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Prednisolone is a synthetic glucocorticoid, a derivative of cortisol, used to treat a variety of inflammatory and 'autoimmune' conditions and some cancers. It is the active metabolite of the drug prednisone and is used especially in patients with liver failure, as these individuals are unable to metabolize prednisone into active prednisolone; it is primarily metabolized via the liver enzyme, 11-β-hydroxydehydrogenase.

Adverse effects

There are several adverse reaction from the use of prednisolone:

• Increase appetite, weight gain, nausea, and malaise
• Increase risk of infection
• Cardiovascular events in children
• Dermatological effects including reddening of face, bruising/ skin discoloration, impaired wound healing, thinning of skin, skin rash, fluid build up and abnormal hair growth
• Hyperglycemia; patients with diabetes may need increase insulin or diabetic therapies
• Menstrual abnormalities
• Less response to hormones especially during stressful instances such as surgery or illness.
• Change in electrolytes: rise in blood pressure, increase sodium and low potassium leading to alkalosis
• GI system effects: Swelling of stomach lining, reversible increase in liver enzymes and risk of stomach ulcers
• Muscular and skeletal abnormalities such as muscle weakness and loss, osteoporosis, long bone fractures, tendon rupture and back fractures.
• Neurological effects include involuntary movements (convulsions), headaches, and vertigo
• Behavioral disturbances

Nasal septum perforation and bowel perforation are also notable adverse effects that restrict steroids' use in some pathologic conditionsWithdrawal from prednisolone after long term or high dose use can lead to adrenal insufficiency

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Although there are no major human studies of prednisolone use in pregnant women, studies in several animals show that it may cause birth defects including increase cleft palate. Prednisolone should be used in pregnant women when benefits outweigh the risks and children born from mothers using prednisolone during pregnancy should be monitored for impaired adrenal function.

Prednisolone is found in breast milk of mothers taking prednisolone.

On Jan, 29, 2016: 989 people reported to have side effects when taking Pred forte. Among them, 4 people (0.30%) have Hallucination.

On Jan, 20, 2016: 989 people reported to have side effects when taking Pred forte. Among them, 9 people (0.91%) have Death.