Redipred (liquid prednisolone) is a corticosteroid commonly prescribed for acute asthma, croup, and severe allergic reactions in children. This page is a quick clinical reference for paediatric dosing — including a weight-based dosing chart, indications, and FAQs commonly asked by parents and Australian prescribers.
Standard Redipred Dose by Indication
- Acute asthma exacerbation: 1 mg/kg orally once daily for 3 days (max 50 mg/day)
- Severe asthma: 2 mg/kg on day 1 (max 60 mg), then 1 mg/kg daily for 2 more days
- Mild croup: 1 mg/kg as a single oral dose
- Moderate to severe croup: 1 mg/kg, may repeat once after 12 hours
- Anaphylaxis follow-up: 1 mg/kg orally after adrenaline, daily for up to 3 days
Redipred Paediatric Dosing Chart (1 mg/kg)
Redipred contains 5 mg of prednisolone per mL (6.72 mg/mL of prednisolone sodium phosphate, equivalent to 5 mg of prednisolone). The chart below converts a child’s weight to the standard 1 mg/kg dose:
| Child weight | Dose (1 mg/kg) | Volume of Redipred |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kg | 5 mg | 1.0 mL |
| 6 kg | 6 mg | 1.2 mL |
| 8 kg | 8 mg | 1.6 mL |
| 10 kg | 10 mg | 2.0 mL |
| 12 kg | 12 mg | 2.4 mL |
| 14 kg | 14 mg | 2.8 mL |
| 15 kg | 15 mg | 3.0 mL |
| 18 kg | 18 mg | 3.6 mL |
| 20 kg | 20 mg | 4.0 mL |
| 22 kg | 22 mg | 4.4 mL |
| 25 kg | 25 mg | 5.0 mL |
| 28 kg | 28 mg | 5.6 mL |
| 30 kg | 30 mg | 6.0 mL |
| 35 kg | 35 mg | 7.0 mL |
| 40 kg | 40 mg | 8.0 mL |
| 50 kg+ | 50 mg (max single dose) | 10.0 mL |
2 mg/kg (Severe Asthma Day 1) Dosing Chart
| Child weight | Day 1 dose (2 mg/kg) | Volume of Redipred |
|---|---|---|
| 10 kg | 20 mg | 4.0 mL |
| 15 kg | 30 mg | 6.0 mL |
| 20 kg | 40 mg | 8.0 mL |
| 25 kg | 50 mg | 10.0 mL |
| 30 kg+ | 60 mg (max) | 12.0 mL |
What Is Redipred?
Redipred is the brand name for liquid prednisolone (also known as liquid prednisolone sodium phosphate). It is a synthetic corticosteroid widely used in Australian general practice and emergency medicine for short-term anti-inflammatory treatment, particularly in children where the liquid form is easier to administer than tablets.
Each millilitre of Redipred contains 6.72 mg of prednisolone sodium phosphate, which is biologically equivalent to 5 mg of prednisolone. A 30 mL bottle therefore contains 150 mg of prednisolone in total — enough for several doses in a typical paediatric course.
Liquid Prednisolone vs Prednisone
Prednisolone and prednisone are closely related corticosteroids. Prednisone is converted to prednisolone in the liver and the two are dosed identically. Australian guidelines and PBS listings refer specifically to prednisolone, which is what Redipred contains. The terms “liquid prednisolone” and “liquid prednisone” are often used interchangeably by parents and online searches, but Redipred is liquid prednisolone (the active form).
Storage and Administration
- Store unopened bottles below 25°C, protected from light
- Refrigerate after opening (2–8°C)
- Discard 3 months after opening (check the bottle for the exact in-use shelf life)
- Use the marked dosing syringe or dispenser provided to ensure accurate volumes
- Can be given with or without food. Giving with food may reduce stomach upset
- Strawberry flavour generally makes administration easier in young children
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dose of Redipred for a 20 kg child?
For acute asthma, 1 mg/kg = 20 mg = 4 mL of Redipred once daily for 3 days. For severe asthma, the day 1 dose is 2 mg/kg = 40 mg = 8 mL, then 4 mL on days 2 and 3.
What is the dose of Redipred for a 12 kg child?
1 mg/kg = 12 mg of prednisolone, which is 2.4 mL of Redipred (since Redipred contains 5 mg/mL). For severe asthma the day 1 dose would be 24 mg or 4.8 mL.
How is the dose of Redipred calculated?
Redipred is dosed in milligrams of prednisolone per kilogram of the child’s body weight. The standard dose for acute asthma is 1 mg/kg up to a maximum of 50 mg (10 mL). Redipred contains 5 mg of prednisolone per mL, so the volume in mL = the child’s weight in kg ÷ 5.
How many days of Redipred are needed for an asthma attack?
The standard course is 3 days at 1 mg/kg once daily. Tapering is not required for short courses of 7 days or less because the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is not significantly suppressed.
Can Redipred be given with food?
Yes — and giving it with food can reduce the small risk of stomach upset. There is no significant interaction with food that affects absorption.
What is the maximum daily dose of Redipred for children?
50 mg per dose for the standard 1 mg/kg regimen, or 60 mg on day 1 for the 2 mg/kg severe asthma regimen. Always check current Therapeutic Guidelines (Paediatrics) for the most up-to-date guidance.
What are the side effects of Redipred?
Short courses (3–7 days) are generally well tolerated. Some children may experience temporary mood changes, increased appetite, hyperactivity, mild stomach upset, or sleep disturbance. These resolve once the course is complete. Longer courses or repeated courses carry a higher risk of side effects and should be reviewed by a doctor.
Is Redipred on the PBS Prescriber Bag (Item 157)?
No. Redipred is not included on the current PBS Prescriber Bag (Item 157) determination. The Prescriber Bag includes injectable hydrocortisone (100 mg and 250 mg) for emergency corticosteroid administration, but oral prednisolone preparations like Redipred are dispensed as standard PBS prescriptions instead. DoctorsBagOnline supplies Redipred 30 mL as a separate item from the Prescriber Bag — see our complete PBS Prescriber Bag medication list for the full Item 157 contents.
Order Redipred for Your Practice
Australian-registered prescribers can order Redipred 30 mL as a single supply item through DoctorsBagOnline. View the Redipred 30 mL product page, or browse our complete PBS Prescriber Bag medication list to see what is included on the Item 157 determination.