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Prednisolone is an oral corticosteroid commonly used in children for asthma exacerbations and other inflammatory conditions. Typical pediatric bursts are 1–2 mg/kg/day (max 60 mg/day) for 3–5 days.
Typical burst dosing: 1–2 mg/kg/day for 3–5 days (max 60 mg/day)
Give once daily or divided twice daily depending on tolerance and provider preference
No taper is generally required for short bursts (≤5–7 days) unless clinically indicated
Give with food to reduce stomach upset; dose in the morning if once-daily
Monitor for mood changes, sleep disturbance, and hyperglycemia in at-risk children
Prednisolone is used in children for acute inflammatory conditions where rapid reduction of airway or tissue inflammation is needed.
Most commonly used as a short "burst" for acute asthma exacerbations. Dexamethasone is first‑line for croup, but prednisolone may be used where dexamethasone is unavailable or per local protocol.
| Condition | Age Range | First Line? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acute asthma exacerbation | Children and adolescents | Yes | Prednisolone/prednisone burst reduces airway inflammation and relapse risk. Typical 1–2 mg/kg/day for 3–5 days. |
| Croup (alternative to dexamethasone when unavailable) | Infants and children | No | Some protocols use short courses if dexamethasone is not available or as a second-line approach. |
| Allergic/inflammatory conditions (e.g., severe atopic dermatitis flares, contact dermatitis) | Children and adolescents | No | Short, targeted courses under clinician guidance. |
FDA-approved primary uses with Level A evidence
Quick selection guides and diagnostic pearls
When to consider other medications
How to explain treatment to families
Short courses of prednisolone are generally well tolerated in children. Common effects include stomach upset, mood changes, and sleep disturbance. Serious effects are rare with brief bursts but require counseling and monitoring in at‑risk patients.
Key pediatric concerns include GI upset, short‑term mood/sleep effects, and transient hyperglycemia in at‑risk children. Dose in the morning with food and keep courses short to minimize risk.
Dyspepsia, Nausea
Common • Mild
Irritability, Mood Changes, Restlessness
Common • Usually mild and reversible
Hyperglycemia (transient)
Uncommon • More relevant in diabetes
Immunomodulation and Masking of Infection
Dose- and duration-related • Potentially serious
Organized by affected organ systems
How to discuss side effects with families
Management protocols and monitoring
Common concerns and practical guidance
Practical guidance for safe, effective prednisolone use in children.
Shake the liquid well each time. Measure with the oral syringe that comes with the medication for accuracy—this helps you feel confident about the dose. It’s common to have mild stomach upset; giving the dose with food or milk is a simple way to make it gentler.
Helpful routines for peace of mind: if once daily, give in the morning; if twice daily, avoid late evening doses to protect sleep. Keep a simple log of dose times so you don’t have to remember during busy moments.
Emergency contact: Seek care for severe breathing trouble, persistent vomiting, severe mood changes, or signs of infection.
Short steroid bursts are effective; follow the plan and reach out with concerns.
Different formulations and concentrations
Safe preparation and measuring techniques
Tailored approaches for different ages
Solutions for common challenges
Storage guidelines and safety tips
Expert pearls and evidence-based tips
Gene‑level modulation produces broad anti‑inflammatory effects in the airway.
Prednisolone is an intermediate‑acting systemic glucocorticoid. It binds cytosolic glucocorticoid receptors, translocates to the nucleus, and modulates transcription of inflammatory genes (transrepression) while upregulating anti‑inflammatory proteins (transactivation). In asthma, this reduces airway mucosal edema, mucus production, and inflammatory cell recruitment.
Simple explanations and helpful analogies
Receptors, enzymes, and cellular targets
Absorption, metabolism, and elimination
Age-related differences and special populations
Clinical pearls to optimize prednisolone safety and adherence during short pediatric bursts.
Aim for the lowest effective duration, morning dosing, and clear family education.
Avoid late evening doses when possible
Give once‑daily courses in the morning to minimize sleep disturbance and restlessness.
A small meal helps prevent nausea
Administer with food or milk to limit stomach upset.
Do not extend the course without advice
Typical 3–5 day courses do not require tapering unless otherwise directed.
The calculator already applies a safe cap
Cap daily dose around 60 mg/day for outpatient pediatric bursts.
Core insights every provider should know
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Organized by dosing, administration, and safety
How to explain treatments to families
Real-world cases with evidence-based approaches
Key numbers, algorithms, and decision tools
Understanding your child's medication is important. We've created comprehensive guides to help you safely administer Prednisolone and monitor your child's response to treatment.
For short bursts (3–5 days), a taper is usually not needed. Follow your clinician’s plan.
If once daily, give in the morning. If twice daily, avoid late evening dosing to help sleep.
If it happens soon after dosing, contact your clinician for advice on whether to repeat.
Acetaminophen is generally preferred for pain/fever during steroid bursts. If using an NSAID like ibuprofen, give with food and watch for stomach upset.
Stomach upset, mood changes, and sleep difficulty are most common. Seek care for severe agitation, persistent vomiting, or signs of infection.