Indications:

Endocrine disorders; rheumatic disorders; collagen diseases; dermatologic diseases; allergic states; allergic and inflammatory ophthalmic processes; respiratory diseases; hematologic disorders; neoplastic diseases; edematous states (because of nephrotic syndrome); GI diseases; multiple sclerosis; tuberculous meningitis; trichinosis with neurologic or myocardial involvement.

Contraindications:

Systemic fungal infections; administration of live virus vaccines.

Adverse reactions:

Cardiovascular Thromboembolism or fat embolism; thrombophlebitis; necrotizing angiitis; cardiac arrhythmias or ECG changes; syncopal episodes; hypertension; myocardial rupture; CHF. CNS Convulsions; pseudotumor cerebri (increased intracranial pressure with papilledema); vertigo; headache; neuritis/paresthesias; psychosis. Dermatologic Impaired wound healing; thin fragile skin; petechiae and ecchymoses; erythema; lupus erythematosus-like lesions; subcutaneous fat atrophy; purpura; striae; hirsutism; acneiform eruptions; allergic dermatitis; urticaria; angioneurotic edema; perineal irritation. EENT Posterior subcapsular cataracts; increased IOP; glaucoma; exophthalmos. GI Pancreatitis; abdominal distention; ulcerative esophagitis; nausea; vomiting; increased appetite and weight gain; peptic ulcer with perforation and hemorrhage; small and large bowel perforation. Genitourinary Increased or decreased motility and number of spermatozoa. Hematologic Leukocytosis. Metabolic Sodium and fluid retention; hypokalemia; hypokalemic alkalosis; metabolic alkalosis; hypocalcemia. Miscellaneous Musculoskeletal effects (muscle weakness, steroid myopathy, muscle mass loss, tendon rupture, osteoporosis, aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads, spontaneous fractures, including vertebral compression fractures and pathologic fracture of long bones); endocrine abnormalities (menstrual irregularities, cushingoid state, growth suppression in children secondary to adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness, increased sweating, decreased carbohydrate tolerance, hyperglycemia, glycosuria, increased insulin or sulfonylurea requirements in diabetics, negative nitrogen balance because of protein catabolism, hirsutism); anaphylactoid/hypersensitivity reactions; aggravation or masking of infections; malaise; fatigue; insomnia.

Interactions:

Anticholinesterases Antagonizes anticholinesterase effects in myasthenia gravis. Anticoagulants, oral Alters anticoagulant dose requirements. Barbiturates, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), rifampin Decreased pharmacologic effect of prednisone. Cyclosporine Enhanced cyclosporine toxicity. Estrogens, ketoconazole, oral contraceptives Decreased Cl of prednisone. Nondepolarizing muscle relaxants May potentiate, counteract, or have no effect on neuromuscular blocking action. Salicylates Reduced serum levels and efficacy of salicylates. Somatrem Inhibition of growth-promoting effects of somatrem. Theophylline Alterations in pharmacologic activity of either agent. Laboratory Test Interactions May increase serum cholesterol; decrease serum levels of T 3 and T 4 ; decrease uptake of thyroid I 131 ; and cause false-negative result on nitroblue-tetrazolium test for systemic bacterial infection and suppression of skin test reactions.

Warnings:

Pregnancy Category C . Lactation Excreted in breast milk. Children Observe growth and development of infants and children on prolonged therapy. Elderly May require lower doses. Hypersensitivity May occur, including anaphylaxis. Renal Function Use with caution; monitor renal function. Adrenal suppression Prolonged therapy may lead to HPA suppression. Cardiovascular effects Use drug with great caution in patients who have suffered recent MI. Hepatitis Drug may be harmful in patients with chronic active hepatitis positive for hepatitis B surface antigen. Immunosuppression Do not administer live virus vaccines during treatment. Infections May mask signs of infection. May decrease host-defense mechanisms to prevent dissemination of infection. Ocular effects Use systemic drug cautiously in ocular herpes simplex because of possible corneal perforation. Ophthalmic use Prolonged use may result in glaucoma, cataracts, or other complications. Peptic ulcer May contribute to peptic ulceration, especially with large doses. Stress Increased dosage of rapidly acting corticosteroid may be needed before, during and after stressful situations. Withdrawal Abrupt discontinuation may result in adrenal insufficiency.

Form:

SOLUTION FOR INJECTION