Prednisone Uses

Rheumatic disorders, blood disorders, and respiratory disorders are some of the conditions that can be treated with prednisone. Uses of the medication may also include the treatment of multiple sclerosis and gastrointestinal disease. The drug generally works by decreasing inflammation or suppressing an overactive immune system. From time to time, prednisone can also be used for "off-label" purposes (such as for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, seizures, or carpal tunnel syndrome).

What Is Prednisone Used For?

Prednisone is a prescription medication used for the treatment of a wide variety of conditions. It is part of a group of medications known as glucocorticoids, corticosteroids, or simply "steroids" for short. Specifically, prednisone has been licensed for the treatment of the following conditions:
 
 
Preferably, prednisone is used short-term to treat these conditions until other treatments can help control symptoms. However, some people need to take prednisone indefinitely.
 
(Prednisone Uses Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
Other Articles in This eMedTV Presentation