This article is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or use the medication guide.

Prednisone Information

What is Prednisone?

Prednisone is a synthetic (human-made) drug in a classification of medicines called corticosteroids (or steroids). This drug is used to treat different conditions, including breathing problems, arthritis, severe allergic reactions, blood disorders, lupus, immune system disorders, and certain types of cancer.

Prednisone and other steroids work by suppressing the body’s immune response to foreign substances. This helps in reducing inflammation symptoms and allergic-type reactions, including asthma and arthritis.

Prednisone for dogs and cats is used to treat or manage various conditions, such as spinal cord trauma, CNS disorders, and hemolytic anemia.

Prednisone was discovered by Arthur Nobile in the 1950s and later approved for use in the USA in 1955. The FDA has not yet approved Prednisone otc (over-the-counter), you can buy Prednisone only through a health caregiver’s prescription.

Prednisone brand name

Prednisone is currently available as a generic drug only. Some years back, generic Prednisone was also sold as a brand name drug called Deltasone. However, the FDA has since discontinued this and other tradenames listed below;

• Deltasone
• Rayo
• Prednisone Intensol
• Sterapred
• Sterapred DS

Prednisone Dose Pack and Strengths

Prednisona is available in the following forms and strengths:

Prednisone tablets

• 1 mg
• 2.5 mg
• 5 mg
• 10 mg
• 20 mg
• 50 mg

Prednisone Delayed-release tablets

• 1 mg
• 2 mg
• 5 mg

Prednisone Oral Solution

• 5mg/5ml

Prednisone Concentrate

• 5mg/5ml

How to take Prednisone: Proper use

Your doctor will determine the Prednisone dosage, frequency, and length depending on your condition and symptoms. Your doctor is probably going to advise you to take your dose at certain times of the day. Do not take or give Prednisone without prescription even if you have the symptoms listed here. This may cause unforeseen Prednisone adverse effects. Always follow the directions keenly to reap the benefits of Prednisone.

Prednisone medication is taken orally before or after a meal. It tends to cause stomach upsets in some patients, so you might want to take it on a full stomach using water or milk.

If you’re using Prednisone 20mg tablet, swallow it with a glass of water without crushing it in the mouth. Prednisone 5 mg delayed tablets should be swallowed full too.

If you’re administering Prednisone dosage for kids, your doctor will prescribe the oral solution or concentrate of this drug. For either of these, use an approved marker, spoon, or dropper to measure the required dosage. For the oral concentrate, you may mix it with water, flavored liquids, juice, or soft food to increase acceptance.

It’s crucial to take this drug around the same time every day to increase its effectiveness. If you’re taking it more than once every day, it pays to create a reminder, for instance, on your phone, so you don’t forget.

Importantly, as indicated in the Prednisone Davis pdf, the best time to take Prednisone (Deltasone generic) is in the morning. This helps align the therapy with the body’s secretion of cortisol.

Prednisone injection is also available. The doctor will inject it into the muscles, veins, or into a swollen joint. When injecting into a painful joint, Prednisone injections should be limited to a maximum of 3-4 per year per joint.

Weaning Off Prednisone

Do not stop taking this medication abruptly even if you feel better as Prednisone withdrawal symptoms may escalate if the drug is stopped suddenly. When coming off Prednisone, ask your doctor or pharmacist to offer you a Prednisone taper chart. A Prednisone taper dose helps you wean off the drug smoothly and comfortably.

For instance, if you’re taking Prednisone 20 mg, a Prednisone taper schedule will guide you on how to reduce the dosage gradually until you’re off it. This eliminates the need for Prednisone withdrawal remedies.

Dosing: Normal Dose of Prednisone

Prednisone dose for inflammation

Adults

• Low dose Prednisone is sufficient for most types of arthritis. Prednisone 20 mg tablet may be necessary for others.

Kids

• 0.5-2 mg/kg/day orally. Do not exceed 80 mg/day

How long for Prednisone to work for inflammation? As long as the prescribed dosage is adequate, you may experience the results within a few hours or in 1-4 days.

Prednisone for Asthma dosage

Adults

• 40-60 mg/day orally in single or double doses administered in 12-hour intervals.

Kids

• 11 years and below- 1-2 mg/kg/day orally. Can be given as a single dose or into 2 dosages in two 12-hour intervals.
• 12 years and above- 40-60 mg/day orally in one or 2 doses given in 12-hour intervals for 3-10 days.

