Investigation of a case of prednisolone malabsorption

Malabsorption of prednisolone administered as enteric coated tablets was suspected following therapeutic failure in an asthmatic. This was investigated by cortisol estimation and a Synacthen test and substantiated by the demonstration of abnormally low absorption of prednisolone from these tablets which nevertheless were normally absorbed by a volunteer. The absorption of prednisolone from conventional tablets in this patient was normal.