OMNACORTIL ORAL SOLUTION 60 ML

How OMNACORTIL ORAL SOLUTION 60 ML Works

• Prednisolone enters cells and binds to glucocorticoid receptors, which changes the activity of a number of genes. Production of the chemical messengers that drive inflammation falls, including prostaglandins, leukotrienes and cytokines.
• Fewer inflammatory cells then travel to the affected tissue, so swelling, redness, pain and itching settle. The same action suppresses immune activity, which is what makes prednisolone useful in autoimmune disease, where the immune system attacks the body's own tissue.

How likely side effects are depends mostly on the amount prescribed and how long treatment runs. Short courses are usually well tolerated. Longer or higher-dose treatment carries more risk, including raised blood pressure, raised blood sugar, thinning of the skin, easy bruising, slower wound healing, muscle weakness and reduced bone density. Children on prolonged treatment can grow more slowly, so growth is monitored. Prednisolone lowers resistance to infection and can hide the usual warning signs such as fever. Any new fever, cough, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhoea during treatment needs medical assessment rather than waiting. Stopping suddenly after more than a short course can cause adrenal insufficiency, where the body cannot produce enough of its own steroid hormone. Tiredness, weakness, body aches, dizziness, nausea and low blood pressure can follow, and this can be serious. Mood and behaviour changes should be reported. These include irritability, agitation, low mood and difficulty sleeping.

• Increased appetite
• Weight gain
• Difficulty sleeping
• Mood or behaviour changes
• Indigestion or stomach discomfort
• Fluid retention and swelling
• Raised blood sugar
• Raised blood pressure
• Easy bruising
• Increased susceptibility to infection

• Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of the reach of children and pets. Store it according to the temperature and light-protection instructions printed on the current Macleods pack. Do not use the solution after the expiry date on the carton.

• Shake the bottle and measure each dose with the device supplied in the pack
• Give the solution with or after food to reduce stomach irritation
• Where one daily amount is prescribed, morning dosing reduces the effect on sleep
• Do not stop treatment suddenly, as the amount usually needs to be reduced in stages
• Report fever, cough, sore throat or diarrhoea promptly, since infection signs can be masked
• Tell the prescriber about diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma, stomach ulcer, tuberculosis or osteoporosis before starting
• Ask before any vaccination, as live vaccines are avoided during immunosuppressive treatment
• Report mood or behaviour changes, including irritability, agitation or low mood

• The solution is taken with or after food to reduce stomach irritation.
• Prednisolone makes the body hold on to salt and water and lose potassium, so a diet high in salt works against treatment. Specific dietary advice should come from the treating doctor or a dietitian.
• Alcohol adds to the risk of stomach irritation and is best limited, particularly by anyone with a history of stomach ulcer or liver disease.