Omnacortil is a branded pharmaceutical preparation containing the active ingredient Prednisolone, a potent synthetic glucocorticoid corticosteroid. It is a cornerstone medication in managing a wide spectrum of inflammatory, allergic, and autoimmune disorders. Its efficacy stems from its powerful ability to suppress the immune system’s inflammatory response, providing rapid and significant symptomatic relief. This medication is available in various strengths, including 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg tablets, allowing for precise dosing regimens tailored to individual patient needs and specific medical conditions under strict medical supervision.

Features

• Active Ingredient: Prednisolone.
• Drug Class: Synthetic glucocorticoid corticosteroid.
• Available Strengths: 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg tablets.
• Mechanism of Action: Exerts potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects by inhibiting the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reversing increased capillary permeability.
• Administration: Oral tablet formulation.
• Bioavailability: High oral bioavailability, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 1 to 2 hours post-ingestion.

Benefits

• Provides rapid and potent suppression of inflammatory and allergic responses.
• Effectively manages symptoms of a wide range of chronic autoimmune and rheumatic diseases.
• Can induce remission in severe allergic conditions and acute exacerbations of chronic illnesses.
• Offers flexible dosing options to tailor treatment to the severity of the condition and patient response.
• Helps prevent organ transplant rejection by modulating the immune system.
• Can be life-saving in the management of certain severe conditions like adrenal insufficiency and specific types of shock.

Common use

Omnacortil (Prednisolone) is indicated for a vast array of conditions where suppression of inflammation or the immune response is desirable. Its use is always predicated on a definitive diagnosis by a qualified healthcare professional. Common therapeutic applications include:

• Rheumatologic Disorders: Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, polymyalgia rheumatica, and acute gout.
• Allergic Conditions: Severe asthma, severe allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and angioedema.
• Dermatological Diseases: Severe psoriasis, pemphigus, and severe contact dermatitis.
• Ophthalmic Diseases: Uveitis, optic neuritis, and severe allergic conjunctivitis.
• Respiratory Diseases: Sarcoidosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
• Hematologic Disorders: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), and leukemia/lymphomas.
• Gastrointestinal Diseases: Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and autoimmune hepatitis.
• Renal Disorders: Nephrotic syndrome.
• Neurological Disorders: Multiple sclerosis (acute exacerbations) and myasthenia gravis.
• Endocrine Disorders: Primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency (used as replacement therapy).
• Prevention of Organ Transplant Rejection.

Dosage and direction

CRITICAL: Dosage must be individualized based on the specific disease, its severity, and the patient’s response. The following is general information; a doctor’s prescription is mandatory.

• Initial Dosage: For severe conditions, the initial dose may range from 5mg to 60mg per day, often given as a single daily dose or in divided doses.
• Dosage Adjustment: The dosage must be carefully titrated to the lowest possible effective level. Once the desired therapeutic effect is achieved, the dose should be gradually reduced (“tapered”).
• Tapering: Abrupt discontinuation after prolonged therapy is dangerous and can lead to adrenal insufficiency. Tapering must be done slowly under medical guidance, sometimes over weeks or months, to allow the adrenal glands to resume natural cortisol production.
• Administration: Tablets should be taken with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal upset. They should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water.
• Timing: When prescribed as a single daily dose, it is often recommended to take it in the morning to coincide with the body’s natural circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion, which may reduce the risk of certain side effects and adrenal suppression.

Precautions

• Medical Supervision: This is a potent medication that requires close and continuous supervision by a physician.
• Adrenal Suppression: Prolonged therapy can suppress the function of the adrenal glands. Stress (e.g., surgery, trauma, severe infection) during therapy or after withdrawal may require supplemental doses.
• Infections: Corticosteroids can mask signs of infection and reduce resistance to new infections. Latent diseases like tuberculosis may be reactivated.
• Vaccinations: Live virus vaccines should not be administered to individuals on immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids due to the risk of neurologic complications and potentially diminished antibody response.
• Monitoring: Patients on long-term therapy require regular monitoring of blood pressure, body weight, blood glucose, electrolytes, and bone density.
• Pregnancy and Lactation: Use during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, requires a careful risk-benefit assessment as it may cause fetal harm. Prednisolone is excreted in breast milk; caution is advised during nursing.

