednisone once every day, then the dose will be after a meal; for instance, after breakfast.
Only use the measuring device provided with the medicine, when using the liquid form of prednisone. Do not use kitchen spoons to measure the medicine.
While buying the medication, read the label carefully to make sure you are buying the correct strength prescribed by the doctor.
If you missed one dosage, then administer it when you remember. But if it’s almost time for the next dosage, then follow your original schedule. Do not administer two doses or double the dosage to make up for the missed dosage. If you have doubts regarding the same, then contact your doctor.
Vomiting or throwing up is a one of the common prednisone side effects for kids, so always stay with your child until they swallow the medication. If the child vomits the medicine completely, then once the child calms down, give the same amount of medicine one more time. But, if the vomiting happens with the future prednisone dose for kids, then talk to your doctor (5).
Elkins suggests, “Prednisone is given orally, either in liquid form or tablets. Parents should know that children love to spit up their medications, and prednisone is no exception, especially because it is so bitter. Mixing the medication in juice or other more flavorful liquids might be helpful, so there is a greater chance of getting it down.”
Side Effects Of Prednisone
A study conducted on 3,200 children stated that vomiting, behavioral changes, and sleep disturbances were the most frequent side effects seen during short-term corticosteroid therapy. However, the study also emphasized that the increased susceptibility to infection was the most serious adverse drug reaction, as this drug suppresses the body’s immune system (6). The US FDA warns that the use of prednisone can affect the growth and development of children, so pediatric patients on long-term prednisone treatment should be monitored constantly. The adverse reactions of the drug are similar to those in adults.
Common short-term side effects of prednisone
Fluid retention Alteration in glucose tolerance Behavioral and mood changes Increased appetite and weight gain Mood changes Roundness of the face Slight increase in body hair, on the arms, legs, and neck Headaches Mild stomach aches Mild acne, and dry skin (1) (3).
Long-term side effects of prednisone
Long-term usage of prednisone has certain side effects on children such as:
Osteoporosis Stunted growth Cataracts Osteopenia (loss of protein and mineral content from the bones) Cutaneous atrophy Hypertension and psychosis Adrenaline and immune suppression (7)
It is essential to discuss the extent of side effects before starting the therapy for your child. Your child’s doctor might prescribe the lowest possible dosage, which may still help with your child’s condition. Doctors usually prescribe prednisone only when the potential benefits outweigh the risks. As there are possible side effects while using prednisone, your doctor may advise regular screening to monitor the functioning of the body functions and also to know the extent of the effect of the medicine on them. Some of the tests include:
Checking blood pressure Urine screening Lung-function test Muscle-strength test Calcium in bones Eye check-up Height and weight measurement (1) (3).
Ways To Cope With The Side Effects Of Prednisone
The side effects of prednisone are something you cannot avoid, but you can always take certain measures to help your child cope with them. Managing the side effects may also help minimize any long-term effects to some extent.
If your child is gaining weight due to increased appetite, limit calorie-laden food. You can limit the portion size while incorporating more fresh vegetables and fruits in the diet. Regular exercise can also help maintain weight.
Avoid giving your child foods with high sugar content, and add no salt to their food (8).
Taking prednisone with food may cause indigestion due to irritation of the stomach wall. Minimize the chances of discomfort by not giving spicy food to the child for the meal that precedes the dose. Also, talk to your doctor to suggest medications to protect your child’s stomach.
If your child is having trouble sleeping because of the medication, then it is best to give the medicine during the day time, so that the levels in the blood are low during night (9).
It is advised to use prednisone at the lowest possible dose and least duration to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Your doctor might also prescribe calcium and vitamin D supplements. Maintaining proper nutrition, in general, may also help the child cope with prednisone therapy better.
Studies proved that prednisone is 18 times less likely to affect the growth of your child than some other corticosteroids. You may be able to further reduce the extent of side effects by asking your child’s doctor about alternate-day dosage (10).
Note: Only alter the dosage days upon your doctor’s instructions, and never skip dosage on your own.
Prednisone Drug Interactions
When your child is on prednisone therapy, be alert towards other medications since prednisone could interact with other drugs to cause adverse reactions.
Echinacea Warfarin Isoniazid Cyclosporine Furosemide Certain antibiotics Hydrochlorothiazide Some vaccines and diabetes medicines
General Precautions To Be Taken While Giving Prednisone To Kids
High blood pressure Kidney problems Seizures Diabetes Thyroid problems Tuberculosis (5)
This post is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for a doctor’s consultation. Do not use any medication without talking to your doctor.
