Ointment Prednisolone is a hormonal external drug belonging to the group of glucocorticoids. This drug is often prescribed by dermatologists and allergists as an effective and quick-acting remedy. However, when using it, you should be extremely careful, because Prednisolone has many contraindications and side effects.
Composition and pharmacological action of ointment Prednisolone
The main active substance in the composition of this ointment is prednisolone. Additional substances are:
- glycerol;
- petrolatum;
- stearic acid;
- emulsifier 1;
- preservatives methylparaben and propylparaben;
- prepared water.
Due to the action of prednisolone in the composition of the drug the following effect is achieved:
- anti-inflammatory;
- antiallergic;
- antiproliferative;
- antipruritic.
With topical application, the active substance penetrates into skin cells, and also enters the bloodstream, also having a systemic effect. Prednisolone helps suppress the synthesis of biologically active substances that cause the development of inflammatory and allergic processes (histamines, prostaglandins, etc.). Also, the formation of nucleic acids in the skin tissues is inhibited, which prevents the pathological proliferation of connective tissue forming coarse scars. The use of ointment helps to contain in the foci of inflammation the increase in vascular permeability.
Indications for the use of ointment Prednisolone
First of all, this ointment is prescribed for skin lesions of non-infectious nature, especially those characterized by intense itching and wetting. The main indications are:
- atopic dermatitis;
- diffuse neurodermatitis;
- limited neurodermatitis;
- hives;
- seborrheic dermatitis;
- eczema;
- Toxidermy;
- psoriasis;
- lupus erythematosus ;
- alopecia (full and partial).
Prednisolone is also used in inflammatory eye diseases, but not in the form of an ointment, but in the form of drops. In rare cases, ointment Prednisolone is prescribed for application to the nasal mucosa in allergic rhinitis.
How to use ointment Prednisolone
Ointments containing prednisolone are applied to the affected areas once or three times a day with a thin layer. The duration of the treatment course is determined by the nature and severity of the disease and is usually 1 to 2 weeks. At the end of the treatment course, the frequency of application is reduced to once a day. If the pathology is chronic, the therapeutic course should be prolonged for several days after the disappearance of the symptoms (in order to prevent relapse).
In cases where it is necessary to use the product on areas with dense skin (feet, elbows, palms), it is recommended to apply Prednisolone ointment more often or with the use of occlusive dressings.
Contraindications to the use of ointment Prednisolone:
- infectious skin lesions;
- skin tumors;
- lupus;
- cutaneous manifestations of syphilis;
- viral diseases with skin lesions;
- pregnancy;
- lactation;
- individual intolerance of the components of the drug.
It is not recommended to combine the use of this ointment with the following drugs:
- salicylates (increased risk of bleeding);
- diuretics (possibly an electrolyte exchange disorder);
- anticoagulants (increased anticoagulant effect);
- cardiac glycosides (increased risk of intoxication);
- antidiabetic drugs (hypoglycemic effect decrease);
- rifampicin (decrease in antimicrobial activity).
Possible side effects of ointment Prednisolone:
- dryness and itching of the skin;
- erythema;
- folliculitis;
- steroid acne, etc.