An 80 year old man went to a pharmacy to collect prednisolone tablets that were prescribed by a private doctor he had consulted. He was prescribed 10 mg daily of prednisolone for three weeks. He had forgotten what the doctor said about the medication. 

a) Name TWO common conditions for which prednisolone might be prescribed. (2 marks)

b) How should these prednisolone tablets be taken? (3 marks)

c) If he had forgotten to take a dose, could he take it 12 hours later? Why? (2 marks)

d) If he had flu, should he stop taking these tablets? Why? (2 marks)

e) What infections are more common in patients taking long term steroids? (2 marks)

f) Name FIVE other complications that might occur if prednisolone is taken long term (5 marks)

g) Name THREE other drugs that could be used to reduce the dosage of prednisolone (3 marks)

h) He heard that steroids make you stronger. Would prednisolone increase his muscle strength? (1 mark)