Prednisone
Generic Name:
Prednisone
Brand Names:
Prednisone is used in a multitude of brand name medicines. Some of these include:
Aerobid, Aerospan, Alvesco, Aristocort, Asmanex Twist, Azmacort, Beclovent, Beconase, Celestone, Cortaid, Cortone Acetate, Cotolone, Decadron, Deltasone, Dermarest, Dexamethasone Intensol, Entocort EC, Flonase, Flovent, Halog, Hydrozone Plus, Qvar, Medrol, Methylpred-DP, Nasacort, Nasonex, Neutrogena T/Scalp, Omnaris, Orapred, Pediapred, Prednicot, Prelone, Pulmicort, Rhinocort, Tri-Nasal, Vancenase and Veramyst
Prednisone Description:
Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication widely used to treat a variety of conditions. It acts similarly to cortisone and hydrocortisone, hormones that aid in the body’s response to stress. By reducing your immune system’s natural response to sickness or injury, prednisone helps reduce inflammation.
Prednisone Side Effects:
Common side effects associated with the use of prednisone include:
- Acne
- Excessive body hair growth
- Increased blood pressure
- Mood swings
- Weight gain
Prolonged use of prednisone may cause additional, more serious side effects.
For more information see our prednisone side effects page.
Prednisone Uses:
Prednisone is used to treat potentially fatal conditions stemming from low corticosteroid levels, such as Addison’s disease. It is also widely used to treat symptoms of other conditions, including but not limited to:
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Lupus
- Multiple sclerosis
- Rashes
- Severe allergic reactions
- Vasculitis
Prednisone Interactions:
Patients should speak with their doctor about the use of any medications, vitamins or supplements before taking prednisone.
The following list includes some of the widely-used medications that may adversely interact with prednisone:
- Anticoagulants
- Antifungals
- Aspirin
- Birth control
- Certain antibiotics
- HIV protease inhibitors
Prednisone Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Prednisone is available in a variety of forms, including oral tablets and syrups, inhalers, nasal sprays, injections and topical creams. Dosages will vary depending on the type of prednisone used and the purpose for which it is prescribed. Your doctor will establish the size and frequency of your dosage depending upon your individual needs. It is important to follow the dosage guidelines established by your doctor.
If you take prednisone orally for a sustained length of time, talk to your doctor before discontinuing use. In some cases, prednisone treatment must be decreased gradually in order to restore the body’s natural ability to produce appropriate amounts of steroid hormones on its own.
Missing a Dose of Prednisone
If you miss a dose of prednisone, contact your health-care provider for instructions.
Prednisone Overdose
While a single episode of prednisone overdose is not expected to result in fatality, contact your doctor if you believe you may have exceeded your recommended dosage.
Prednisone FDA Approval:
February 21, 1955
Prednisone Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
In June of 2001 Pharmacia Corporation announced a recall of Deltasone Tablets (prednisone) due to the possibility that the bottles may have contained 5 mg tablets instead of the purported 10 mg tablets denoted by the product label.
Other Warnings
Prolonged use of prednisone may cause serious side effects such as bone thinning and hypertension. It is important to discuss these risks with your doctor before beginning treatment.
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