a pred 20mg tablet - Prednisolone (20mg) medicine

Omnacortil 20 Tablet DT (Prednisolone 20mg): Comprehensive Medicine Guide

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🏭 Acron Pharmaceuticals 📦 Varies by brand 💊 Allopathy 📅 Updated: Sep 25, 2026
⚠️ Nephrotoxicity Risk 📋 Prescription Required 💊 Generic Available
Medically Reviewed
12 min read
Evidence: Well-established for multiple indications.
Reviewed by
SaathiMed Expert Panel | Sep 25, 2026

When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY

  • Blood in stool or vomit
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Chest pain or difficulty breathing
  • Severe headache with visual changes
  • Sudden swelling of face, lips, or throat
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes
  • Decreased urine output
  • High fever with chills
  • Severe mood changes or confusion

If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

What is a pred 20mg tablet used for?

This medicine contains Prednisolone 20mg, a corticosteroid used to treat severe allergies, asthma, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. It works by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation. It must be taken exactly as prescribed and never stopped suddenly.

  • Generic Name: Prednisolone (20mg)
  • Manufacturer: Acron Pharmaceuticals
  • Form: Allopathy
  • Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
  • Prescription Required: Yes

🇮🇳 a pred 20mg tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)

उपयोग: यह दवा प्रेडनिसोलोन 20mg युक्त एक कॉर्टिकोस्टेरॉइड है, जिसका उपयोग गंभीर एलर्जी, अस्थमा, गठिया, सूजन आंत्र रोग, और कुछ ऑटोइम्यून बीमारियों के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है। यह शरीर में सूजन और प्रतिरक्षा प्रतिक्रियाओं को कम करके काम करती है। इस दवा को डॉक्टर के निर्देशानुसार ही लें और अचानक बंद न करें।

साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में भूख बढ़ना, वजन बढ़ना, नींद न आना, मूड में बदलाव, और मुँहासे शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों में एड्रेनल ग्रंथि का दबना, संक्रमण का खतरा बढ़ना, हड्डियों का कमजोर होना, पेट के अल्सर, और उच्च रक्तचाप शामिल हैं। कोई भी असामान्य लक्षण दिखने पर तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।

सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को हमेशा डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें। इसे अचानक बंद न करें, क्योंकि इससे एड्रेनल संकट हो सकता है। इसे भोजन या दूध के साथ लें ताकि पेट में जलन न हो। संक्रमण वाले लोगों से दूर रहें। सर्जरी, डेंटल प्रोसीजर, या टीकाकरण से पहले अपने डॉक्टर को इस दवा के बारे में बताएं।

💡 Did You Know? The first generic medicine was introduced in India in 1970 after the Patents Act was amended.

💊 a pred 20mg tablet Uses & Benefits

[{"condition":"Severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis adjunct","description":"Used to reduce inflammation" class="semantic-link" title="Medicines for swelling">swelling and allergic inflammation after acute allergic episodes.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Asthma exacerbations","description":"Helps control airway inflammation during moderate to severe asthma attacks.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthritides","description":"Reduces joint pain, swelling, and stiffness by suppressing immune-mediated inflammation.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Inflammatory bowel disease","description":"Induces remission in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease flares.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Autoimmune and connective tissue diseases","description":"Used in lupus, vasculitis, and polymyalgia rheumatica to control systemic inflammation.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Certain blood cancers and lymphomas","description":"Part of combination chemotherapy regimens for leukaemia and lymphoma.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Severe dermatological conditions","description":"Treats pemphigus, severe eczema, and other steroid-responsive skin diseases.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Organ transplantation","description":"Helps prevent rejection of transplanted organs as part of immunosuppressive therapy.","evidence":"Well-established"}]

Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Migraine prophylaxis","description":"Sometimes used short-term to break a migraine cycle, though evidence is limited.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Bell's palsy","description":"May be used to reduce facial nerve inflammation, but evidence is mixed.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Chronic urticaria","description":"Occasionally used for severe antihistamine-resistant hives.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Primary treatment for: Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions

