Pred-X 20mg (Prednisolone)

Pred-X general information

What is Pred-X used for?

Pred-X tablets 20mg are used to treat a wide range of inflammatory, allergic and immune disorders in cats and dogs, to suppress clinical symptoms of the disease.  Amongst their many applications, Pred-X tablets 20mg are used to reduce inflammation following trauma, due to joint disorders, or in conditions where the immune system is overactive, like anaphylaxis, severe asthma, acute outbreaks of eczema and severe allergies.  Pred-X tablets 20mg are also used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, where the body’s immune system is directed against self.  Pred-X 20 can be used as an anti-cancer medication to treat certain tumours like mast cell cancers and lymphosarcoma.  Pred-X 20 is also used to treat Addison's Disease, where there is a natural deficiency of glucocorticoid hormones.  

How does Pred-X work?

Pred-X tablets 20mg contain prednisolone, which is corticosteroid hormone and is a synthetic derivative of the natural glucocorticoid cortisol.  Prednisolone is the active metabolite of prednisone and can be converted from prednisone into prednisolone in the liver.  Prednisolone in Pred-X 20 acts directly through the glucocorticoid receptor that is expressed inside most cells of the body and regulates transcription of specific genes that control many aspects of development, metabolism and the immune response.  Prednisolone in Pred-X 20 has potent anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-rheumatic and immunosuppressant properties and has widespread effects acting on most tissues in the body to modify, glucose, fat, protein and calcium metabolism.  The major therapeutic actions of prednisolone are to reduce the vascular (blood vessels) and cellular inflammatory response primarily by blocking the production of inflammatory chemicals, like prostaglandins and leukotrienes, from inflammatory cells to reduce the swelling, redness and pain associated with inflammation; to modify the actions of cells involved in the allergic response, and to suppress the immune system to prevent rejection following organ transplant.  Prednisolone in Pred-X 20 also has anti-cancer properties and can prevent growth of certain tumours like mast cell cancers and lymphosarcoma. 

What does Pred-X contain?

Pred-X tablets 20mg contain the active ingredient prednisolone a corticosteroid that is used to treat several inflammatory, allergic and immune disorders in cats and dogs.

Treating inflammation with Pred-X

Pred-X tablets 20mg contain prednisolone, which is a corticosteroid hormone and is a synthetic derivative of the natural glucocorticoid cortisol, with potent anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-rheumatic and immunosuppressant properties.  Pred-X  20 is used in a wide range of inflammatory disorders, to suppress clinical symptoms of the disease where inflammation is caused by many different factors.  For example, where the immune system is overactive, like severe asthma, acute outbreaks of eczema and severe allergies; autoimmune diseases, where the immune system is directed against self, like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus or Crohn's disease.  The anti-inflammatory actions of prednisolone in Pred-X  tablets 20mg are to block the production of inflammatory chemicals, like prostaglandins and leukotrienes, from inflammatory cells which reduces the swelling, redness and pain associated with inflammation.  

What are the side effects of Pred-X?

The most commonly reported side effects in cats and dogs when taking Pred-X include: increased water consumption and increased urine production, panting, diarrhoea, vomiting, behaviour changes, increased susceptibility to infection, lethargy, increased appetite, muscle weakness, thinning of the skin and hair loss.  Long term use of Pred-X 20 may cause the adrenal glands, which produce endogenous (naturally occurring) corticosteroids, to stop working efficiently, resulting in Cushing’s disease.  This may cause stunted growth in young animals.

When should Pred-X not be used?

You should not give your pet Pred-X if your pet:

• is allergic to prednisolone or any ingredients in Pred-X
• is pregnant or lactating
• has any infectious disease, acute infection, systemic fungal infection, tuberculosis, uncomplicated viral hepatitis
• has thyroid, stomach, heart, kidney or liver problems, high blood pressure, mood disorders, epilepsy, diabetes, glaucoma, osteoporosis
• is taking medicines that interact with Pred-X like anti-inflammatories such as; carprofen barbiturates, phenylbutazone, phenytoin or rifampicin, anticoagulants, insulin for diabetes
• is taking diuretic medicines such as the thiazides or frusemide, these may cause increased loss of potassium when taken with Pred-X 20

What medications interact with Pred-X?

Several medications interact with Pred-X and should either not be taken while you are taking Pred-X or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that cause a serious reaction with Pred-X: anti-inflammatories such as; carprofen
• Drugs that affect Pred-X: rifampicin, barbiturates, phenylbutazone, phenytoin
• Drugs that are affected by Pred-X: live virus vaccine may be less effective, anticoagulants, insulin for diabetes

How should Pred-X be taken?

You should give Pred-X tablets 20mg to your pet following the instructions of your vet.  The dose given, how often and for how long depends on what your pet is being treated for and as recommended by your vet.  You should continue to give your pet Pred-X 20 for as long as recommended by your vet and should not stop giving them suddenly; withdrawal should be gradual to reduce risk of side effects.  

How long should you give Pred-X?

You should continue to give your pet Pred-X 20 for as long as recommended by your vet and should not stop giving them suddenly; withdrawal should be gradual to reduce risk of side effects.  

Missed dose of Pred-X

If you miss a dose of Pred-X give it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to give the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Pred-X be stored?

You should store your Pred-X below 25°C in a cool dry place.