IV or slow inj or infusion Usual dose: 100-500 mg repeated 3 or 4 times in 24 hr, according to the severity of the condition & the patients response. Childn 6-12 yr 100 mg; 1-5 yr 50 mg; up to 1 yr 25 mg. IM 100-200 mg.
Avoid abrupt w/drawal. May increase susceptibility to infection, may mask some signs of infection, & new infections may appear during use; avoid exposure to measles; restrict management in active TB. Allergic reactions. Patients w/ ocular herpes simplex; visual disturbances; thrombosis including venous thromboembolism. Patients w/ hypothyroidism; CHF; osteoporosis (post-menopausal females); HTN; existing or previous history of severe affective disorders (especially previous steroid psychosis); increase blood glucose, worsen pre-existing diabetes, & predispose those on long term corticosteroid therapy to DM; history of TB; glaucoma (or a family history of glaucoma); previous corticosteroid-induced myopathy; liver failure or cirrhosis; epilepsy; peptic ulceration; fresh intestinal anastomoses; predisposition to thrombophlebitis; abscess or other pyogenic infections; ulcerative colitis; diverticulitis; myasthenia gravis; recent MI; Kaposi's sarcoma; pheochromocytoma crisis; elevation of BP, salt & water retention & increased excretion of K; severe psychiatric adverse reactions; seizure disorder. May produce acute pancreatitis in high doses; increased GI ulcers in combination w/ NSAIDs. Digoxin. Renal insufficiency. Pregnancy & lactation. Infants & childn on prolonged therapy are at special risk from raised intracranial pressure; may produce pancreatitis in childn in high doses. Elderly.
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