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Peds Calc

Pediatric Reference

Prednisone Side EffectsComprehensive Pediatric Safety Guide

Prednisone side effects vary with dose and duration; short bursts mostly cause appetite and mood changes.

4 Categories
5 Clinical Sources
Evidence-Based
Back to Prednisone Overview

Essential Information

1

Take with food to reduce GI upset.

2

Report mood changes, vision changes, or severe infections promptly.

3

Follow taper schedule to avoid adrenal crisis.

Clinical Overview

Long-term therapy increases risk for growth suppression, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and adrenal suppression.

Side Effect Categories

4 Systems

Endocrine/Metabolic

2 documented effects

Total Sources: 2

Hyperglycemia

Incidence: Common
Onset: Not specified
moderate
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Monitor glucose in at-risk patients; adjust diet or insulin.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Adrenal suppression

Incidence: Uncommon
Onset: Not specified
serious
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Taper slowly; provide stress dosing during illness.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Gastrointestinal

1 documented effect

Total Sources: 1

Gastritis

Incidence: Common
Onset: Not specified
mild
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Take with food; consider acid suppression if high-dose.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Neurologic

1 documented effect

Total Sources: 1

Mood changes/irritability

Incidence: Common
Onset: Not specified
mild
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Warn families; contact clinician if severe or psychotic symptoms appear.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Musculoskeletal

1 documented effect

Total Sources: 1

Myopathy/bone demineralization

Incidence: Uncommon
Onset: Not specified
serious
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Ensure calcium/vitamin D; consider bisphosphonates in chronic high-dose users.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Parent Communication Guide

Age-Appropriate Explanations

Infants (0-12 months)

For babies taking Prednisone, watch for signs of side effects. This medication is generally well-tolerated in infants when used as directed.

Toddlers (1-3 years)

If your toddler is taking Prednisone, they might feel different. This is usually temporary and normal.

Children (4-12 years)

This medicine helps calm inflammation. Take it with breakfast and tell us if your tummy hurts or you feel different.

Adolescents (13+ years)

Follow the taper plan, avoid skipping doses, and note mood or vision changes.

Common Parent Concerns

Q: Weight gain

A: Temporarily increased appetite is common. Encourage balanced meals and activity.

When to validate: Call if rapid weight gain or swelling occurs.

Q: Sleep difficulty

A: Give doses earlier in the day and establish bedtime routines.

When to validate: Discuss adjustments if insomnia persists.

Clinical Decision Support

Severity Assessment Framework

Clinical assessment framework for Prednisone adverse effects using standardized severity grading.

Mild
Indicators: Minimal symptoms, No functional impairment, Patient comfortable continuing
Action: Continue medication with supportive care and routine monitoring
Moderate
Indicators: Noticeable symptoms, Some functional impact, Patient/family concerned
Action: Consider dose adjustment, increase monitoring frequency, provide supportive care
Severe
Indicators: Significant symptoms, Functional impairment, Quality of life affected
Action: Consider discontinuation, evaluate alternatives, close clinical follow-up

Treatment Decision Guidelines

Immediate Discontinuation

  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Life-threatening adverse effects
  • Signs of toxicity

Consider Alternatives

  • Persistent moderate side effects
  • Inadequate therapeutic response
  • Patient/family preference

Dose Modification

  • Mild side effects with good efficacy
  • Age-related sensitivity
  • Drug interaction concerns

Clinical References

PrednisoneMedlinePlus (2024)Drug information
Prednisolone for inflammatory conditionsMedicines for Children (2024)Patient information

Frequently Asked Questions

Parent and clinician concerns about Prednisone