CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Do not use in viral infections.Prednisolone, like methylprednisolone, is contraindi cated in animals with peptic ulcer, corneal ulcer, and Cushingoid syndrome. The presence of diabetes, osteoporosis, predisposition to thrombophlebitis, hypertension, congestive heart failure, renal insufficiency, and active tuberculosis necessitates carefully controlled use. Some of the above conditions occur only rarely in dogs but should be kept in mind.
CAUTION:
Because of its inhibitory effect on fibroplasia, prednisolone may mask the signs of infection and enhance dissemination of the infecting organism. Hence, all animal patients receiving prednisolone should be watched for evidence of intercurrent infection. Should infection occur, it must be brought under control by use of appropriate antibacterial measures, or administration of prednisolone should be discontinued.
WARNING:
Not for human use. Clinical and experimental data have demonstrated that corticosteroids administered orally or by injection to animals may induce the first stage of parturition if used during the last trimester of pregnancy and may precipitate premature parturition followed by dystocia, fetal death, retained placenta, and metritis. Additionally, corticosteroids administered to dogs,rabbits, and rodents during pregnancy have resulted in cleft palate in offspring. Corticosteroids administered to dogs during pregnancy have also resulted in other congenital anomalies, including deformed forelegs,phocomelia, and anasarca.
PRECAUTIONS:
Prednisolone, like methylprednisolone and other adrenocortical steroids, is a potent therapeutic agent influencing the biochemical behavior of most, if not all, tissues of the body. Because this anti-inflammatory steroid manifests little sodium retaining activity, the usual early sign of cortisone or hydrocortisone overdosage (i.e., increase in body weight due to fluid retention) is not a reliable index of overdosage. Hence, recommended dose levels should not be exceeded, and all animal patients receiving prednisolone should be under close medical supervision. All precautions pertinent to the use of methylprednisolone apply to prednisolone. Moreover,the veterinarian should endeavor to keep informed of current studies of corticosteroids as they are reported. Use of corticosteroids, depending on dose, duration and specific steroid, may result in inhibition of endogenous steroid production following drug withdrawal. In patients presently receiving or recently withdrawn from systemic corticosteroid treatments, therapy with a rapid-acting corticosteroid should be considered in unusually stressful situations.
