A to Z of MS Prednisolone

Prednisolone is a corticosteroid drug sometimes used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis relapses.

How steroids work

It is still unclear how steroids work in MS, but they probably act by partly suppressing the immune system and/or by reducing fluid accumulation around the site of nerve damage. Many studies have shown that steroids are effective in speeding up recovery from relapse but make no difference either to the degree of recovery or to the long-term progression of the condition.

How is prednisolone given?

Prednisolone is usually taken orally as tablets

A Cochrane review compared the effectiveness and safety of oral and intravenous corticosteroid treatments in people with MS. The review found no major difference in clinical outcomes and both treatments appeared to be equally effective and safe.

Side effects and contraindications

In the short-term, the side effects of steroids are usually minor and transient. Long-term treatment should normally be avoided due to side effects including weight gain, acne, cataracts, osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) and diabetes. The NICE Guideline recommends that courses of steroids be limited to a maximum of three times a year.

References

National Institute for Clinical Excellence.
Multiple sclerosis: management of multiple sclerosis in primary and secondary care. NICE Clinical Guideline 8.
London: NICE; 2003.

Burton JM, et al.
Oral versus intravenous steroids for treatment of relapses in multiple sclerosis.
Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews 2009, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD006921.
abstract

Patient Information Leaflet

Prednisolone (EMC website)

Return to index