Prednisone is a prescription medication used to treat a wide variety of conditions. It is part of a group of medications known as glucocorticoids, corticosteroids, or simply "steroids" for short.
It is made by numerous manufacturers of generic medications.
Prednisone is part of a group of medications called glucocorticoids. These medicines are a type of corticosteroid, or "steroid" for short. Prednisone is similar to glucocorticoids that occur naturally in the body.
Although glucocorticoids have numerous affects in the body, they are used mostly for their anti-inflammatory or immune-suppressing properties. This drug works for most conditions by decreasing inflammation or suppressing an overactive immune system.
When prednisone is taken for more than a few weeks, the body becomes accustomed to it and begins to make less of its natural steroids. If it is stopped too quickly, the body does not have time to adjust, and dangerous side effects can occur
(see Prednisone Withdrawal).
When and How to Take Prednisone
Some general considerations for when and how to take prednisone include:
- The medication comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth. It can be taken just once a day or several times a day, depending on the condition being treated. If you are taking it just once a day, it is usually best to take it in the morning. Some people take it every other day.
- Taking it too late in the evening may cause difficulty sleeping for some people. If you notice this problem, ask your healthcare provider about taking your dosage earlier in the day.
- It is also available in liquid forms for people who have difficulty swallowing tablets.
- Your dosage should always be taken with food, as it can be irritating to the stomach.
- It should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain even levels of medicine in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Do not take prednisone longer than prescribed, and do not stop taking it suddenly (see Prednisone Withdrawal).
The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition being treated
- The severity of your condition
- Your age and weight
- Other medications you may be taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects include, but are not limited to:
(Click Prednisone Side Effects to learn more about the possible side effects of this drug, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
The following eMedTV articles describe specific side effects of this medication:
Drug Interactions With Prednisone
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking prednisone if you have:
- A systemic fungal infection (a fungal infection affecting the whole body)
- Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- Liver disease, such as liver failure or cirrhosis
- Any signs of an infection
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- An ulcer
- Myasthenia gravis
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure)
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also let your healthcare provider know if you are:
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
Severe or dangerous symptoms are unlikely to occur due to a single excessive dose of prednisone. However, taking too much over long periods of time can cause the following symptoms:
- Increased hair growth
- Acne
- Fluid retention
- Weight gain
- A round face
- Osteoporosis.
Prednisone should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. You should store the tablets or liquid in an airtight container.
Keep this medication and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your prednisone as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Prednisone tablets are available in the following strengths:
- Prednisone 1 mg
- Prednisone 2.5 mg
- Prednisone 5 mg
- Prednisone 10 mg
- Prednisone 20 mg
- Prednisone 50 mg.
Liquid prednisone is available in the following strengths:
- Prednisone solution 5 mg per 5 mL (5 mg per teaspoonful)
- Prednisone solution 5 mg per mL.
Is There a Generic Version of Prednisone?
Since brand-name versions of the drug (sold under the names Deltasone®, Predone®, and Sterapred®) are no longer available, it is fortunate that many different manufacturers have chosen to make generic prednisone products.
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