Front Desk: 469-391-0070
Prednisone: Side Effects, Dosage, and Uses Overview
Summary of Key Points
Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication frequently prescribed to manage conditions such as asthma, allergic reactions, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. It works by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system. Prednisone is available in various forms and strengths, with dosing customized to the specific condition being treated. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your dosage. You can also connect with one of our providers through telemedicine for personalized care.
Names of Medication
US Brand Name: Deltasone
Generic Name: Prednisone
The generic name refers to the active ingredient in the medication and is listed in parentheses next to the brand name.
Pharmacologic Category
Corticosteroid
Other medications in this category include hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, and dexamethasone.
Prednisone Dosage
Prednisone is prescribed for a wide range of conditions. The dose, frequency, and duration of treatment depend on the specific condition being treated. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and consult them before making any changes to your dose. You can also schedule a telemedicine visit with one of our providers for further guidance.
Prednisone for Asthma
Initial dose: 40-60 mg per day, taken once daily or divided into two doses.
Duration: Typically 3-10 days, depending on the severity of the asthma flare-up.
Prednisone for Allergic Reactions
Initial dose: 5-60 mg per day, depending on the severity of the reaction.
Duration: Short-term use, usually 1-2 weeks.
Prednisone for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Initial dose: 5-10 mg per day.
Duration: Long-term use may be required, but the dose should be tapered as symptoms improve.
Prednisone for Lupus
Initial dose: 5-60 mg per day, depending on the severity of the disease.
Duration: Long-term use may be necessary, with the dose adjusted based on symptoms.
Prednisone for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Initial dose: 40-60 mg per day.
Duration: Typically 1-2 weeks, followed by a gradual taper.
Prednisone for Multiple Sclerosis
Initial dose: 200 mg per day, taken for 1 week.
Duration: Short-term use, usually followed by a taper.
Prednisone for Psoriasis
Initial dose: 5-60 mg per day, depending on the severity of the condition.
Duration: Short-term use, with the dose tapered as symptoms improve.
Prednisone for Eczema
Initial dose: 5-60 mg per day, depending on the severity of the flare-up.
Duration: Short-term use, usually 1-2 weeks.
Prednisone for Organ Transplant Rejection
Initial dose: 10-100 mg per day, depending on the type of transplant and the risk of rejection.
Duration: Long-term use may be required to prevent rejection.
Prednisone for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Initial dose: 40-60 mg per day, taken for 5-7 days.
Duration: Typically short-term use during exacerbations.
Dosage Forms and Strengths
Tablets: 1 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 50 mg
Oral solution: 5 mg/5 mL, 5 mg/mL
Delayed-release tablets: 1 mg, 2 mg, 5 mg
Administration Instructions
Prednisone should be taken with food to help prevent stomach upset. It is typically taken once daily in the morning, but your doctor may adjust your schedule based on your condition. If prescribed a higher dose, your doctor may recommend splitting it into two smaller doses. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and do not stop taking prednisone abruptly, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Contraindications for Prednisone
A contraindication is a medical condition or factor that makes it unsafe to take a particular medication. If you have any of the following conditions, you should not take prednisone, or you may need to take it with caution. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication, including prednisone.
Systemic Fungal Infections: Prednisone can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight infections. If you have a systemic fungal infection, taking prednisone could worsen the infection.
Allergy to Prednisone: If you have had an allergic reaction to prednisone or any of its ingredients, you should not take this medication, as it could cause severe allergic reactions such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling.
Live Vaccines: If you have recently received a live vaccine, prednisone can interfere with your immune system’s response, making the vaccine less effective and increasing your risk of infection.
Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure: Prednisone can cause fluid retention and raise blood pressure. If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, taking prednisone could worsen your condition.
Peptic Ulcers: Prednisone can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, especially if you have a history of ulcers or are taking other medications that irritate the stomach lining.
Prednisone Drug Interactions
Prednisone can interact with other medications, potentially causing harmful effects or reducing the effectiveness of either prednisone or the other drug. Below is a list of some medications that may interact with prednisone:
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve) – Combining these with prednisone can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.