Also treats: Asthma, Rheumatoid arthritis, Inflammatory bowel disease, Severe allergies, Lupus, Certain blood cancers

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)Prednisolone (20mg)
Brand Namea pred 20mg tablet
ManufacturerAcron Pharmaceuticals
Packaging / FormVaries by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic ClassOPHTHAL OTOLOGICALS
Action ClassGlucocorticoids
Route of AdministrationOral
StorageStore at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep in the original container.
Shelf Life24 months from the date of manufacture, unless otherwise stated on the packaging.
WHO GuidelinePrednisolone is included in WHO essential medicines list for various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Specific recommendations vary by condition.
ICMR GuidelineICMR guidelines recommend prednisolone for specific conditions such as severe asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease, with dosing tailored to individual patient needs.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips

Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians

1
Take this medicine in the morning with food to reduce stomach upset and mimic the body's natural cortisol rhythm.
2
Never stop this medicine suddenly after prolonged use; always follow a tapering schedule prescribed by your doctor.
3
Monitor your blood sugar and blood pressure regularly if you have diabetes or hypertension.
4
Avoid contact with people who have infections like chickenpox or measles while taking this medicine.
5
Carry a steroid alert card or wear a medical alert bracelet if you are on long-term therapy.
6
Report any unusual weight gain, swelling, or mood changes to your doctor promptly.

🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?

Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.

✅
Severe allergic reaction
This medicine is commonly prescribed for this.
Likely Use
✅
Asthma exacerbation
This medicine helps reduce airway inflammation.
Likely Use
❌
Mild fever
This medicine is not a primary fever reducer.
Not Primary

🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionPrednisolone is rapidly and well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations are usually reached within 1 to 2 hours. Food may slightly delay absorption but does not significantly reduce the total amount absorbed.
DistributionPrednisolone is distributed widely throughout the body and crosses the blood-brain barrier and placenta. It is also excreted in breast milk. The volume of distribution is approximately 0.5 to 1 L/kg.
Protein BindingPrednisolone is about 70% to 90% bound to plasma proteins, mainly transcortin and albumin. Binding decreases in patients with low albumin levels, which can increase free drug levels.
MetabolismPrednisolone is metabolized in the liver primarily by the enzyme CYP3A4 through reduction and conjugation reactions. It is converted to inactive metabolites including 20-dihydroprednisolone and 20-dihydro-6-beta-hydroxyprednisolone.
Half-LifeThe plasma elimination half-life of prednisolone is approximately 2 to 4 hours. However, the biological effect lasts much longer, typically 12 to 36 hours, because it works by changing gene expression.
ExcretionPrednisolone and its metabolites are excreted mainly in the urine as conjugated compounds. A small amount is excreted in the bile and faeces.
BioavailabilityThe oral bioavailability of prednisolone is approximately 70% to 90% in healthy adults.
Onset of ActionThe anti-inflammatory effects of this medicine begin within 1 to 2 hours after oral intake, but full clinical benefit may take several hours to days depending on the condition being treated.
Peak Plasma TimePeak plasma concentration is reached approximately 1 to 2 hours after oral administration.
Duration of ActionThe biological effect of a single dose lasts approximately 12 to 36 hours, which is why once-daily or alternate-day dosing is often used.

How It Works

This medicine works by binding to glucocorticoid receptors inside cells. Once bound, the receptor-steroid complex moves into the nucleus and changes the transcription of many genes. It increases the production of anti-inflammatory proteins such as lipocortin-1 and decreases the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, enzymes like cyclooxygenase-2, and adhesion molecules. This results in reduced swelling, less immune cell activity, and suppression of allergic and inflammatory responses throughout the body.

Mechanism Steps

1
Binding to glucocorticoid receptor: This medicine enters the cell and binds to the glucocorticoid receptor in the cytoplasm.
2
Receptor translocation: The drug-receptor complex moves into the nucleus and binds to specific DNA sequences.
3
Gene transcription changes: It increases anti-inflammatory proteins and decreases pro-inflammatory proteins.
4
Reduced inflammation: The net effect is less swelling, less immune cell migration, and reduced allergic responses.

