ASPELONE® Oral Liquid is a prescription medicine used in South Africa to treat a wide range of conditions linked to inflammation, allergies, and overactivity of the immune system. It contains prednisolone, a corticosteroid that helps calm the body’s inflammatory response and reduce symptoms such as swelling, redness, pain, and breathing difficulty. Because it is supplied as a liquid, it is especially helpful for children and for adults who struggle to swallow tablets.
This medicine must always be used under medical supervision. While it can be highly effective and sometimes lifesaving, it can also cause side effects if taken incorrectly or for long periods without proper monitoring. Understanding how ASPELONE® works and how to use it safely is essential for patients and caregivers.
What it is and what it is used for
What ASPELONE® is
ASPELONE® is an oral liquid medicine containing prednisolone, a synthetic corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are medicines that act like cortisol, a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol plays a key role in controlling inflammation, immune responses, and the way the body uses sugars, proteins, and fats.
The liquid formulation allows doctors to adjust doses very precisely. This is particularly important in children, where dosing is often based on body weight, and in conditions where doses need to be changed gradually.
Conditions ASPELONE® may be prescribed for
According to the source, ASPELONE® may be used in the treatment of the following conditions:
Allergic conditions
- Severe allergic reactions
- Asthma
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
- Drug-related allergic reactions
- Eczema and other allergic skin conditions
Respiratory conditions
- Bronchial asthma
- Croup in children
- Flare-ups (exacerbations) of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Endocrine disorders
- Adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease)
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Blood and haematological conditions
- Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
- Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
Cancers
- As part of combination treatment in certain leukaemias or lymphomas
Other specialist uses
- Prevention of organ transplant rejection
- Certain infections with severe inflammation, under specialist supervision
Only the conditions listed above are specified in the source. ASPELONE® should not be used for any other purpose unless prescribed by a healthcare professional.
How it works
Prednisolone works by copying the effects of cortisol, a natural hormone that helps control inflammation and immune activity.
In simple terms, it:
- Calms down the body’s immune system when it is overactive
- Reduces the release of chemicals that cause swelling, redness, and pain
- Helps stabilise cells and tissues so they are less easily damaged
- Reduces the release of substances such as histamine, which trigger allergic symptoms
Because it affects the immune system, prednisolone can make infections harder for the body to fight. This is why careful dosing and monitoring are so important.
Who should NOT use this medicine
ASPELONE® is not suitable for everyone. Do not use this medicine without medical advice if any of the following apply.
Do not use if you or your child:
- Are allergic to prednisolone or any of the ingredients in ASPELONE®
- Have an untreated fungal, viral, or bacterial infection
- Have tuberculosis (TB) or have been exposed to TB
Tell your doctor before use if you have:
- High blood pressure or heart disease
- Diabetes, as prednisolone can raise blood sugar levels
- Peptic ulcers or ongoing stomach problems
- A history of frequent or severe infections
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks before prescribing ASPELONE®.
Warnings and precautions
Important safety information
Prednisolone affects many systems in the body. While it can be very helpful, it must be used with care.
Key precautions include:
- Increased risk of infections due to immune suppression
- Possible rise in blood sugar, especially in people with diabetes
- Increased blood pressure with ongoing use
- Effects on bone strength with long-term treatment
Warning: Never stop ASPELONE® suddenly if it has been taken for more than a short course. Sudden withdrawal can cause serious health problems due to adrenal suppression.
Driving, machinery, and daily activities
The source does not specify effects on driving or operating machinery. If you feel unwell, dizzy, or unusually tired while taking ASPELONE®, avoid such activities and speak to your doctor.
Alcohol use
Alcohol-related guidance is not specified in the source. Speak to your healthcare professional for personalised advice.
Pregnancy, planning pregnancy, and breastfeeding
The source states that:
- Prednisolone should be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding only if clearly necessary
- The medicine can cross the placenta
- Small amounts may pass into breast milk
If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor or pharmacist before using ASPELONE®.
