{"id":22624,"date":"2010-06-09T15:38:59","date_gmt":"2010-06-09T15:38:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/2010\/06\/09\/what-are-the-side-effects-of-prednisone-and-prednisolone\/"},"modified":"2024-09-21T04:15:31","modified_gmt":"2024-09-21T08:15:31","slug":"side-effects-of-prednisolone-and-prednisone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/ask-the-vet\/side-effects-of-prednisolone-and-prednisone\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the Side Effects of Prednisolone & Prednisone? Our Vet Explains"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n <\/span>\n \nPrednisone & Prednisolone Overview<\/a>
\nGeneral Uses<\/a>
\nSide Effects\u00a0<\/a>
\nManaging Side Effects<\/a>
\nFAQ<\/a>
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Glucocorticoids like prednisone and prednisolone have many useful functions in veterinary medicine. In fact, they have been prescribed as a treatment for nearly every issue that you can think of. While these medications may be a helpful part of your cat\u2019s treatment regime, you should know that they have potential side effects. In this article, we examine these possible side effects so you know what to look for if your cat is taking these medications.<\/p>\n

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What Are Prednisone and Prednisolone?<\/h2>\n

Prednisone and prednisolone are glucocorticoids, which are natural hormones made by a body\u2019s adrenal glands. Their main function is to break down fat and sugar stores to be used for energy during times of high need (e.g., running from a predator).<\/p>\n

In veterinary medicine, it\u2019s not typically necessary to boost a cat\u2019s fight-or-flight response. Instead, glucocorticoids are used for their secondary functions: fighting inflammation and suppressing the immune system. They can also be given for diseases where there is a glucocorticoid deficiency, such as hypoadrenocorticism, and as part of certain cancer treatment protocols. They are used for both short- and long-term treatment.<\/p>\n

To be clear, in basic terms, prednisone and prednisolone are the same thing. In most mammals, prednisone is converted to prednisolone in the liver. However, cats (and animals with liver failure) can\u2019t efficiently perform this process, so it\u2019s more common to just prescribe prednisolone instead of prednisone so that the conversion is already done, providing them with a usable form of the glucocorticoid.<\/p>\n

Therefore, these two products have similar actions and side effects. From this point on, we refer to prednisolone use in cats, with the understanding that if your cat were to take prednisone instead, the side effects would likely be the same.<\/p>\n

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What Are Prednisone and Prednisolone Used for in Cats?<\/h2>\n

The most common use for prednisolone in cats is as an anti-inflammatory agent. Felines with chronic asthma or other respiratory issues, inflammatory bowel disease, skin issues, joint pain, and dental disease may all benefit from prednisolone\u2019s inflammation-fighting capabilities.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s also cross-over use as an immunosuppressant with these issues and auto-immune diseases, including lupus. Cats with glucocorticoid deficiency, such as those with hypoadrenocorticism or damage to the adrenal glands, will need glucocorticoid therapy to replace those missing hormones. Prednisolone is also partly used as a treatment for cancers like lymphoma, leukemia, and mast cell tumors.<\/p>\n

It can be a helpful medication, but it\u2019s not one to be given lightly. The use of prednisolone, especially for the long term, has been associated with various side effects.<\/p>\n

What Are the Side Effects of Prednisone and Prednisolone in Cats?<\/h2>\n
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No medication is without potential side effects. Fortunately for our feline friends, they seem to suffer fewer side effects from prednisone or prednisolone administration than their canine counterparts. The side effects that are seen tend to be more prevalent in kitties taking high doses for long periods of time.<\/p>\n

With that in mind, the most commonly seen side effects of prednisone and prednisolone in cats are as follows.<\/p>\n

Short-Term Side Effects<\/h3>\n
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