Blood Thinners: Warfarin (Coumadin) – Prednisone can affect how well your blood clots, so taking it with blood thinners may increase the risk of bleeding or clotting issues.
Diabetes Medications: Metformin (Glucophage), Insulin – Prednisone can raise blood sugar levels, making diabetes harder to control. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust your diabetes medication dosage.
Antifungal Medications: Ketoconazole (Nizoral) – This medication can increase the amount of prednisone in your bloodstream, raising the risk of side effects.
Antibiotics: Rifampin (Rifadin) – This drug can decrease the effectiveness of prednisone by speeding up how quickly it is broken down in the body.
Prednisone in Pregnancy
Is it safe to take Prednisone when pregnant?
Prednisone is classified as a Category C drug during pregnancy, meaning there is not enough research to definitively confirm its safety. Some studies suggest a potential link between Prednisone use and an increased risk of birth defects, particularly when taken during the first trimester. However, in certain situations, the benefits of using Prednisone may outweigh the risks, especially when managing serious conditions like lupus or asthma. It is crucial to consult your healthcare provider before taking Prednisone if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Prednisone while Breastfeeding
Is it safe to take Prednisone while breastfeeding?
Prednisone can pass into breast milk, but the amount transferred is typically low and unlikely to harm a breastfeeding infant. However, if you are on high doses or require long-term use, your healthcare provider may recommend monitoring your baby for potential side effects, such as poor weight gain or irritability. Always discuss your options with your healthcare provider before starting Prednisone while breastfeeding.
Estimated Cost of Prednisone Medication
The cost of Prednisone can vary depending on the dosage and the pharmacy. Without insurance, a 30-day supply of 5 mg tablets generally ranges between $10 and $15 when using a GoodRx coupon. Prices may differ, so it’s a good idea to check with your pharmacy or use a discount service like GoodRx to find the best deal.
Possible Alternatives to Prednisone
If you are taking Prednisone for any of the following conditions, alternative treatments or lifestyle changes may be available. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan. You can also schedule a telemedicine appointment with one of our providers to explore your options.
- Asthma: Alternatives include inhaled corticosteroids like Fluticasone (Flovent) or lifestyle adjustments such as avoiding triggers like smoke or allergens.
- Allergic Reactions: Antihistamines like Loratadine (Claritin) or Cetirizine (Zyrtec) may be suitable alternatives. Avoiding known allergens is also essential.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like Methotrexate or biologics like Adalimumab (Humira) may be considered. Physical therapy and regular exercise can also help manage symptoms.
- Lupus: Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) or immunosuppressants like Azathioprine (Imuran) are often used as alternatives. Sun protection and stress management can also play a role in controlling symptoms.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Biologics like Infliximab (Remicade) or lifestyle changes, such as adopting a low-residue diet, may help reduce symptoms.
- Multiple Sclerosis: Disease-modifying therapies like Interferon beta (Avonex) or Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone) may be alternatives. Regular exercise and physical therapy can also support symptom management.
- Psoriasis: Topical treatments like Calcipotriene (Dovonex) or biologics like Ustekinumab (Stelara) may be effective alternatives. Moisturizing and avoiding skin irritants can also help manage flare-ups.
- Eczema: Topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors like Tacrolimus (Protopic) may be considered. Keeping your skin well-moisturized and avoiding triggers like harsh soaps can also help.
- Organ Transplant Rejection: Immunosuppressants like Cyclosporine (Neoral) or Tacrolimus (Prograf) are often used as alternatives to Prednisone.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Inhaled bronchodilators like Tiotropium (Spiriva) or lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, can be alternatives to Prednisone.
Recent Updates on Prednisone Research
Recent studies have focused on minimizing the side effects of long-term Prednisone use, particularly in patients with chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Researchers are exploring ways to reduce Prednisone dosages while maintaining its effectiveness. Additionally, new corticosteroid formulations are being developed that may offer fewer side effects compared to Prednisone. Ongoing research is also investigating the use of Prednisone in combination with other medications to improve outcomes in conditions such as multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease.
As research continues to evolve, staying informed about the latest findings is important. If you have questions about your treatment plan or are interested in exploring new options, consider scheduling a telemedicine appointment with one of our providers today.