💡 How to Take a pred 20mg tablet

Strength: Prednisolone 20mg immediate-release tablet

1Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
2Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
3Take it with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
4Try to take it at the same time each day, preferably in the morning.
5Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet unless your doctor advises otherwise.
6If you are on a tapering schedule, follow it precisely and do not skip doses.

Dosage Information

Adult DosageThe dose of this medicine must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on the indication, severity of the condition, age, weight, and renal and hepatic function. For acute inflammatory conditions, a typical starting dose might be 5 mg to 60 mg per day, taken as a single dose or divided doses. For severe conditions, higher doses may be used initially, followed by gradual tapering. Always follow your doctor's prescription exactly.
Pediatric DosagePediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician for appropriate dosing in children.
Elderly DosageElderly patients may be more susceptible to side effects such as osteoporosis, hyperglycaemia, and hypertension. Doses should be individualized and monitored closely by a clinician.
Renal ImpairmentNo specific dose adjustment is typically required for renal impairment, but caution is advised in severe cases. Monitor fluid and electrolyte balance.
Hepatic ImpairmentUse with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. Dose adjustment may be necessary based on clinical response and liver function tests.
Maximum Daily DoseThe maximum daily dose varies by indication and must be determined by a qualified clinician. Doses up to 60 mg per day are commonly used, but higher doses may be prescribed in specific severe conditions under close supervision.

Dosage Timeline

🌅 Morning ❌ ☀️ Afternoon ❌ 🌆 Evening ❌ 🌙 Night ❌

🍽️ Food Timing Guide

With food
Take with meals
Reduces stomach upset.
Grapefruit
Avoid large amounts
May increase drug levels.
High-sodium foods
Limit
May worsen fluid retention and blood pressure.

⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose

📌 Less than half the dosing interval has passed
→ Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
💡 Continue with the regular schedule.
📌 More than half the dosing interval has passed
→ Skip the missed dose.
💡 Do not double dose to catch up.

⚠️ Side Effects of a pred 20mg tablet

✅ Common Side Effects

Increased appetite (Common (10-20%))
Eat balanced meals and monitor weight. Consult doctor if weight gain is rapid.
Insomnia (Common (10-20%))
Take the dose in the morning if possible. Practice good sleep hygiene.
Mood changes (Common (5-15%))
Inform your doctor if mood changes are bothersome or persistent.
Acne (Common (5-10%))
Keep skin clean. Consult a dermatologist if severe.
Hyperglycaemia (Common (5-10%))
Monitor blood sugar if diabetic. Report persistent high readings to your doctor.

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Adrenal suppression (Uncommon (1-5%))
Do not stop this medicine suddenly. Follow your doctor's tapering plan.
Serious infections (Uncommon (1-5%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop fever, chills, or persistent cough.
Gastrointestinal bleeding (Rare (<1%))
Go to the emergency department if you notice black stools, vomiting blood, or severe abdominal pain.
Osteoporosis and fractures (Uncommon with long-term use (1-5%))
Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D. Discuss bone density monitoring with your doctor.
Psychiatric disturbances (Rare (<1%))
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe depression, confusion, or hallucinations.

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Avascular necrosis of bone
Report persistent joint pain, especially in the hip, to your doctor.
Pancreatitis
Seek immediate care for severe upper abdominal pain radiating to the back.
Severe allergic reaction
Call emergency services if you develop swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing.

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

Drug Severity Effect
Warfarin Major
Ketoconazole Major
Rifampicin Major
Ibuprofen Moderate
Metformin Moderate
Furosemide Moderate
Live vaccines Major
Phenytoin Moderate
Aspirin Moderate
Insulin Moderate

🚨 Major Interactions

  • Live vaccines
  • CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir)
  • CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine)
  • Warfarin
  • Antidiabetic drugs

⚡ Moderate Interactions

  • NSAIDs
  • Diuretics
  • Anticholinesterases (e.g., donepezil)

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

Alcohol should be avoided or strictly limited while taking this medicine. Both alcohol and prednisolone can irritate the stomach lining, increasing the risk of gastritis and gastrointestinal bleeding. Alcohol may also worsen mood changes, sleep disturbances, and blood sugar fluctuations caused by this medicine.

