Corticosteroids for nephrotic syndrome

Examples

Prednisone is an oral medication (taken by mouth). How much you take depends on your body size. Most often you take it daily for 4 to 8 weeks.

You can take prednisolone in pill or syrup form. How much you take depends on your body size.

How It Works

Corticosteroids are strong anti-inflammatory medications. They act to reduce swelling in the body caused by nephrotic syndrome.

Why It Is Used

People take corticosteroids for nephrotic syndrome to help restore the kidney's normal function and remove extra fluid from the body.

How Well It Works

In children, corticosteroids successfully treat nephrotic syndrome approximately 85% of the time.¹ Treatment for adults is often more difficult.

Side Effects

Prednisolone may cause fewer side effects than prednisone. However, side effects of corticosteroids are common and include:

• Allergic reaction.
• Increased blood pressure with a severe headache or blurred vision.
• Sudden weight gain of more than 5 lb (2.3 kg) in a day or two.
• Insomnia.
• Stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting.
• Mood swings and changes in behavior.
• Fatigue.
• Dizziness.
• Muscle weakness or joint pain.
• Increased hunger or thirst.
• Acne.
• Increased hair growth.
• Osteoporosis.
• Rounding of the face.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Do not stop taking corticosteroids suddenly if you have been taking them for more than a week. You may need to slowly reduce the amount you take under the direction of your doctor.

Do not take any other prescription or nonprescription medications, including herbal products, during treatment with corticosteroids without first talking to your doctor. Many other medicines can interact with corticosteroids, resulting in side effects or altered effectiveness of the medications.

Take corticosteroids with food or a glass of milk to avoid stomach upset or ulcers.

Experts don't know whether corticosteroids will harm an unborn baby. If you are pregnant, do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor.

Corticosteroids pass into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding a baby, do not use these medications without first talking to your doctor.

Avoid sources of infection. Wash your hands frequently, and keep them away from your mouth and eyes. This medication may weaken your immune system while you are taking it.

Do not use alcohol or illegal drugs while you are taking corticosteroids.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

References

Citations

1. Roth KS, et al. (2002). Nephrotic syndrome: Pathogenesis and management. Pediatrics in Review, 23(7): 237-247.

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