Prednisone for Asthma dose shouldn’t exceed 80 mg per day for both adults and kids.

Nephrotic syndrome in kids

• 2 mg/kg/day orally (Prednisone maximum dosage per day is 80mg)

Prednisone for Pneumonia

Adults

• Initial dose: 5-60 mg/day individualized according to patient’s response
• Maintenance dose: maintain or adjust the first dose depending on the response

Kids

11 years and below

• Initial dose- 1 mg/kg orally every 12 hours for 5 day
• Maintenance dose- 0.5-1 mg/kg/ orally every 12 hours for another 5 days. After 5 days, give 0.5 mg/kg orally daily for 11-21 days.

12 years and above

• Initial dose- 40 mg orally every 12 hours for 5 day
• Maintenance dose- 40 mg orally every 24 hours for 5 days. After 5 days, give 20 mg every 24 hours for 11 days.

Missed dose

If you’ve missed your daily dose of Prednisone, take it when you remember during the day if it’s not close to your next dose. Never double your Prednisone dosage to make up for a skipped dose.

Prednisone overdose

It’s possible to overdose on Prednisone, and this may alter the patient’s heart rhythm. If you’ve overdosed and are experiencing any of the Prednisone symptoms listed below, contact the Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222. However, if the patient has collapsed and isn’t responding, call 911 for emergency care.

Symptoms of Prednisone overdose

• Itchy skin
• Deafness
• Convulsion
• Worsening symptoms of diabetes and ulcer
• Nervousness
• Muscle weakness
• Sleepiness
• Psychosis (severe loss of contact with external reality)

Prednisone Uses: What is Prednisone used for?

Prednisone is among the most prescribed corticosteroids today due to its multiple uses. Here are some of its uses. Note that your doctor may prescribe it for other uses not listed here;

• Aspiration pneumonia
• Acute asthma
• Asthma maintenance
• Bursitis

Severe allergic reactions

• Some types of arthritis
• Lupus
• Eye problem
• Temporary hear loss (within 1-2 weeks)
• Lung disease
• Gastrointestinal problem
• Some types of cancer
• Skin problems, including acne
• Kidney problem
• Multiple sclerosis
• Thyroid problem
• Thrombocythemia
• Serum sickness
• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
• Osteoarthritis
• Psoriasis
• Intractable migraine

How long does it take for Prednisone to work?

Prednisone is a quick-acting drug. Most patients may experience relief from the condition being treated a few hours after administering the medication. In general, Prednisone works in 1-4 days.

How long does Prednisone last?

Prednisone half life is 3-4 hours. This is the time that it takes for the body to reduce a particular drug’s concentration in the plasma by half. The body removes drugs from the system in about 5.5 half lives. As such, you can expect Prednisone to be out of your body entirely in 16.5 to 22 hours.

Before using Prednisone

• Tell your doctor if you’re allergic to any of the inactive ingredients in Prednisone or other medication
• Mention any other prescription, OTC, herbal or non-herbal medications that you’re currently taking. See our section on Prednisone drug interactions for medications that you shouldn’t fail to mention.
• Let your doctor know whether you’re pregnant or are planning to conceive. If you get pregnant mid-therapy, consult your doctor for further advice.
• Tell your doctor if you’re breastfeeding.
• If you’re scheduled for any type of surgery, let the doctor know that you’re currently on Prednisone medication.
• Keep in mind that Prednisone lowers your immunity, so you’ll need to stay away from sick people. Particularly, keep a safe distance when interacting with people who have measles and chickenpox. Consult your doctor if you believe that you may have been exposed to these diseases.

Allergic response to Prednisone

It’s rare for most people to have an allergic response to Prednisone. However, like other corticosteroids, it may trigger an allergic reaction to some people, and the symptoms may be life-threatening. Tell your doctor if you experience any of the following severe Prednisone side effects;

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling on your face, throat, and tongue
• Skin rash

Prednisone interactions

There are over 480 and 25 medical conditions with Prednisone reactions, some of which we’ve highlighted below. We didn’t list all the medicines and diseases that interact with Prednisone here, so enquire from your doctor before mixing this drug with any other medication.

