Empty capsule size

[Patience47]

Can anyone tell me what empty capsule size would work best with prednisone. So many brands and sizes! I take 1,5, and 10 MG. Currently taking 10 & 5 mg - 15 MG total.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Edward

[SheffieldJane]

Sorry Edward I don't understand the question. It's probably me. My Pred comes in small white pills of 1 mg, and 5 mg.

[piglette in reply to SheffieldJane]

Hi Sheffieldjane, you can buy empty pill capsules and grind up your tablets and put them in the capsule. This could protect your stomach a bit. Several people on this forum do actually do that.

[SheffieldJane in reply to piglette]

Thanks, I didn't know that. Is that in America?

[piglette in reply to SheffieldJane]

You can buy the empty capsules on Amazon, so I suppose they are available everywhere. People started using capsules when 1mg enteric coated pred tablets were not available or their doctor refused to prescribe coated pills and they felt they would help stomach problems.

[Patience47 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Sorry, it was a bit ambiguous. Piglet I believe explained it much better. Enteric prednisone is not available in the US, so I am going to try putting the prednisone tabs. In a blank or empty capsule so it will bypass my stomach; thus, reducing stomach acid and abdominal pain.

Sorry for my goofy post.

Edward

[Judyliz in reply to Patience47]

Hi Edward,

My GP has now prescribed enteric coated/gastro resistant tablets for me, I really do sympathise with you.

My understanding is that you can use a pill cutter and just pop the smaller pieces in the capsules. If you find it difficult to swallow large tablets go for a smaller size capsule and use 2 or more.

I do seem to remember a post from PMRpro many moons ago telling us that there is some evidence that not as much of the drug is absorbed lower down the gut. Those of us expecting the same effect might need a slightly higher dose when taking gastro resistant tablets.

I have had to up mine by 5 mgs to get the same level of symptom relief.

I am sure PMRpro will correct me if I am giving you duff information.

Good luck with that. I will be interested to know what size you settle on.

Judy

[Patience47 in reply to Judyliz]

Judyliz, I don't have a problem swallowing pills. I need empty capsules to bypass my stomach due to acid reflux.

Thanks, Edward

[piglette in reply to Patience47]

Good luck Edward. You can always get larger capsules initially as you will then know the pill will fit. The fact there is extra air in it should not make any difference. The capsules are pretty cheap so your next lot can be smaller if they are too big.

[Patience47 in reply to piglette]

Thanks

[tuningup]

It is very clear that Prednisone is not to be crushed as it is time released..if you could put the pills in a capsule whole I think that's ok.. I'm not sure what benefit you feel you will get from placing Prednisone in a capsule..the capsule will disolve and it will still be in your stomach..it may even slow down the absorbance...I know Prednisone is bitter..my son puts his in applesauce and he takes high tapering doses often and hates the bitter taste.? well that's my opinion about crushing Prednisone..I wouldn't do it.. have a great day

[Bj2016 in reply to tuningup]

Only enteric-coated pred should not be cut. It is fine to cut up the uncoated type. Sorry I can't help with the capsule sizes.

[Patience47 in reply to Bj2016]

Thanks

[Patience47 in reply to tuningup]

Not going to do it before talking to my gastroenterologist. My prednisone has no taste at all, but are not enteric.

Gastroenterologist wants to talk to me first, so I will know more then.

Tuningup, appreciate your post and warning. Edward

[Patience47 in reply to tuningup]

Going to consult gastroenterologist first. My prednisone doesn't taste bad.....at least to me. Thanks for your advice.

Edward

[Jo_Lyn]

Patience47 I remember the post you are referring to. I wish I could remember who was mentioning it. I do remember they were getting the empty capsules from Amazon. I wish I could offer you more information

If I recall more I will let you know. I hope someone can help you!

JoLyn

[Patience47 in reply to Jo_Lyn]

Thanks

[Jo_Lyn]

Edward, your post "Gastritis" has the information you are looking for I think. It was Zofitmogelijk who replied with the capsule information.

I hope this helps!

JoLyn

[Patience47]

Zofitmogelijk is the one. Thank you so very much Jolyn. Hope you have a definitive diagnosis now.

Edward

[Zofitmogelijk]

Hi always a headache, I might have written somewhere that I use a 2 centimeter capsule, you can fill that one easily with 10 Mg prednison that has seen a Mill. If you need more let us say 15 Mg you might want to fill two capsules. It is the size fitting the smallst capsule filler I sent you a you tube links for. It is not scientific, but I assume that grinded Pred is better absorberd ‘down below’.

[Patience47 in reply to Zofitmogelijk]

Thanks for this information as it will be a big help to me. Sorry it took so long to get back to you. Today has been a bit hectic. You are greatly appreciated. Edward

[Hidden in reply to Patience47]

Hi, I used to use empty capsules and first bought size 00 and as dose reduced smaller ones usually 0. Hope this helps!

[Patience47]

Whisper 2003, thank you so much. Yes, this definitely helps.

Edward