Abstract |
Forty mg has been shown to be the optimal daily dosage of prednisone for outpatients requiring oral steroids for active proctocolitis. Although daily doses of oral steroids are commonly divided, a single dose each morning causes less adrenal suppression and is more convenient to take. A randomized controlled trial has been performed on patients with proctocolitis, in which 23 received 40 mg prednisolone each morning as one dose, and 22 received 10 mg four times a day, over two weeks. Physicians unaware of the dosage schedule scored the disease activity and assessed the steroid side-effects when the patient entered the trial, at day 7 and at day 14. Of those taking the divided dose the disease improved in 17 and failed to improve in five. No side-effects were observed in ten patients. Of those receiving a once daily regimen, 17 improved and six did not. Nine patients had no side-effects. Further assessment showed no difference between the two groups either in response rate or side-effects produced. When oral steroids are indicated for active proctocolitis, 40 mg prednisolone, as a single dose each morning can be recommended.
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Authors | J Powell-Tuck, R L Bown, J E Lennard-Jones |
Journal | Scandinavian journal of gastroenterology
(Scand J Gastroenterol)
Vol. 13
Issue 7
Pg. 833-7
( 1978)
ISSN: 0036-5521 [Print] England |
PMID | 364626
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Administration, Oral
- Adult
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Colitis
(drug therapy)
- Drug Evaluation
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Prednisolone
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Proctitis
(drug therapy)
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