Community Pediatric Asthma Service

Oral Steroids
Sometimes asthma flare-ups cannot be controlled with your inhaled corticosteroid medicine. You may be prescribed an add-on corticosteroid therapy in a pill or liquid form, often taken for 3-5 days.
Remember to check with your local pharmacy on how to dispose of unwanted/expired medication, including asthma devices.
Oral steroids can...
usually get asthma under control quickly, allowing you to start feeling well sooner. Oral steroids are "add-on" which means these oral medicines are taken in addition to your regular inhaled corticosteroids. Once the flare-up is controlled, you can return to your regular treatment of inhaled corticosteroid medicine. Oral corticosteroids are not usually taken on a regular basis, but are reserved to treat severe asthma flare-ups. Some common names for oral corticosteroids for asthma are Prednisone, Pediapred, or Decadron/ Dexamethasone.

Medicine Tips for Parents
Walk | Run | Play | Breathe
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If you have specific questions, please consult your doctor or appropriate health care professional.