Question

A high dose of Prednisone ( 80 mg per day ) was prescribed for Mr. Ryan who suffered an exacerbation of COPD. Can Prednisone be stopped abruptly or should the dose be calibrated down slowly ? Please explain your answer.

Answer 1

When ever high dose of prednisone is prescribed for a period of time, it should not be stopped abruptly because there will be suppression of hypothalamic pituitary axis which inturn leads to adrenal insufficiency.

Pateint with adrenal insufficiency manifest as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, hypotension, hyponautremia and hyperkalemia.

Various precautions taken will taking corticosteroids for long time are

1) Alternate day steroid therapy.

2) Use of topical corticosteroids.

3) Using is short or intermediate acting corticosteroids.

so, whenever a patient taking corticosteroids for long duration, it should be gradually taper the dose.

I hope by the above information u got u r answer.

If u liked it then please give thumbs up.