Contraindications

Omnacortil is contraindicated in patients with:

• Known hypersensitivity to Prednisolone or any component of the formulation.
• Systemic fungal infections (unless being treated for life-threatening fungal meningitis with concomitant antifungal therapy).
• Live virus vaccinations in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses.
• Absolute contraindications are rare, and the decision is often 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.

• Endocrine: Cushingoid state (moon face, central obesity), adrenal 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 and humeral heads.
• Gastrointestinal: Peptic ulcer with possible perforation and hemorrhage, pancreatitis, abdominal distention, nausea.
• Dermatologic: Impaired wound healing, thin fragile skin, petechiae and ecchymoses, facial erythema.
• Neurological/Psychiatric: Convulsions, increased intracranial pressure, vertigo, headache, euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, depression, psychosis.
• Ophthalmic: Posterior subcapsular cataracts, increased intraocular pressure (glaucoma).
• Fluid & Electrolyte: Fluid retention, hypertension, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia.
• Other: Increased appetite and weight gain, leukocytosis, susceptibility to infections.

Drug interaction

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

• Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin): Corticosteroids may alter the response to anticoagulants.
• Antidiabetic Drugs (Insulin, Oral agents): May increase blood glucose levels, necessitating dosage adjustment of antidiabetic medication.
• Enzyme Inducers (e.g., Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Rifampin): These drugs may enhance the metabolism of Prednisolone, decreasing its efficacy.
• Enzyme Inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole): May decrease the metabolism of Prednisolone, increasing the risk of toxicity.
• NSAIDs (e.g., Aspirin, Ibuprofen): Concurrent use increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration.
• Diuretics (especially Potassium-depleting, e.g., Furosemide, Thiazides): Enhance the risk of hypokalemia.
• Live Vaccines: Efficacy may be diminished, and risk of adverse events 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 the missed one.
• If you are on a tapered schedule, contact your doctor for advice, as missing doses can disrupt the tapering process.

Overdose

• Acute single ingestion of even very high doses is rarely life-threatening.
• However, chronic overdose leads to the development of severe Cushing’s syndrome and its associated complications (severe hypertension, diabetes, psychosis, severe infections).
• Management: There is no specific antidote. Treatment involves immediate discontinuation of the drug and supportive, symptomatic management. In cases of acute ingestion, gastric lavage may be considered. Hemodialysis is not effective.

Storage

• Store at room temperature (15°C to 30°C).
• Protect from light and moisture.
• Keep in the original container, tightly closed.
• 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 before starting any new treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. The content has not been evaluated by a regulatory medical authority.

Reviews

• “As a rheumatologist, Omnacortil is an indispensable tool in my arsenal for managing acute flares of autoimmune arthritis. The rapid onset of action provides patients with much-needed relief, allowing us to bridge to slower-acting DMARDs.” – Dr. A. Sharma, MD (Rheumatology)
• “Managing my severe asthma without Prednisolone during exacerbations would be unthinkable. It’s powerful and effective, though the side effects with long-term use are a significant concern that requires diligent management.” – Dr. P. Jones, MD (Pulmonology)
• “The tapering protocol is critical. I’ve seen too many cases of iatrogenic adrenal insufficiency from abrupt withdrawal. Patient education on the absolute necessity of gradual dose reduction is paramount.” – Dr. L. Chen, MD (Endocrinology)
• “For nephrotic syndrome in children, it remains a first-line therapy for inducing remission. Monitoring for growth suppression and other side effects is a continuous process throughout treatment.” – Dr. M. Alvarez, MD (Pediatric Nephrology)