Couple of quick questions about Prednisolone

[ScatterChasse]

I've had asthma for years, but for the first time today have been prescribed Pred (and amoxycillin-chesty cough for a couple of weeks, reduced peak flow, some blood in sputum and slightly lowered blood oxygen level).

Anyway, is 5 days of 40mg normal-ish? I did think 8 tablets was quite a few, but then my grandma told me she only took 18mg at most, although that was for rheumatism. It just sounds a lot!

Also (I should have asked the Dr, but didn't think until later) do I still take the same dose of my inhaler as usual?

And, when do you find it best to take it? Also, have you ever had problems with the side effects (some sound a bit nasty)?

Sorry, not quite as quick as I thought . Have to post and run, so will check back later, for all your pearls of wisdom

40mg pred for 5 days would be a normal adult dose for an acute exacerbation of asthma. Keep taking your usual inhalers too.

I don't think it matters too much what time you take the steroids, but best not on an empty stomach. Some people find mornings better because they can find it affects sleep if taken in the evening.

Thank you bagel , glad to know that's the normal dose.

I wonder why they don't make them in a larger dose. I'm not particularly keen on swallowing tablets, so nine this morning wasn't fun! At least they're very small.

As far as I can recall (from my pharmacy tech days) that is definitely a normal dose.

They make them in small doses as you have to wean off them in small amounts rather than stop suddenly as that can cause a flare up.I have been on them forever and the weight control is the biggest challenge!

I prefer to take pred in the morning with breakfast. 40mg for 5 days is what most adults get to knock an asthma exacerbation. People on longer term doses tend to have lower daily doses depending on the use. The main side effects I get from the short 5 day courses are getting very hungry and mood lability.
Anyone know if the weight gain and body shape change from longer pred use resolves eventually?

yes for asthma flare ups it is usual to have a high dose for short time.
i always have big big problems sleeping, feel very wired on them. so i would take them as early as poss.
i don't have any other side effects.
the lack of sleep is horrible but they really do work a treat.

We have prednisolone in the house as DS still gets bad croup and after 7 years of A+E we are now allowed to keep steroids at home. We have always been told to take them in the morning after food. Never noticed any side effects and he has them several times each winter.

I take a smaller dose, but for something other than asthma. Have had no side effects whatsoever. I recommend them!

They come in 25mg too, dh has some. He's being weaned off a much higher dose due to recent illness where his platelet count reached 11.

Thank you everyone.

I agree Concordia, I've had two doses now, and it definitely feels better. I've been taking them after breakfast, and haven't had any problems