Side Effects Of Prednisone

Nausea And Vomiting

Although they are not common side effects of prednisone, some individuals may experience nausea and vomiting. Prednisone and other corticosteroids are known to cause certain changes in the linings of a patient's stomach and small intestine. A process referred to as prostaglandin biosynthesis takes place in a healthy individual's stomach and small intestine when the contents of the organs reach a pH level that is too low. Prostaglandin biosynthesis induces a response that increases the alkalinity of the contents of the stomach and small intestine. Without this alkaline response, the mucosal barrier in the lining of an individual's stomach and small intestine can become increasingly eroded due to the high acidity of their contents. Moderate to high doses of prednisone over some time can cause the inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis, leading to increased acidity in the stomach and small intestine that produces significant damage to the tissues that should be protected by the mucosal layer in their linings. With a compromised mucosal layer and inflamed tissues, the stomach and small intestine are unable to digest and absorb food properly. Nausea and vomiting can occur due to the extensive inflammation of these digestive components, overgrowth of bacteria, or fermentation of stagnated food.

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