Drugs that interact with Prednisone

• Aspirin
• Aspirin Low Strength
• Aleve
• Blood thinners
• Meloxicam
• Lasix
• Symbicort
• Xanax
• Naproxen
• Advair Diskus

Diseases and Medical Conditions that interact with Prednisone

• Vaccination
• Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
• Cirrhosis
• Diabetes
• GI Perforation
• Liver disease
• Fluid retention
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Myopathy
• Osteoporosis
• Scleroderma
• Depression
• Psychosis

Prednisone and Pregnancy

Prednisone is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that there is evidence that the use of the drug during pregnancy may affect fetal development. However, it may be used for its potential benefits, especially when dealing with an aggressive disease. Prednisone 20mg dosage or lower is considered generally safe during pregnancy.

Prednisone breastfeeding

Is Prednisone safe for lactating mothers? Well, Prednisone and breastfeeding studies show that this drug has no adverse impacts on breastfeeding infants with maternal use. However, it’s recommended to keep the dosage low. Where a high dose is necessary, experts advise using Prednisolone instead of Prednisone and waiting for 4 hours after a treatment before breastfeeding.

Pediatric

Prednisone is considered safe for kids when treating different conditions, including Acute asthma, inflammation, and Nephrotic Syndrome. Dosage is calculated based on years and weight. Consult your doctor before using this drug to prevent adverse Prednisone side effects in kids.

Prednisone warnings

• Don’t take this drug if you’ve had an allergic reaction to it before.
• For seniors, consider starting with a low Prednisone dosage. High doses may force your heart, kidneys, and liver to work extra hard.
• Prednisone lowers your immunity. If your immune system is compromised already, taking this drug may increase your susceptibility to new infections.
• Prednisone causes a spike in blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, you must monitor your levels carefully.
• If you’re expectant, take Prednisone only if the benefits exceed the potential risks.

Prednisone side effects short term

Common side effects of Prednisone include;

• Nausea
• Headache
• Trouble sleeping (Prednisone insomnia)
• Vomiting
• Weight gain
• Acne
• Thinning skin

Rare but Serious Prednisone side effects

Consult your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms;

• High blood sugar
• Depression
• Mood swing
• Eye pain
• Changes in vision
• Fever
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Sore throat
• Severe allergic response (symptoms include hives, itching, skin rash, and swelling on your face, lips, and tongue)

How long does Prednisone side effects last?

The effects of Prednisone should wear off completely 7 days after the last dose. However, keep in mind that people metabolize drugs at different rates. So, the effects may last relatively longer or shorter than this depending on your rate of drug metabolism.

How to counteract Prednisone side effects

Here are a few ways to minimize the side effects of Prednisone;

• Start with lower doses.
• Ask your doctor for a gradual Prednisone taper schedule when weaning off the drug to avoid Prednisone withdrawal symptoms.
• Take vitamin D and calcium supplements.
• Ask your doctor whether it’s possible to switch to non-oral Prednisone alternatives.
• Stay away from sick people and wash your hands regularly during therapy.

Proper Storage of Prednisone

Follow the storage instructions on the package carefully. Do not store Prednisone in the bathroom. Prednisone tablets and delayed-released tablets should be stored at room temperature away from direct light and heat. Oral solutions and concentrate may be stored in the fridge but should not be frozen. Always put drugs away from children.

Prednisone price

This medication is generally much more affordable than other comparable drugs, and it gets even cheaper with a Prednisone coupon. The best price for Prednisone 10 mg tablet is around $4 for a 10-tablet dosage. However, this Prednisone cost could get as high as $22, depending on the store. On the other hand, with the best coupon for Prednisone, you can get the same Prednisone pack at $3 to $5.

Prednisone Mechanism of Action- What does Prednisone do?

After administration either orally or through injection, Prednisone is metabolized in the liver where it’s converted into its active metabolite- Prednisolone. This drug works by suppressing the movement and action of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes are a type of white cells that release certain enzymes during an infection, asthma, and allergic reaction. Prednisone also works by suppressing the immune system, so that symptoms of diseases or allergic reactions don’t show.

Prednisone for other conditions

Prednisone for sore throat

Studies show that Prednisone may help in relieving pain fast when used alongside antibiotics and analgesics (pain killers). However, it’s not recommendable to use Prednisone regularly for sore throat.

Prednisone headache

A commonly asked question is, “can Prednisone cause headaches?” The answer is yes. Headache is one of Prednisone side effects, especially when therapy has been prolonged. However, this medication is also prescribed to shorten an intractable migraine or rebound headaches.

Prednisone for hives

If antihistamines aren’t helping with your chronic hives, corticosteroids, such as Prednisone may be prescribed to calm the immune system. However, this is only used as a short-term remedy as long term Prednisone use may be harmful.

