Omnacortil is a pharmaceutical preparation containing the active ingredient Prednisolone, a synthetic glucocorticoid renowned for its potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. It is a cornerstone therapy in the management of a wide spectrum of inflammatory, allergic, and autoimmune disorders. This corticosteroid works by modulating the body’s immune response, thereby reducing inflammation and providing symptomatic relief. Available in various strengths, including the commonly prescribed 5mg and 20mg tablets, Omnacortil allows for tailored therapeutic regimens under strict medical supervision. Its efficacy is well-established in clinical practice, making it a critical agent for both short-term intervention and long-term disease management in numerous pathological conditions.

Features

• Active Ingredient: Prednisolone
• Drug Class: Synthetic Glucocorticoid
• Available Strengths: 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, and 40mg tablets
• Administration: Oral
• Mechanism of Action: Binds to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, modulating gene transcription to inhibit pro-inflammatory mediators.
• Bioavailability: High oral bioavailability.
• Half-life: Biological half-life is 18-36 hours.

Benefits

• Provides rapid and potent suppression of inflammatory and allergic responses.
• Effectively manages symptoms of autoimmune diseases by modulating the overactive immune system.
• Can induce remission in certain conditions like nephrotic syndrome and ulcerative colitis.
• Offers flexible dosing regimens due to availability in multiple tablet strengths.
• Helps prevent organ transplant rejection by suppressing the immune system.
• Alleviates severe symptoms in respiratory conditions like asthma exacerbations and sarcoidosis.

Common use

Omnacortil (Prednisolone) is indicated for a broad range of conditions where anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects are required. Its common uses include, but are not limited to:

• Rheumatic disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, systemic lupus erythematosus)
• Severe allergic conditions refractory to conventional treatment
• Dermatological diseases (e.g., pemphigus, severe psoriasis)
• Ophthalmic diseases of inflammatory origin
• Respiratory diseases (e.g., severe asthma, symptomatic sarcoidosis)
• Hematologic disorders (e.g., idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, autoimmune hemolytic anemia)
• Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease exacerbations
• Prophylaxis and treatment of organ transplant rejection
• Management of nephrotic syndrome
• As part of chemotherapeutic regimens for certain malignancies

Dosage and direction

Dosage is highly individualized and MUST be determined by a qualified healthcare professional based on the specific disease, its severity, and the patient’s response.

• The initial dosage may vary from 5 mg to 60 mg of Prednisolone per day.
• For less severe conditions, a dose of 5-15 mg daily may be sufficient.
• For severe conditions, an initial dose of 20-60 mg daily is common.
• The principle of therapy is to use the smallest effective dose for the shortest possible duration.
• For long-term therapy, the dose is often given as a single daily dose in the morning to coincide with the body’s natural cortisol rhythm.
• When discontinuing treatment after more than a few weeks, the dose must be tapered gradually to avoid adrenal insufficiency. Abrupt withdrawal is contraindicated.
• Tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water during or immediately after a meal to minimize gastric irritation.

Precautions

• Medical Supervision: This is a prescription-only medication that requires close monitoring by a physician.
• Adrenal Suppression: Prolonged therapy can lead to suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Stress (e.g., surgery, infection, trauma) during therapy or upon withdrawal may require supplemental corticosteroids.
• Infections: Suppression of the immune system increases susceptibility to infections and may mask their signs and symptoms. Latent infections (e.g., tuberculosis) may be reactivated.
• Vaccinations: Live virus vaccines should not be administered during therapy. The immune response to other vaccines may be diminished.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood pressure, body weight, blood glucose, electrolytes, and ocular pressure is advised during prolonged treatment.
• Special Populations: Use with extreme caution in patients with diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, osteoporosis, peptic ulcer disease, glaucoma, and psychiatric history.

