UNC Kidney Center

Drug Class

Adrenal Glucocorticoid/Immunosuppressive/Anti-inflammatory Drug.

Mechanism of Action

Corticosteroids produce their anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing the migration of leukocytes known as “PMNs” into areas of inflammation. Corticosteroids are used to treat a variety of diseases such as asthma, lupus nephritis, systemic vasculitis, and kidney diseases that are categorized as a glomerulonephritis.

Dosage Regimens

Condition	Information	Oral Dosage	Intravenous Dosage
Adrenal insufficiency	Dosage dependent on the severity and the specific disease	Methylprednisolone 4-48 mg/day
Immunosuppressive therapy	Inflammatory disorder	Methylprednisolone 4-48 mg/day Prednisone 5-60 mg/day
Glomerulonephritis		Prednisone 1 milligram/kilogram/day as initiation therapy	Methylprednisolone 1 gram once daily for 3 days (administered with the oral dosage)

Contraindications

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to prednisone or have experienced serious systemic fungal infections.

Common Side Effects

High blood pressure (Hypertension)
High blood sugar (Hyperglycemia)
Decreased body growth in children-especially in high dose, long-term treatment regimens
Depression
Infection
Weight gain
Osteoporosis
Cataracts

Drug Interactions

Drug Name	Interaction
Cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Neoral®, Sandimmune®)	Increases the risk of cyclosporine toxicities: kidney dysfunction, gall bladder disease, tingling sensations, high blood pressure, edema (swelling), fluid/electrolyte disturbances, and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
Phenobarbital, Rifampin (Rifadin®), Phenytoin (Dilantin®)	Decreases effectiveness of corticosteroids
Vaccines	Corticosteroids decrease efficacy of vaccines

Patient Instructions

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to prednisone or other related drugs such as: hydrocortisone, betamethasone, dexamethasone, or triamcinolone.
Adhere to your doctor’s instructions regarding when and how to take your medicine. If this medication upsets your stomach, you may take it with food or milk. This medication comes in both tablet and liquid form.
This medication should be stored at room temperature, away from heat, moisture and direct light.
Do not discontinue this medication abruptly as serious adverse effects may be seen.

Contact your physician immediately if you experience any of the following side effects: skin rash, swelling of legs or feet, weight gain, weakness, severe stomach pain, increased thirst or urination, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, confusion and depression.

Corticosteroids