Enteric coated Pred tablets

Just been put on a weeks course of these-does ""enteric coated"" make them less liable to cause acidic side effects??

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pred

Hi, yes my son aged 10 has terrible gastric probs so they give him losec but also they use enteric coated pred to stop irritation of the stomach lining....

Bev

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Thanks Beverley!

[KateMoss]

supposedly but I always took EC pred on top of food - have now switched to uncoated ones because of the e-numbers in the generic ones.

I have had no problems there but I do take lansoprazole (Zoton)

Kate

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Hi

I take enteric coated ones too and i was told they are better on your stomach especially in long-term use. They are a lot easier to take too!!

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I can only say that the first batch dont seem to have had any ill effects-I may be able to have my Glasgow trip after all -YAY !!!

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I'm allergic to the red colourings in the enteric coated ones so have the white non-enteric coated ones instead. I've always taken them straight after breakfast unless I'm started on them in a+e or on the ward but always take my next dose after breakfast. I've never really had any problems with them except if they don't wash down first time they taste awful but not as bad as paracetamol!

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yes, ive had a stomach ulcer due to pred so have to take EC ones if by chance have white ones does increase my stomach acid and refux dispite PPI treatment.

Andrea xx

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The enteric coated prednisolone is commonly prescribed in the belief that compared to the non-coated version, they may minimise gastrointestinal side effects such as reflux and indigestion.

There isn't actually any hard evidence that this is the case, in terms of comparative studies. Of course, that is not to belittle the ancedotal evidence and personal experience of those who have had problems with the non-coated prednisolone. We all know that comparative studies are not the be-all and end-all, and we all have to be our own clinical trial, in a sense, to find out what suits us.

It is hotly debated by the authorities whether prednisolone causes stomach problems on its own, but it will certainly worsen any pre-existing problems and may bring on problems in those who are susceptible. There are often other factors at work such as infection with the ulcer-causing H. pylori bacteria, or use of aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or diclofenac. For this reason, if you are having persistent symptoms such as reflux, heartburn or indigestion, it would be wise to see your GP to get them checked out, rather than just assuming it's the pred.

Other asthma drugs can also cause stomach symptoms, particularly reflux and heartburn - drugs like salbutamol and theophylline, which relax the airways, can also have the effect, particularly at high doses, of relaxing the valve between the stomach and the oesophagus and allowing acid to rise up the oesophagus.

As already mentioned, some people may be unable to take the enteric coated pred because of the colourings in it. Whether you can take enteric coated or not, if you are on long-term pred it seems sensible to try to minimise stomach problems by taking it after food (breakfast, as pred should be taken in the morning) and taking with plenty of water. You could also ask your doctor about taking a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) such as omeprazole or lansoprazole, which reduces acid secretion and protects the lining of the stomach. This should reduce both indigestion and reflux symptoms. Many asthmatics may benefit from being on a PPI anyway, as there is some evidence that redlux may be a factor in uncontrolled asthma.