Prednisone and Tylenol Overview –  are the two different prescribed medications to manage various health conditions.  Tylenol is widely administered as a remedy to treat fever and pain.  On the contrary, prednisone is a prescription medication that suppresses the inflammation, swelling, and both irritation, and its use is commonly discussed in the treatment of such diseases as COPD and asthma.

The two drugs do not interact with each other; nevertheless, you are not supposed to take the two drugs without consulting your health provider.

Other potential interactions between drugs should also be known to you. Continue reading to know about these medicines, including when to take Tylenol with prednisone and the precautions that you need to take.

Uses of Tylenol and Prednisone

According to some sources, Tylenol is one of the most famous medications used in the United States. 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. takes a medication comprising the active ingredient acetaminophen in any given week.

Meanwhile, prednisone is only obtainable by prescription. It comes under the class of medications known as corticosteroids, a drug that can decrease inflammation in the body.

Uses of Tylenol

Acetaminophen works by hindering chemicals in your brain that carry pain signals. Tylenol and other kinds of acetaminophen are usually used to reduce fevers and pain triggered by conditions such as:

• Muscle aches
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Toothache
• Menstrual cramps
• Arthritis

Uses of Prednisone

Prednisone is only obtainable by prescription. It treats various conditions by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system activity. Some of the common conditions doctors recommend prednisone for include:

• Some skin diseases
• Allergies
• Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Blood disorders
• Infections
• Preventing organ rejection after a transplant
• Some cancers

What are the worst side effects of prednisone? (in India)

Prednisone is an effective oral corticosteroid that is effective in reducing inflammation fast hence asthma, autoimmune diseases, severe allergies and some skin issues. Although it is life-saving, prednisone has a list of side effects, some of which are short-term, reversible, others of which are severe and permanent. Some of the prednisone risks are worth being paid additional attention in India, where prevalence of such an infectious disease as tuberculosis is high, where prevalence of diabetes is high, etc. Below I list the most shameful side effects, why they are important in the Indian context and steps to be taken in practice as you or a doctor should do.

1. Improved infection risk – encompassing TB reactivation.

Prednisone downregulates the immune system. That will reduce your fighting infection levels and may trigger the latent TB (TB) or risks treating the new TB infection which is especially high in a country with a high TB burden like India. Research and Indian authorities are cautious that systemic corticosteroids increase the risk of reactivating TB, especially with an increase in dosage or as a prolonged therapy. In India, clinicians tend to assess the risks of TB and monitor the symptoms before commencing long courses.

2. Excessive blood sugar and diabetes caused by steroids.

Corticosteroids make the liver produce more glucose and rendered the body insulin-resistant. It may trigger a case of steroid-induced diabetes or significantly increase the severity of preexisting diabetes: a significant issue in India where the cases of diabetes are in the lead. Within a few days of taking prednisone, blood glucose may increase; it may need to be carefully monitored with changes in diet or treatment of diabetes (with insulin) begun early.

3. Fractures (corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis) Bone loss.

The prolonged use of prednisone decreases bone formation and causes bone to break faster, leading to a rapid bone loss and risks of fracture. It may occur even in the case of moderate doses when used during months or years. The risk is increased in the elderly and post-menopausal women (and in any case with low calcium/vitamin D), the bone protection (calcium, vitamin D, exercise, and occasionally bisphosphonates is frequently advised with long courses.

4. Psychiatric and cognitive effects

Prednisone may lead to mood changes, insomnia, anxiety, mania, and depression, confusion, and, in uncommon instances, honest psychosis. Acute mood swing (euphoria or irritability) can be experienced at the early stage; depressive syndromes are experienced with chronic use. This can be extreme and can involve psychiatric management or a change in the dose. Families are advised to monitor changes in behaviour suddenly and report them.

5. Heart issues and fluid/electrolyte imbalance.

Prednisone does affect fluid retention, high blood pressure, and potassium and sodium levels – these may exacerbate the heart failure or develop arrhythmias in those who are prone. Prolonged use of steroids is also causing weight gain, central fat distribution, and augmented cardiovascular risk factors as well. Periodical blood-pressure measurement and electrolytes testing are recommended.

Quick reference — table of worst effects (short words/phrases)

Practical advice for people in India

• TB Risk: If you have stayed or have been to the place where TB is very high, inform your doctor who will then screen you (latent TB history of test, chest X-rays) and then prescribe courses of steroids.
• Assess blood level: Have baseline and regular glucose levels when taking prednisone, particularly when you have symptoms and signs of diabetes.
• Vardi et al (2005, p. 18) recommend that when using long-term therapy, bone density testing, calcium and vitamin D consumption, and weight-bearing physical activity should be considered to protect the bones. Talk about bisphosphonate treatment in high-risk.
• Report mental changes: In case there are acute mood swings, heightened hallucinations, gross insomnia, or suicidal thoughts in you or a loved one, then turn to medical assistance immediately.
• Do not pause: It must not be discontinued abruptly without a taper leaving schedule drawn up by your prescriber.

 Prednisone and Tylenol: Is it safe to combine?

Prednisone is also safe to take together with Tylenol because they are not known to interact or not. However, use it as prescribed by your physician or as it is shown on the package.

It is only better to take one new drug at a time to feel the response of one drug first before taking a different one. It is also advisable to see your medical practitioner whenever you mix drugs. The two drugs can interact with other drugs in spite of the fact that they are not associated with each other when used concomitantly.

Side effects of Tylenol

Below are some of the side effects of Tylenol.

• Itchiness
• Blisters
• Hives
• Trouble breathing and swallowing
• Swelling of your face, throat, tongue, or lips

Overdose of Tylenol can cause liver damage and is responsible for an estimated 500 deaths in the U.S., as per some reliable sources. However, liver damage remains rare if you follow the suggested dose.

Signs of liver damage can include:

• Nausea
• Brown urine
• Pale stools
• Pale skin
• Fatigue
• Jaundice (yellow eye whites and skin)
• Loss of appetite
• Pain in your upper right abdomen
• Sweating
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Vomiting

Side effects of prednisone

Overdose of prednisone causes the following side effects.

• restlessness
• weight gain
• sweating more than usual
• digestive problems
• insomnia
• Rare common side effects include:
• high blood pressure
• cataracts
• high blood sugar
• increased appetite
• osteoporosis
• increased risk of infection
• weak skin
• poor wound healing
• suppression of adrenal hormones
• swelling

You may develop severe allergic reactions in some rare cases. If you experience this, consult your doctor immediately.

Conclusion

Prednisone should not interact with Tylenol; furthermore, the two are generally safe. Both medicines, however, can react with various types of drugs.

Take not out of the recommended doses to be taken by either drug. Do not take Tylenol or prednisone with other medications or supplements without consulting your physician.