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Espuma rectal de prednisolona, enema y supositorios

Rectal prednisolone reduces inflammation of the rectum (proctitis) in conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Read the leaflet that comes with the pack for full instructions for using the preparation.

A course of treatment usually lasts 2-4 weeks.

About rectal prednisolone preparations

Tipo de medicamento

A corticosteroid (often referred to as a 'steroid')

Usado para

Proctitis; ulcerative colitis; Crohn's disease

Disponible como

Rectal solution, rectal foam and suppository

In inflammatory bowel conditions such as enfermedad de Crohn y colitis ulcerosa, patches of inflammation develop in the lining of parts of your gastrointestinal tract. Both of these conditions can cause inflammation of the lower parts of your bowel and the rectum. Inflammation in the rectum is called proctitis. Symptoms of a flare-up of inflammation in the rectum are fresh bleeding and a feeling of wanting to go to the toilet frequently. It may be helpful during flare-ups such as these for you to be treated with a corticosteroid given rectally. This means giving the medication into your back passage, as an enema or suppository.

Prednisolone is a corticosteroid medicine, it is also referred to as a steroid medicine. It relieves the symptoms of a flare-up by reducing inflammation. There are three types of prednisolone formulation available for rectal use: suppositories, a liquid enema in a disposable pack with an application nozzle, and a foam which is administered using an applicator attached to an aerosol cannister.

Before using rectal prednisolone

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start using prednisolone it is important that your doctor knows:

  • Si tienes algún tipo de infección, o si alguna vez has tenido tuberculosis (TB).

  • Si usted (o alguien con quien está en contacto cercano) ha tenido recientemente varicela, sarampión o culebrilla.

  • Si alguna vez ha tenido un coágulo de sangre en una arteria o vena.

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because your doctor will want to monitor the progress of you and your baby closely.

  • If you have any of the following: high blood pressure, weakened bones (osteoporosis), epilepsy, an underactive thyroid gland, or a stomach ulcer.

  • If you have had a heart attack, or if you have any other heart problems.

  • If you or anyone in your family have diabetes mellitus, or increased eye pressure (glaucoma).

  • Si recientemente ha tenido, o está a punto de tener, alguna vacunación.

  • Si tienes una condición que causa debilidad muscular, llamada miastenia gravis.

  • Si está tomando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que esté disponible para comprar sin receta, así como medicamentos herbales y complementarios.

  • Si ha tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento, o si ha desarrollado dolor muscular después de tomar un medicamento esteroide.

How to use rectal prednisolone

  • Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about prednisolone and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from using it. It will also give you a step-by-step guide on how to use the preparation you have been supplied with.

  • Follow the directions you have been given by your doctor about how much to use and when to use it. It is usual to be prescribed either one or two doses a day depending upon which preparation you have been supplied with. Your dose will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you about what the doctor said to you.

  • It is usual for a course of treatment to last 2-4 weeks, but your doctor will tell you what is right for you. The aim is to treat the flare-up but to keep the total amount of steroid treatment as low as possible.

Obteniendo el máximo de tu tratamiento

  • Intenta mantener tus citas regulares con tu médico. Esto es para que tu médico pueda verificar tu progreso.

  • Prednisolone can suppress your immune system, so it is important if you become ill that you make an appointment to see your doctor straightaway. If you come into contact with anyone who has measles, shingles or chickenpox (or anyone who suspects they might have them), you should contact your doctor for advice as soon as possible.

  • If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are using a rectal steroid preparation. It is also important that, if you are due to have any vaccinations, you make sure that the person treating you knows that you are using prednisolone. Some vaccines are not suitable for you while you are being treated with prednisolone.

  • If you buy any medicines, check with your pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take with prednisolone.

Can rectal prednisolone cause problems?

Prednisolone can be absorbed into the body from rectal formulations, so these preparations can cause similar unwanted side-effects to folleto de esteroides orales. However, because less of the medicine is absorbed when given rectally than when taken by mouth, the risk of side-effects is much lower.

Children are susceptible to side-effects from corticosteroids. The main concern is for children who need frequent courses, as it can have an effect on their growth and this may need to be monitored.

Cómo almacenar prednisolona

  • Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y la vista de los niños.

  • Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos

Never use more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that someone has swallowed some of the medicine by accident, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

Este medicamento es para ti. Nunca lo des a otras personas, incluso si su condición parece ser la misma que la tuya.

No guardes medicamentos caducados o no deseados. Llévalos a tu farmacia local, donde se encargarán de desecharlos por ti.

Si tienes alguna pregunta sobre este medicamento, consulta a tu farmacéutico.

Informar efectos secundarios de un medicamento o vacuna

Si experimenta efectos secundarios, puede reportarlos en línea a través de Sitio web de Yellow Card.

Preguntas frecuentes

How long do I need to keep prednisolone enema?

The duration of treatment with rectal prednisolone is typically 2-4 weeks. Your doctor will advise you on the exact course of treatment that is right for your condition. The goal is to treat the flare-up effectively while keeping the overall amount of steroid treatment as low as possible.

What if I miss a dose of rectal prednisolone?

The article does not specifically mention what to do if a dose is missed. It is always best to follow the directions given by your doctor or pharmacist. If you are unsure, you should refer to the manufacturer's printed information leaflet or contact your pharmacist for advice.

Can I use rectal prednisolone if I'm already taking other medications?

Yes, you can, but it's crucial to inform your doctor about all other medicines you are currently taking. This includes non-prescription drugs, herbal remedies, and complementary medicines. Your doctor needs this information to ensure prednisolone is suitable for you and to monitor for any potential interactions.

Are there any specific vaccines I should avoid while using rectal prednisolone?

Yes, if you are due to have any vaccinations, it's important to let the person treating you know that you are using prednisolone. Some vaccines are not suitable for people while they are being treated with this medication. Your doctor or the healthcare professional administering the vaccine will be able to advise you further.

How can I dispose of expired or unused rectal prednisolone?

You should not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy, which will dispose of them for you safely and responsibly.

Lecturas adicionales y referencias

Historial del artículo

La información en esta página está escrita y revisada por pares por clínicos calificados.
  • Próxima revisión: 31 Mar 2027
  • 16 de mayo de 2024 | Última versión

    Última actualización por

    Michael Stewart, MRPharmS

    Revisado por

    Sid Dajani

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