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Prednisolone counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyRespiratory TherapeuticsPrednisolone counsellingGPhC CRA

A patient with an asthma exacerbation is prescribed prednisolone 40 mg once daily for 5 days. She asks whether the tablets need to be tapered because she has heard steroids must be reduced slowly. What would you advise the patient?

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

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Correct answer: B — Take the course in the morning with or after food; tapering is not usually needed for 5 days

A short course of prednisolone for an asthma exacerbation does not usually require tapering. Taking it in the morning with or after food can reduce insomnia and dyspepsia. The patient's usual inhaled therapy should continue unless the prescriber advises otherwise.

Reference: BNF