Contraindications

Omnacortil is contraindicated in patients with:

• Known hypersensitivity to Prednisolone or any excipients in the formulation.
• Systemic fungal infections (unless being used for the management of drug reactions to these infections).
• Live virus vaccination (contraindicated during immunosuppressive corticosteroid doses).
• Important Note: There may be no absolute contraindications in truly life-threatening situations. The decision is based on a risk-benefit analysis by the treating physician.

Possible side effect

The incidence and severity of side effects are related to the dose and duration of therapy.

• Common: Fluid retention, weight gain, increased appetite, mood changes (euphoria, insomnia), indigestion, sweating.
• Endocrine: Cushingoid state (moon face, central obesity), HPA axis suppression, growth suppression in children, menstrual irregularities, hyperglycemia.
• Musculoskeletal: Muscle weakness, steroid myopathy, loss of muscle mass, osteoporosis, vertebral compression fractures, aseptic necrosis of femoral head.
• Ophthalmic: Glaucoma, posterior subcapsular cataracts.
• Gastrointestinal: Peptic ulceration with potential for perforation and hemorrhage, pancreatitis.
• Dermatological: Impaired wound healing, thin fragile skin, petechiae, ecchymoses, facial erythema.
• Neurological: Increased intracranial pressure (pseudotumor cerebri) with papilledema, vertigo, headache.
• Other: Hypertension, leukocytosis, susceptibility to infections.

Drug interaction

Prednisolone interacts with numerous medications. Inform your doctor of all drugs you are taking.

• Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin): Corticosteroids may alter the response.
• Antidiabetic agents (Insulin, Oral Hypoglycemics): Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose, necessitating dosage adjustment.
• Enzyme Inducers (e.g., Phenytoin, Rifampicin, Carbamazepine): May increase the clearance of Prednisolone, reducing its efficacy.
• Enzyme Inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole): May decrease the clearance of Prednisolone, increasing the risk of toxicity.
• Diuretics (especially Potassium-depleting, e.g., Furosemide, Thiazides): Enhance the risk of hypokalemia.
• NSAIDs (e.g., Aspirin, Ibuprofen): Concurrent use significantly increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration.
• Live Vaccines: Efficacy may be reduced, and risk of vaccine-induced disease may be increased.

Missed dose

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
• However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
• Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
• If you are on a alternate-day dosing schedule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then resume your alternate-day schedule.

Overdose

• Acute single ingestion of even very high doses is unlikely to be life-threatening.
• Chronic overdose leads to the development of predictable, dose-dependent corticosteroid adverse effects (Cushing’s syndrome).
• Management: There is no specific antidote. Treatment involves immediate gastric lavage or activated charcoal (if ingestion was recent) and supportive, symptomatic management. In cases of chronic overdose, the corticosteroid dose must be tapered gradually under medical supervision.

Storage

• Store below 30°C (86°F).
• Keep the container tightly closed to protect from moisture and light.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not use after the expiration date printed on the packaging.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. The author and publisher are not responsible for any specific health or allergy needs that may require medical supervision and are not liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application, or preparation, to any person reading or following the information in this document.

Reviews

• “As a rheumatologist, Omnacortil is an indispensable tool in my arsenal for managing acute flares of inflammatory arthritis. The rapid onset of action provides patients with much-needed relief, allowing them to regain function quickly.” – Dr. A. Sharma, MD (Rheumatology)
• “Prescribing Omnacortil for severe asthma exacerbations has consistently shown dramatic improvement in patients’ respiratory status, often preventing hospital admissions. Dosing and tapering require careful attention.” – Dr. L. Chen, Pulmonologist
• “Managing my autoimmune condition has been a long journey. A short course of Omnacortil was prescribed during a severe flare, and the difference was night and day. The side effects were noticeable but manageable under my doctor’s close watch, and the relief was worth it.” – Patient M.K.
• “In pediatric nephrology, Omnacortil remains a first-line therapy for inducing remission in nephrotic syndrome. Its efficacy is well-documented, though we are always vigilant for side effects like growth suppression in our young patients.” – Dr. P. Nair, Pediatric Nephrologist