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Side Effects of Orapred in Children

Orapred ODT is most commonly used to treat severe allergies, asthma, respiratory diseases and rheumatic disorders. Generically known as prednisolone sodium phosphate, this steroid has a wide range of other uses including the treatment of skin diseases, ulcers, eye conditions, breathing problems and leukemia. Doctors also prescribe Orapred for multiple sclerosis, tuberculosis and meningitis, among other diseases.

  1. Common Side Effects

    • When using this medication, children may experience trouble sleeping, feelings of depression, increased sweating and appetite, weight gain, nausea or bloating. Their wounds may heal more slowly and they may feel weak and uncoordinated. You may also notice thinning of their skin and increased hair growth. Other side effects are possible and could indicate serious issues. Always tell your doctor if you notice anything unusual or troubling in a child taking Orapred.

    Serious Side Effects

    • Immediately notify the child's doctor if serious side effects occur. These include breathlessness, weight gain of more than five pounds in two days, swelling, severe eye pain or blurred vision, headaches, chest pain, diarrhea, numbness or unusual thoughts or behaviors. Mood swings and personality changes sometimes occur in children who take this medication. Orapred may also slow or inhibit growth. For this reason, growth rate should be carefully monitored if this medication is taken for extended periods.

    Signs of Allergic Reaction and Overdose

    • Seek immediate medical help if your child shows signs of an allergic reaction or overdose. Signs of an allergic reaction to Orapred include difficulty breathing, hives, swollen face, lips, tongue or throat. Signs of overdose include bruising, dry scaly skin, bloating, headache, increased appetite and sweating, mental instability and weakness.

    Dispensing and Dosage

    • Keep Orapred in its package until your child is ready to take it. The tablet should then be placed on your child's tongue. It may be swallowed, with or without water, or allowed to dissolve in the mouth. Never cut or split a tablet. The doctor should strive to find the lowest effective dose in order to minimize Orapred's possible effect on growth. Doses should always be reduced gradually. If medication is stopped suddenly, some conditions may worsen.

    Considerations

    • Orapred makes it harder for children to fight infections. Children who have recently received a live immunization or who have a serious fungal infection should not take Orapred. It can also affect blood sugar. If your child has diabetes, make sure to check blood sugar levels frequently. All children using this medication should be monitored for weight, height, blood pressure, infection, ulcers and osteoporosis on a regular basis.

    Warnings

    • Due to Orapred's effects on the immune system, chicken pox and measles could lead to serious or even fatal consequences for children who have not received these immunizations. This medication could also cause cataracts, glaucoma or Kaposi's sarcoma. Orapred should never be discontinued abruptly or without guidance from a medical professional.

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