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Oral corticosteroid counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyPatient Counselling and Pharmaceutical CareOral corticosteroid counsellingGPhC CRA

A patient collects prednisolone 40 mg daily for five days for an asthma exacerbation. She asks whether to take it at night because mornings are busy. What would you advise the patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Take the dose in the morning with or after food

Prednisolone is usually taken in the morning to reduce sleep disturbance and mimic physiological cortisol rhythm. Taking it with or after food may reduce dyspepsia. The prescribed short course should be completed unless adverse effects or medical advice indicate otherwise. Leftover steroid tablets should not be self-started for future episodes without an asthma plan.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS