Prednisone
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA)
WHO Essential Medicine
YES
Known Teratogen
NO
Pharmaceutical Class
Corticosteroid
Controlled Drug Substance
NO
Prednisone
Summary
Prednisone is used to treat conditions like arthritis, severe allergies, asthma, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and certain types of cancer. It can also be used for conditions affecting the lungs, skin, eyes, kidneys, blood, thyroid, stomach, and intestines.
Prednisone works by mimicking the effects of natural corticosteroids in your body. It helps reduce inflammation and suppresses the immune system. This can decrease swelling, redness, and provide relief from symptoms.
The usual daily dose of Prednisone for adults can range from 5 to 60 mg per day, depending on the specific condition being treated. For children, the dose is typically based on body weight and the severity of the condition. Always follow your doctor's specific dosing instructions.
Common side effects of Prednisone include headache, dizziness, insomnia, mood changes, and increased appetite. Serious side effects can include vision problems, infections, and high blood pressure. If you experience serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
Prednisone can suppress the immune system, increasing infection risk. Avoid exposure to infections like chickenpox or measles. It may also cause mood changes, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. Inform your doctor of any existing health conditions before starting Prednisone.
Indications and Purpose
How does one know if Prednisone is working?
The benefit of Prednisone is evaluated through regular medical check-ups and lab tests to monitor the body's response. Your doctor will assess symptom improvement and adjust the dosage as needed to ensure the lowest effective dose is used.
How does Prednisone work?
Prednisone works by mimicking the effects of natural corticosteroids, reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system. It alters the body's immune responses and decreases swelling and redness, providing relief from symptoms.
Is Prednisone effective?
Prednisone is a corticosteroid that effectively reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system. It is widely used to treat conditions like arthritis, severe allergies, and asthma. Clinical trials and extensive use in medical practice support its effectiveness in managing these conditions.
What is Prednisone?
Prednisone is a corticosteroid used to treat conditions like arthritis, severe allergies, and asthma by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system. It replaces natural steroids in the body and alters immune responses to alleviate symptoms.
What is Prednisone used for?
Prednisone is indicated for treating conditions like arthritis, severe allergic reactions, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and certain types of cancer. It is also used for conditions affecting the lungs, skin, eyes, kidneys, blood, thyroid, stomach, and intestines.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Prednisone?
The duration of Prednisone use varies widely depending on the condition being treated. It can be prescribed for short-term use, such as a few days to a couple of weeks, or for long-term use in chronic conditions. Always follow your doctor's guidance on how long to take Prednisone.
How do I dispose of Prednisone?
If you can, bring unused medicines to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of this medicine properly so they don't harm people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw most medicines in the trash at home. But first, take them out of their original containers, mix them with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag and throw it away.
How do I take Prednisone?
Take Prednisone with food to reduce stomach irritation. Follow your doctor's dosing schedule carefully. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they can interact with the medication. Always consult your doctor for personalized dietary advice.
How long does it take for Prednisone to start working?
Prednisone can start working within a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the condition being treated. You may notice symptom improvement shortly after starting the medication, but full effects can take longer.
How should I store Prednisone?
Store Prednisone in its original container, tightly closed, at room temperature away from excess heat and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children. Do not store it in the bathroom. Dispose of unneeded medication through a take-back program.
What is the usual dose of Prednisone?
The usual daily dose of Prednisone for adults can range from 5 to 60 mg per day, depending on the specific condition being treated. For children, the dose is typically based on body weight and the severity of the condition, and should be determined by a healthcare provider. Always follow your doctor's specific dosing instructions.
Warnings and Precautions
Can I take Prednisone with other prescription drugs?
Prednisone can interact with drugs like NSAIDs, anticoagulants, and certain antibiotics, increasing the risk of side effects. Inform your doctor of all medications you are taking to avoid interactions. They may adjust dosages or suggest alternatives.
Can I take Prednisone with vitamins or supplements?
Prednisone can interact with supplements like St. John's wort and certain vitamins. It may affect calcium and potassium levels, so your doctor might recommend supplements. Always inform your healthcare provider about any supplements you are taking.
Can Prednisone be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Prednisone is present in breast milk in small amounts. While no adverse effects have been reported in breastfed infants, high doses for long periods could affect growth and development. Consult your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks while breastfeeding.
Can Prednisone be taken safely while pregnant?
Prednisone can cause fetal harm, including a small risk of orofacial clefts if used during the first trimester. Pregnant women should only use it if necessary and under medical supervision. Discuss potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
Does Prednisone have adverse effects?
Adverse effects are unwanted or harmful effects caused by a medicine. Prednisone can cause several adverse effects, including weight gain, mood changes, high blood pressure, and increased risk of infections. These are relatively common. Rare but serious effects include vision problems and severe allergic reactions, which need immediate medical attention. Always report new symptoms to your healthcare provider and consult them before stopping the medication.
Does Prednisone have any safety warnings?
Prednisone comes with safety warnings. It can weaken your immune system, making you more prone to infections. It may also cause high blood pressure, mood changes, and increased blood sugar levels. Watch for signs like fever, unusual mood swings, or high blood pressure. Always inform your doctor about any new symptoms. Regular monitoring by your healthcare provider is important to manage these risks.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Prednisone?
Most people tolerate Prednisone well, and occasional alcoholic drinks should not affect the way this medicine works. However, alcohol can increase the risk of stomach irritation and other side effects. It's best to limit alcohol consumption while taking Prednisone and consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Prednisone?
Prednisone does not directly limit the ability to exercise, but it can cause side effects like muscle weakness and fatigue, which may affect physical activity. If you experience these symptoms, consult your doctor for advice on managing them while maintaining an exercise routine.
Is it safe to stop Prednisone?
Stopping Prednisone suddenly can be risky, especially if you've been taking it for a long time. It's used for both chronic conditions and temporary relief. Abruptly stopping can lead to withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, body aches, and lightheadedness. In some cases, it can cause serious complications. Always consult your doctor before stopping Prednisone to ensure it's done safely, usually by gradually reducing the dose.
Is Prednisone addictive?
Prednisone is not addictive and does not have habit-forming potential. However, your body can become dependent on it if used for a long time, meaning you might need to taper off slowly rather than stopping suddenly. There are no specific behaviors or warning signs of addiction to watch for. Always follow your doctor's instructions to avoid complications when stopping the medication.
Is Prednisone safe for the elderly?
Elderly patients may experience increased side effects from Prednisone, such as osteoporosis. It's important for older adults to have regular bone density checks and to use the lowest effective dose. Consult your doctor for personalized advice and monitoring.
What are the most common side effects of Prednisone?
A side effect is an unwanted effect of a medicine. Common side effects of Prednisone include weight gain, mood changes, increased appetite, high blood pressure, and trouble sleeping. These effects vary in frequency. It's important to note that new symptoms might not be related to the medicine and could be temporary. Always talk to your healthcare provider before stopping any medication.
Who should avoid taking Prednisone?
Prednisone can suppress the immune system, increasing infection risk. Avoid exposure to infections like chickenpox or measles. It may also cause mood changes, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. Inform your doctor of any existing health conditions before starting Prednisone.