what is the difference between prednisone and prednisolone
What is the Difference Between Prednisone and Prednisolone?
Prednisolone is a precursor and an active form of prednisone. Moreover, the former has higher bioavailability than the latter. The following Buzzle article gives a prednisone vs. prednisolone comparison in detail.
Did You Know?
Prednisone is the most commonly prescribed synthetic corticosteroid for arthritis, and 5 mg of prednisone is equivalent to the body's daily output of cortisol―a hormone that allows the body to cope with stressful situations, such as trauma, surgery, infection, or emotional problems.Prednisone Vs. Prednisolone
Type of Drug
♦ Prednisone is classified as a prodrug, meaning when the drug is taken, it is in an inactive state and gets metabolized in the liver to its active form.
♦ Prednisolone is the active form of prednisone. This conversion actually helps to enhance the bioavailability of the drug.
Structure
♦ Prednisone, in its inactive form, has a ketone group at the C11 position.
♦ When prednisone gets converted to prednisolone, the ketone group is replaced with hydroxyl group. In other words, the hydrogenation of the ketone group occurs at position 11, when prednisone is metabolized.
Considerations
♦ Since prednisone is metabolized in the liver, people with liver problems are usually not prescribed or administered prednisone. This is because when the liver does not function properly, its ability to convert prednisone to prednisolone reduces.
♦ Since prednisolone is already in its active form, it can be prescribed to people with liver conditions.
Bioavailability
♦ The bioavailability of prednisone is 80% to that of prednisolone.
♦ Prednisolone has higher bioavailability than its counterpart, hence it is easier to absorb.
Half-life
♦ Half-life is the time taken to remove the drug to half its dose, from blood plasma. Prednisone, before it gets converted, has a half-life of about 1 hour.
♦ The half-life of prednisolone varies from 2 to 4 hours.
Conversion
♦ As prednisone is the precursor compound, it gets converted to prednisolone through metabolic process.
♦ The prednisolone formed is again metabolized, mainly in the liver, by the CYP3A4 enzyme to inactive compounds such as sulfate and glucuronide conjugates, which are eventually eliminated through urine.
- Increased thirst and urination
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Trouble in sleeping
- Headache
- Increased appetite
- Digestion problems