🔎 Check Your Other Medicines

Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

["Known hypersensitivity to prednisolone or any component of the formulation","Untreated systemic fungal infections","Administration of live vaccines during high-dose therapy","Systemic viral infections in the absence of specific antiviral therapy"]

⚠️ Warnings & Precautions

["Do not stop this medicine abruptly after prolonged use; taper gradually under medical supervision.","Use with caution in patients with diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, or peptic ulcer disease.","May mask signs of infection and increase susceptibility to infections.","Can cause mood changes, insomnia, and in rare cases, psychosis.","Long-term use may lead to cataracts, glaucoma, and bone loss.","Avoid contact with people who have chickenpox or measles if you are not immune.","Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding."]

🤱 Lactation Safety

Prednisolone is excreted in breast milk in small amounts. At doses up to 20 mg per day, it is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. Higher doses may require timing feeds to reduce infant exposure. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding while on this medicine.

💊 Overdose Management

Overdose with prednisolone is unlikely to cause acute life-threatening effects. Long-term excessive dosing can lead to severe Cushing's syndrome and other complications. Treatment is supportive and may include tapering the dose gradually. Seek medical attention if a large amount is taken accidentally.

⏰ Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are unsure, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Additional Safety Advice

General Safety

Always take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop this medicine suddenly, especially if you have been taking it for more than a few weeks, because this can cause a dangerous drop in your body's natural steroid production. Take this medicine with food or milk to reduce stomach irritation. Avoid contact with people who have infections such as chickenpox or measles, as this medicine weakens your immune response. Inform any healthcare professional treating you that you are taking this medicine, especially before surgery, dental work, or vaccination. Carry a steroid alert card or wear a medical alert bracelet if you are on long-term treatment. Monitor your blood sugar, blood pressure, and weight regularly if you have diabetes or hypertension. Do not receive live vaccines while taking this medicine unless your doctor specifically approves it.

👴 Special Considerations for Elderly

💡 For Patients Above 65

Elderly patients are at higher risk of osteoporosis, hyperglycaemia, hypertension, and cognitive changes. Doses should be individualized and monitored closely. Fall prevention and bone health should be addressed.

🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)

If you are planning pregnancy, consult your doctor before starting or continuing this medicine. It is generally considered safe when medically necessary, but the dose should be minimized and monitored.

🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations

Inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist if you are taking this medicine. It may affect wound healing and increase infection risk. Stress-dose steroids may be needed during surgery.

🦷 Dental Procedures

Inform your dentist if you are taking this medicine, especially for long-term use. It may increase the risk of infection and affect healing after dental procedures. Stress-dose steroids may be considered.

💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results

🏃
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint stress.
🥗
Regular low-impact exercise like swimming or walking.
😴
Practice good posture.
💧
Include calcium and vitamin D rich foods in your diet.
🧘
Get adequate sleep.
🌞
Manage stress through relaxation techniques.

🏋️ Exercise Considerations

While taking this medicine, avoid high-impact exercises that can stress bones, especially if you are on long-term therapy. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen.

🥗 Diet Recommendations

Include calcium-rich foods like dairy and leafy greens
Reduce sodium intake to manage fluid retention
Limit sugary foods to control blood sugar
Stay well hydrated
Eat a balanced diet with adequate protein

💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life

This medicine may cause dizziness, mood changes, or insomnia, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving if you feel drowsy or unfocused. Inform your employer if you are on long-term therapy.

🛑 When to Stop This Medicine

Do not stop this medicine without consulting your doctor. If you experience severe side effects, contact your doctor immediately. Tapering is usually required after prolonged use.

📅 Long-Term Use Effects

Long-term use of this medicine can lead to osteoporosis, cataracts, glaucoma, weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure, and increased infection risk. Regular monitoring of bone density, blood sugar, blood pressure, and eye health is recommended. The dose should be tapered gradually when discontinuing.

🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches

These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.

Physical therapy

Can complement medicine for chronic pain and joint stiffness.

Evidence: Well-established
Dietary changes

Anti-inflammatory diet may help reduce reliance on steroids in some conditions.

Evidence: Limited

💉 Vaccination Considerations

💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated

Live vaccines should be avoided during and for at least 3 months after high-dose corticosteroid therapy. Inactivated vaccines are generally safe but may have reduced efficacy. Consult your doctor before any vaccination.

📦 Storage Guide

✅ DO

Store at room temperature (15-30°C)

❌ DON'T

Do not refrigerate unless specified

✅ DO

Keep in original container

❌ DON'T

Do not transfer to unmarked containers

✅ DO

Keep away from direct sunlight

❌ DON'T

Do not store in bathroom cabinet

✈️ Traveling with This Medicine

When traveling, carry this medicine in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Keep it in your hand luggage to avoid temperature extremes. If crossing time zones, consult your doctor about adjusting the dosing schedule. Store at room temperature and avoid direct sunlight. Check customs regulations for carrying prescription medicines.

💰 Cost Analysis & Savings

👥 Real Patient Stories

Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.

👤 A 45-year-old office worker with chronic knee pain due to rheumatoid arthritis
Started this medicine as prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis. Within 2 weeks noticed significant improvement in morning stiffness and joint swelling. Emphasized taking with food to prevent stomach upset and following the tapering schedule when the doctor decided to reduce the dose.
💡 Lesson: Consistency with prescribed dose and taking with food improves both efficacy and tolerability. Never stop suddenly.
👤 A 30-year-old woman with severe asthma exacerbation
Was prescribed this medicine for a severe asthma attack. It helped reduce airway inflammation and improved breathing within a few hours. She was advised to monitor her blood sugar as she had gestational diabetes. She completed the short course without complications.
💡 Lesson: Short-term use under medical supervision is effective and safe for acute asthma flares, but monitoring is essential for those with diabetes.

💬 Questions Patients Often Ask

Q: How long does it take to work?

A: This medicine starts reducing inflammation within 1 to 2 hours, but full benefits may take several hours to days depending on the condition.

Q: Can I stop this medicine suddenly?

A: No, never stop suddenly after prolonged use. It can cause adrenal insufficiency. Always taper under medical supervision.

Q: Is it safe during pregnancy?

A: It is generally considered safe when medically necessary. Consult your doctor for personalized advice.

🤔 Common Patient Concerns

💭 These are the concerns patients most commonly raise

  • Can I take this medicine long-term?
  • Will it affect my kidney function?
  • Can I drive after taking this medicine?
  • Does it interact with my blood pressure medicine?
  • What if I miss a dose?
  • Can I drink alcohol while taking this?

🔄 Substitutes for a pred 20mg tablet

View All

Alternative brands with exact same active ingredient:

Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.

🛑 Myths vs. Facts

  • Myth: This medicine is a painkiller.
    Fact: This medicine is not a painkiller; it reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system.
  • Myth: You can stop this medicine anytime.
    Fact: Stopping suddenly can cause serious adrenal insufficiency; always taper under medical supervision.
  • Myth: This medicine weakens your bones permanently.
    Fact: Long-term use can reduce bone density, but this can be monitored and managed with calcium, vitamin D, and exercise.

🔄 Alternative Options

Generic Alternatives

  • Prednisolone 20mg tablet

Brand Alternatives

  • Omnacortil 20 Tablet DT

📊 Comparison with Similar Medicines

[{"medicine":"Prednisolone 20mg","class":"Glucocorticoid","half_life":"2-4 hours","main_use":"Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions"},{"medicine":"Methylprednisolone 4mg","class":"Glucocorticoid","half_life":"2-3 hours","main_use":"Similar to prednisolone, with less mineralocorticoid effect"},{"medicine":"Dexamethasone 0.5mg","class":"Glucocorticoid","half_life":"36-54 hours","main_use":"Potent anti-inflammatory, used in cerebral edema and COVID-19"}]

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