Inflagic 5 mg Tablet

Corticosteroid (steroid) that reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system:

• Severe allergic reactions, asthma attacks, COPD flare-ups
• Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis, polymyalgia rheumatica
• Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease)
• Kidney diseases (nephrotic syndrome), autoimmune hepatitis
• Skin diseases (severe eczema, pemphigus), some blood cancers
• Eye drops: eye inflammation (uveitis, after surgery)

Dose depends on the condition; examples for adults:

• Asthma attack: 40–50 mg once daily for at least 5 days.
• Inflammatory/autoimmune diseases: 10–60 mg daily initially, then reduced to the lowest effective dose.
• Maintenance: often 2.5–15 mg daily.

Children: 1–2 mg/kg/day (asthma: 1–2 mg/kg, max 40 mg, for 3 days), as prescribed.

• Take in the morning with food (single daily dose).
• After more than 3 weeks of use (or high doses), do not stop suddenly — the dose must be reduced gradually.

• Untreated systemic infection (unless specific antimicrobial treatment is given)
• Live vaccines in people on immunosuppressive doses
• Allergy to prednisolone

Short-term: increased appetite, weight gain, mood changes, sleeplessness, indigestion, high blood sugar, fluid retention, raised blood pressure.

Long-term: osteoporosis and fractures, muscle weakness, thin skin and bruising, cataract, glaucoma, diabetes, infections, Cushing-like appearance (round face), growth suppression in children, adrenal suppression, stomach ulcers (with NSAIDs).

Serious: severe mood disturbance/psychosis, serious infections (TB reactivation, chickenpox), adrenal crisis if stopped suddenly.

• Carry a steroid card if on long-term treatment; tell any doctor or dentist.
• Avoid contact with chickenpox/shingles/measles if not immune — seek advice if exposed.
• Monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, bones and eyes on long-term therapy.
• Use with care in diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, peptic ulcer, osteoporosis, glaucoma, epilepsy, TB history, psychiatric illness.

Can be used in pregnancy when needed (most is inactivated by the placenta); high-dose long-term use needs monitoring of the baby. Compatible with breastfeeding at usual doses.

• NSAIDs, aspirin (stomach ulcers)
• Diabetes medicines (reduced effect)
• Diuretics, salbutamol, theophylline (low potassium)
• Rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine (reduce steroid effect)
• Ketoconazole, ritonavir (increase steroid effect)
• Warfarin (INR changes)
• Live vaccines (avoid)

A single overdose is rarely dangerous; long-term excess causes Cushing's effects. Seek advice.

Store below 30°C, protected from light.