Mission Pharmacal Company Introduces Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Oral Solution 25mg/5mL

SAN ANTONIO, March 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- For years, physicians have prescribed Prednisolone (pred NIS oh lone) in a 15 mg/5 mL standard as a rescue medicine to treat severe asthma attacks, especially in children.  Unfortunately, its taste has been so unpleasant the patient often vomits after swallowing the medication and resists further usage.  Mission Pharmacal Company has recently introduced a new flavored Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Oral Solution 25mg/5 mL in specific markets in the United States, with plans to have the medicine available nationally as early as April 2013.

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This new liquid oral solution has a "yummy" grape taste and the higher strength means lower volume for pediatric patients.  Its 40 percent less volume compared to the 15mg formula translates to ease in administration to children.  And its 8 oz. bottle provides greater flexibility in prescribing.

Dr. Dennis E. Dilley, medical director of Dilley Allergy & Asthma Specialists, LLP and a board-certified allergist/immunologist, says, "Kids actually take the medicine easily.  There's no need to force it.  They don't spit it out.  And there's no need for parents to 'chase' it with a cookie or cracker.  Its palatability means the medicine can actually be given and taken in the prescribed dosage.  An easy-to-follow chart accompanies the medicine and is very helpful."

Asthma is a disorder that causes the airways of the lungs to swell and narrow, leading to wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.  Asthma is caused by inflammation in the airways.  When an asthma attack occurs, the muscles surrounding the airways become tight and the lining of the air passages swells.  This reduces the amount of air that can pass by.[i]  As many as seven million children in the United States have asthma.  This means that for one or two kids out of 10, breathing can sometimes be difficult.  Asthma is hereditary and can surface at any age, in an infant or an adult, but is most common in school-age kids.[ii]  Medications for asthma are classified as "rescue" or "controlling."

"We are excited to offer Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Oral Solution 25 mg," states Clint Corwin, Senior Director Pediatric Rx Products at Mission Pharmacal Company.  "We're pleased to provide a rescue medicine for those suffering an asthma attack that has a pleasant taste so kids don't balk when needing it.  The stronger formulation aids in patient compliancy."                 

Mission Pharmacal's Pediatric Sales Team is supporting the product with an aggressive, multifaceted marketing program directed to prescribing physicians and other healthcare providers, pharmacies, and patients.  Patients prescribed Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Oral Solution will be offered a coupon through their physician's office to be redeemed at the pharmacy when the prescription is filled.  This savings coupon will result in a copay similar to the cost of a generic that has the 15mg strength.  For more information about this product, visit prednisolone25.com.

About Mission Pharmacal Company

Mission Pharmacal Company is a privately held pharmaceutical company based in San Antonio, Texas.  For more than 65 years, the company has been committed to meeting the unique healthcare needs of women throughout all stages of life, pediatric patients, and those persons dealing with urologic and dermatologic conditions.  The company has a proven track record of identifying unmet healthcare needs and developing both innovative prescription and over-the-counter products to meet these needs.  Using only the purest ingredients and FDA-approved methods of manufacturing, Mission Pharmacal provides physicians and consumers with the highest quality pharmaceutical and dietary supplement products on the market today.  Mission Pharmacal is a proud national supporter of the March of Dimes Foundation®*, whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.  For more information about the company, visit missionpharmacal.com.

[i] A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia. National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda MD, 20894 USA

[ii] http://kidshealth.org

*March of Dimes does not endorse specific products or brands.  March of Dimes is a registered trademark of the March of Dimes Foundation.

SOURCE Mission Pharmacal Company