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.
nausea, stomach upset—give with food
irritability, restlessness, or euphoria
difficulty falling asleep, especially with evening doses
transient hyperglycemia in at‑risk children
immunomodulation may mask infection symptoms
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.
1 documented effect
Give with food or milk; consider morning dosing
Persistent vomiting or severe pain warrants evaluation
1 documented effect
Prefer morning dosing; reassure caregivers about short duration
Severe agitation, confusion, or persistent symptoms—seek medical review
1 documented effect
Counsel families of children with diabetes; monitor glucose per plan
1 documented effect
Short bursts generally low risk; evaluate fever persisting or worsening
Information coming soon
Information coming soon
Information coming soon
Information coming soon
Clinical assessment framework
Parent and clinician concerns about Prednisolone