Interactions
Prednisolone can interact with other medicines. Always inform your healthcare provider about everything you are taking, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Interactions mentioned in the source include:
- NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen): increased risk of stomach irritation or ulcers
- Vaccines: live vaccines may be unsafe or less effective during steroid treatment
- Antifungal medicines (for example, ketoconazole): may increase steroid levels in the body
- Diabetes medicines: doses may need adjustment because prednisolone can raise blood sugar
- Blood thinners: higher risk of bleeding
No other interactions are specified in the source.
How to take (Step-by-step)
Before taking ASPELONE®
- Shake the bottle well before each dose
- Use a proper measuring syringe or medicine cup
- Never estimate doses using household spoons
When and how to take it
- Take ASPELONE® with food or milk to reduce stomach irritation
- Try to take doses at the same time each day
- If prescribed once daily, take it in the morning to match the body’s natural cortisol rhythm
Missed dose
If a dose is missed:
- Take it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose
- If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed dose
- Do not double the dose
If you are unsure, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Overdose
Overdose instructions are not specified in the source. Seek medical advice immediately if too much has been taken.
Dosing table
Dosage depends on age, weight, condition, and response to treatment. Always follow the doctor’s instructions.
General dosing guidance from the source
| Patient group | Dose range | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Children (mild conditions) | 0.1–0.5 mg/kg/day | 1–2 doses daily | Based on body weight |
| Children (severe inflammation/asthma) | 1–2 mg/kg/day | 1–2 doses daily | Higher doses for acute conditions |
| Adults | 5–60 mg/day | As prescribed | Dose may be reduced gradually |
Note: Long-term treatment usually requires slow dose reduction (tapering).
Possible side effects
Not everyone will experience side effects, but they are more likely with higher doses or long-term use.
Common side effects
- Increased appetite
- Weight gain
- Mood changes such as irritability, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping
- Indigestion or stomach discomfort
- Raised blood pressure
- Higher blood sugar levels
Less common but serious side effects
- Suppression of the body’s natural cortisol production
- Increased risk of infections
- Thinning of bones (osteoporosis)
- Eye problems such as cataracts or glaucoma with long-term use
- Slowed growth in children
- Muscle weakness
- Thinning of the skin or easy bruising
Serious – seek urgent medical help
The source does not list specific emergency symptoms. Seek urgent help if severe reactions or infections develop.
Storage and disposal
- Store below 25°C
- Keep the bottle tightly closed
- Protect from excessive heat and moisture
- Keep out of reach of children
Do not use after the expiry date. Disposal instructions are not specified in the source.
What the medicine contains
- Active ingredient: Prednisolone
- Strength: 15 mg per 5 ml (3 mg per 1 ml)
Information about other ingredients (excipients) is not specified in the source.
Pack information and appearance
- Dosage form: Oral liquid (syrup)
- Pack size: Usually supplied in 100 ml bottles
No further appearance details are specified in the source.
Practical FAQs
Is ASPELONE® safe for infants and toddlers?
Yes, when prescribed by a doctor. Doses are carefully calculated based on body weight.
Should it be taken with food?
Yes. Taking it with food or milk helps reduce stomach irritation.
What if a dose is missed?
Skip it if it is close to the next dose. Never double up.
How quickly does it work?
Improvement may be noticed within hours to days, depending on the condition being treated.
Can it be used with antibiotics?
Yes, but all medicines should be discussed with the doctor to avoid interactions.
Is long-term use safe?
Long-term use requires careful monitoring due to risks such as bone thinning and adrenal suppression.
Zuri is a passionate medical content writer who loves making health information simple and approachable for everyone. She focuses on breaking down complex medical topics into clear, everyday language so readers can truly understand their health and feel confident about the choices they make.
Zuri carefully researches every article using trusted medical sources, clinical guidelines, and verified pharmaceutical information. Her writing is always guided by one goal — to provide accurate, up-to-date, and honest health content that puts patient safety, clarity, and transparency first.