Prednisone constipation

Does Prednisone cause constipation? Yes, Prednisone 20 mg side effects include constipation due to water retention.

Prednisone for Allergies

One of the common uses for Prednisone is to help in managing stuffiness, itchiness, and runny nose due to allergies.

Prednisone for Bronchitis

Short-term Prednisone therapy may be used to minimize inflammation in the bronchial tubes. However, in a commonly cited study, bronchitis patients treated with 40 mg Prednisone for 5 days didn’t show any significant improvement from the placebo. For that reason, the researchers recommend Prednisone 40 mg when the bronchitis is due to asthma. Initial Prednisone dosage for bronchitis may range from 5-60 mg daily depending on severity.

Prednisone acne

Isotretinoin therapy is the common choice in managing extreme acne blowouts. However, a short course of Prednisone is often used first to control severe acne inflammation.

Prednisone for ear infection

Prednisone and other steroids are often prescribed to restore hearing within the first 2 weeks of hearing loss due to an infection. For kids, the Prednisone dosage for ear infection is 1 mg/kg/day for 5 to 7 days. Note that there’s no evidence that Prednisone may improve long-term hearing loss.

Prednisone for Sinusitis

A short therapy of Prednisone may be prescribed to offer relief from sinusitis. When using Prednisone for sinus infection, one suggested course is to take Prednisone 20mg dosage twice daily for 4 days. You should then follow this initial dose with a single 20mg dosage daily for 4 days and then stop.

Prednisone for Cough

How long does Prednisone take to work for cough? Prednisone will help with coughing, but this is only used to relieve the symptoms, not as a treatment. The recommended Prednisone dosage for cough is 20-40 mg/day for 5 to 7 days.

Prednisone Diarrhea

Can Prednisone cause diarrhea? Yes, diarrhea is one of the common side effects of Prednisone. Amazingly, a high dose of this drug is also suggested for severe diarrhea induced by immunotherapy. However, when using this drug and others in Prednisone classification for grade 3-4 diarrhea, it’s critical to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to avoid Prednisone overdose.

Prednisone and diabetes

Like other steroids, Prednisone can cause a sudden increase in blood sugar levels by upsetting insulin balance, especially with higher dosages. Prolonged Prednisone usage can exacerbate the symptoms in people with diabetes.

What is considered long term Prednisone use? A Prednisone therapy that lasts over 3 months is rated long term. Long-term Prednisone use is recommended for rheumatoid arthritis and related diseases. Prednisone 10 mg or even lower dosage is prescribed when this medication is to be used for a few months or years. High doses (Prednisone 50 mg and above) are occasionally prescribed for short-term use only.

Prednisone for Eczema

Oral or injectable Prednisone may occasionally be used to control inflammation due to severe eczema cases. However, most health care experts don’t often recommend this use of Prednisone as eczema effects may return, often worse, after discontinuing the Prednisone therapy.

Prednisone for sciatica

Does Prednisone help with pain resulting from a herniated disc? It might not help with pain, but it boosts functionality. In a research study, a group of sciatica patients treated with a 5 day Prednisone dosage using Prednisone 60 mg followed by a 40mg 5-day dosage, and 20mg 5-day dose did not show any difference in pain reduction from the placebo. However, there was a reduction in overall disability. The authors argued that as the patients’ functionality improved, they became more active, thereby leading to continued pain.

Does Prednisone cause weight gain?

Prednisone weight gain occurs due to an interference with the body’s water and electrolyte balance; the body retains sodium and loses potassium. This leads to weight gain by increasing fluid retention, increased appetite, and altering body fat distribution.

The issue of Prednisone and weight gain is more common in prolonged therapies consisting of high doses of this drug. Otherwise, the probability of Prednisone weight gain 5 days is relatively low.

Prednisone weight loss

If you’re on a long-term therapy, how to get rid of Prednisone water weight is going to be your first concern during and after the medication. You can prevent Prednisone-induced water retention by staying active and drinking more water. Also, choosing fiber-rich carbohydrates, such as whole-wheat pasta over refined ones, will help a lot. It would be best if you also considered having more belly-filling foods, including vegetables in your diet.

Prednisone alcohol

Can you drink on Prednisone? Drinking on Prednisone may not be fatal. However, keep in mind that each of these can irritate the lining of the stomach leading to peptic ulcers. That’s to say that mixing Prednisone and alcohol is likely to exacerbate the injuries.