MedDataToolPrednisone is a medication used to treat various conditions, including certain hormonal disorders, arthritis, severe allergies, skin diseases, and some eye and respiratory issues. It works by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system to help manage these conditions. You typically take it as a tablet, starting with a dose between 5 mg and 60 mg per day, depending on your specific condition, and the maximum dose can vary based on your needs. It's important to know that prednisone can mask signs of infection, so you should be cautious if you have an infection or are exposed to one. Additionally, if you are on this medication, you should avoid vaccinations against smallpox, as it may affect your immune response.
✦
Uses
- Adrenal insufficiency.
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
- Hypercalcemia associated with cancer.
- Nonsuppurative thyroiditis.
- Psoriatic arthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
- Ankylosing spondylitis.
- Acute bursitis.
- Acute nonspecific tenosynovitis.
- Acute gouty arthritis.
- Post-traumatic osteoarthritis.
- Synovitis of osteoarthritis.
- Epicondylitis.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Systemic dermatomyositis.
- Acute rheumatic carditis.
- Pemphigus.
- Bullous dermatitis herpetiformis.
- Severe erythema multiforme.
- Exfoliative dermatitis.
- Mycosis fungoides.
- Severe psoriasis.
- Severe seborrheic dermatitis.
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis.
- Perennial allergic rhinitis.
- Bronchial asthma.
- Contact dermatitis.
- Atopic dermatitis.
- Serum sickness.
- Drug hypersensitivity reactions.
- Allergic corneal marginal ulcers.
- Herpes zoster ophthalmicus.
- Anterior segment inflammation.
- Diffuse posterior uveitis.
- Choroiditis.
- Sympathetic ophthalmia.
- Allergic conjunctivitis.
- Keratitis.
- Chorioretinitis.
- Optic neuritis.
- Iritis.
- Sarcoidosis.
- Loeffler’s syndrome.
- Berylliosis.
- Pulmonary tuberculosis.
- Aspiration pneumonitis.
- Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
- Secondary thrombocytopenia.
- Acquired hemolytic anemia.
- Erythroblastopenia.
- Congenital hypoplastic anemia.
- Leukemias.
- Lymphomas.
- Ulcerative colitis.
- Regional enteritis.
- Acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis.
- Tuberculous meningitis.
- Trichinosis with neurologic involvement.
◷
Dosage
Initial dose varies from 5 mg to 60 mg daily.
Adjust based on disease severity and response.
Maintain or adjust until satisfactory response is achieved.
Gradually reduce dose after favorable response.
Monitor for changes in clinical status.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
⚠
Side effects
Common
Fluid retentionSodium retentionMuscle weaknessPeptic ulcersThin skinIncreased sweatingIncreased blood pressureOsteoporosisCataractsHeadachesMenstrual irregularitiesConvulsionsIncreased risk of infections
🛑
Warnings
⚠ Important warnings
- Increase dosage during unusual stress.
- May mask signs of infection.
- Prolonged use may cause cataracts.
- Use cautiously in pregnancy.
- Avoid vaccinations while on corticosteroids.
- Careful observation needed in tuberculosis cases.
- Children on immunosuppressants are more susceptible to infections.
Ask about this drug
Answers pulled from the FDA label only.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).