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This is an information resource — not medical advice.

PillCodex provides general educational information about medications. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never start, stop, or change a medication based on what you read here. Always speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medications.

🚨 If you are experiencing a medical emergency or think you may have taken too much of a medication, call emergency services (911 in the US) or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

Corticosteroid🔒 Prescription only

What Is Prednisone Used For?

Brand names: Deltasone, Rayos

Prednisone is a powerful corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system in a wide range of conditions.

What is Prednisone used for?

  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Asthma flare-ups
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Lupus and autoimmune diseases
  • Multiple sclerosis relapses
  • Severe skin conditions

How does Prednisone work?

Prednisone is converted to prednisolone in the liver, which suppresses inflammation by blocking inflammatory chemicals (prostaglandins, cytokines) and immune system activity.

Dosage information

💊Available forms
  • 1mg tablets
  • 2.5mg tablets
  • 5mg tablets
  • 10mg tablets
  • 20mg tablets
  • +2 more
📏Typical dosage

Highly variable: 5–60mg per day depending on condition. Often started high and tapered down. Short courses (3–10 days) are common for acute conditions.

⚠️ Dosage varies by individual. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions — never self-dose based on general information.

Side effects

Common

  • Increased appetite and weight gain
  • Mood changes (irritability, anxiety)
  • Insomnia
  • Increased blood sugar
  • Stomach upset
  • Facial flushing
  • Acne

⚠️ Serious — contact your doctor

  • Adrenal suppression (long-term — body stops making its own cortisol)
  • Osteoporosis (bone thinning)
  • Increased infection risk
  • Cushing's syndrome
  • Avascular necrosis
  • Cataracts and glaucoma

Important warnings

NEVER stop suddenly after more than 2 weeks — must be tapered gradually
Increases infection risk — avoid sick people
Monitor blood sugar
Take with food to reduce stomach upset
Carry a steroid card if on long-term treatment

Drug interactions

These substances may interact with Prednisone. This is not a complete list — always tell your doctor and pharmacist ALL medications and supplements you take.

NSAIDs (GI bleeding risk)Diabetes medicationsBlood thinners (warfarin)Live vaccines (avoid)AntifungalsRifampin

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

🤰 Use only if benefits outweigh risks — discuss with your doctor

Always consult your doctor or obstetrician before taking any medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions

What is prednisone used for?

Prednisone reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system in conditions like severe allergies, asthma, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Why must I taper off prednisone?

Long-term use suppresses your adrenal glands which produce cortisol. Stopping suddenly causes adrenal crisis — a life-threatening emergency. Tapering gives glands time to recover.

Does prednisone cause weight gain?

Yes — commonly causes weight gain through increased appetite, fluid retention, and fat redistribution. Short courses cause less weight gain than long-term use.

Can prednisone affect my mood?

Yes — commonly causes euphoria, irritability, anxiety, or depression. These improve as the dose is lowered. Contact your doctor if mood changes are severe.

Can I take prednisone on an empty stomach?

Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset and ulcer risk. Taking it in the morning mimics the body's natural cortisol release.

Related medications

💊IbuprofenNSAID💊OmeprazoleProton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)💊CetirizineSecond-Generation Antihistamine
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This is an information resource — not medical advice.

PillCodex provides general educational information about medications. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never start, stop, or change a medication based on what you read here. Always speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medications.

🚨 If you are experiencing a medical emergency or think you may have taken too much of a medication, call emergency services (911 in the US) or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

Information on this page is sourced from general pharmaceutical references and is provided for educational purposes only. Drug information may change — always verify with your pharmacist or prescriber. PillCodex.com is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.