Prednisone is a prescription medication that can be used to raise levels of corticosteroids in the body. In doing so, it is able to help treat a variety of conditions including arthritis, multiple sclerosis, allergic reactions, and cancer. In the following short article we discuss the brand name, uses, dosage, side effects, warnings, and interactions of prednisone. Learn more about this medication that supports immune system health and reduces swelling.
What is Prednisone?
Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication used to conditions which cause low corticosteroid levels. These conditions include arthritis, severe allergic reactions, multiple sclerosis, and certain conditions that affect the lungs, blood, heart, liver, kidneys, and intestine. Prednisone can also be used to treat certain types of cancer.
Prednisone Brand Name
Prednisone is available as the brand name drugs Deltasone and Prednicot, with Deltasone being the more popular of the two.
Uses of Prednisone
Prednisone can be used to treat several conditions including skin disease, cancer, eye problems, immune system disorders, multiple sclerosis, severe allergic reactions, and arthritis.
How Does Prednisone Work?
Prednisone works by inhibiting the immune system’s response to various diseases. This works to reduce swelling and other symptoms of allergic reactions. The immune system is your body’s defense mechanism against disease, injury, and infection. Prednisone can help lower symptoms brought on by the immune system, such as bruising and swelling.
Prednisone Dosage
Your dosage for prednisone may depend on many factors, including the following:
- Your age
- Your weight
- Strength of dosage
- Time between doses
- Severity of condition
Forms And Strengths
Concentrate: 5mg/mL
Oral Solution: 5mg/mL
Prednisone Dosage For Acute Asthma
Initial Dose: 40-60mg per day for 3-10 days.
Dosage For Glucocorticoid-Responsive Conditions
Initial Dose: 5-60 mg per day in a single dose.
Dosage For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Initial Dose: 10 mg per day added to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.
Prednisone Side Effects
Prednisone does have some associated side effects. Some side effects are more serious and less common than others.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of prednisone may include the following:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Changes in mood
- Bulging eyes
- Acne
- Thin, fragile skin
- Red or purple blotches on skin
- Increased hair growth
- Extreme tiredness
- Weak muscles
- Heartburn
- Increased sweating
If these side effects are mild, they may disappear within a few days. If you have stopped taking your medication and the effects are still present, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious Side Effects
If you are experiencing any of the following serious side effects of prednisone, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Call 911 if you think your symptoms are life threatening.
- Vision problems
- Eye pain
- Seizures
- Depression
- Confusion
- Muscle twitching
- Loss of contact with reality
- Shaking in the hands
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Sudden weight gain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling or pain in stomach
Disclaimer: Here at Manifest Pharmacy, our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history.
What Are the Warnings of Prednisone?
Prednisone may slow growth and development in children. Always consult a doctor or pediatrician before your child takes prednisone.
Prednisone may increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor before taking prednisone if you believe you are at high risk for osteoporosis.
Some patients who have taken prednisone and other related medications have developed a form of cancer called Kaposi’s sarcoma. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking prednisone.
Prednisone Interactions
Some products and medications that may interact with prednisone include aldesleukin, mifepristone, blood thinners such as dabigatran and warfarin, and NSAIDs. This medication can also interfere with certain laboratory tests, causing false results.
Prednisone Dosage, Uses, Brand Name, Side Effects & Warnings Summary
Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication used to conditions associated with low corticosteroid levels, such as arthritis, severe allergic reactions, multiple sclerosis.
Prednisone is available as the brand name drugs Deltasone and Predictor. It comes as an oral solution and concentrates.
Prednisone works by inhibiting the immune system’s response to various diseases. In doing so, it helps to reduce symptoms of disease often exacerbated by the immune system.
