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Structural Biochemistry/Prednisone

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Introduction

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Prednisone

Prednisone is a drug that belongs to the class of corticosteroids which is a steroid. Steroids are hormones with similar chemical structure that gather together as a group. In general, Prednisone is produced by your adrenal gland which is located on top of kidneys. It is used to treat people who have low levels of corticosteroids. It works in preventing the flammable substances in the body. Patients with the following conditions can be treated with Prednisone: skin conditions, lupus, arthritis, breathing disorder, or allergic disorder at regular doses, or it can be treated with cancer at higher doses. This drug is no t highly recommended since it has really severe side effects.

History and Usage

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Arthur Nobile was the one who identified the structure of Prednisone in 1950. Not until 1955, Prednisone synthesis was carried out in the laboratory of Schering Corporation; it is a replica of cortisone- which is produced by the outer portion of the adrenal glands. Nowadays, Prednisone can be prescribed as generic drugs.

Prednisone comes as a tablet so it can be taken directly by mouth. You should eat something first before taking this drug. You should be taking at direct dose as prescribed because it can cause serious side effects if you overdose. Your doctor will adjust your dose while you follow up with the treatment- but mostly the lowest dose that your body can take. Do not stop using Prednisone even if you feel better because your body might not have enough steroids that come from this drug to function normally.

Mechanism

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Prednisone is a glucocorticoid receptor. It will first be metabolize to its active form and come across the cell membrane and attach to specific cytoplasmic receptors. This results in leukocyte infiltration of inflammation, interference of inflammatory response, and suppression of immune response. The anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions which is a mechanism of prednisone can be described as followed:

  • Inhibition of gene transcription
  • Blockage of osteocalcin
  • Changing in transcription of collegenase gene
  • Increase the synthesis of annexin-1

Side Effects

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Prednisone

You should remember that Prednisone is a type of steroid. It is a really powerful drug that can save life if it is used properly. Just as many other drugs, it also has side effects that can be really harmful. Some common minor side effects that you might experience while using this drug are:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Sleeping disorder
  • Skin allergy
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Weak muscle

Other people might face severe side effects that needs to be taken with cautions and notify your doctor immediately

  • Vision problem
  • Sore throat, fever, hacking cough
  • Rash
  • Stomach pain
  • Vomiting
  • Depression, confusion
  • Breathing disorder

References

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http://www.gihealth.com/html/education/drugs/prednisone.html

http://www.drugs.com/prednisone.html

AHFS Consumer Medication Information- Prednisone

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