Prednisone is an oral synthetic man-made corticosteroid used for suppressing the immune system and inflammation. It has effects similar to other corticosteroids such as triamcinolone Kenacort methylprednisolone Medrol prednisolone Prelone and dexamethasone Decadron. These synthetic corticosteroids mimic the action of cortisol hydrocortisone the naturally-occurring corticosteroid produced in the body by the adrenal glands. Corticosteroids have many effects on the body but they most often are used for their potent anti-inflammatory effects particularly in those conditions in which the immune system plays an important role. Such conditions include arthritis colitis asthma bronchitis certain skin rashes and allergic or inflammatory conditions of the nose and eyes. Prednisone is inactive in the body and in order to be effective first must be converted to prednisolone by enzymes in the liver. Therefore prednisone may not work as effectively in people with liver disease whose ability to convert prednisone to prednisolone is impaired

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM The initial dose of prednisone varies depending on the condition being treated and the age of the patient. The starting dose may be from 5 to 60 mg per day and often is adjusted based on the response of the condition being treated. Corticosteroids typically do not produce immediate effects and must be used for several days before maximal effects are seen. It may take much longer before conditions respond to treatment. Prolonged therapy with prednisone causes the adrenal glands to atrophy and stop producing cortisol. When prednisone is discontinued after a period of prolonged therapy the dose of prednisone must be tapered lowered gradually to allow the adrenal glands time to recover. See side effects. It is recommended that prednisone be taken with food.

Side effects of prednisone and other corticosteroids range from mild annoyances to serious irreversible damage and they occur more frequently with higher doses and more prolonged treatment. Side effects include retention of sodium salt and fluid weight gain high blood pressure loss of potassium headache and muscle weakness. Prednisone also causes puffiness of the face moon face growth of facial hair thinning and easy bruising of the skin impaired wound healing glaucoma cataracts ulcers in the stomach and duodenum worsening of diabetes irregular menses rounding of the upper back buffalo hump obesity retardation of growth in children convulsions and psychiatric disturbances. The psychiatric disturbances include depression euphoria insomnia mood swings personality changes and even psychotic behavior.

Prednisone suppresses the immune system and therefore increases the frequency or severity of infections and decreases the effectiveness of vaccines and antibiotics. Prednisone may cause osteoporosis that results in fractures of bones. Patients taking long-term prednisone often receive supplements of calcium and vitamin D to counteract the effects on bones. Calcium and vitamin D probably are not enough however and treatment with bisphosphonates such as alendronate Fosamax and risedronate Actonel may be necessary. Calcitonin Miacalcin also is effective. The development of osteoporosis and the need for treatment can be monitored using bone density scans.

Prednisone may interact with estrogens and phenytoin Dilantin. Estrogens may reduce the action of enzymes in the liver that break down eliminate the active form of prednisone prednisolone. As a result the levels of prednisolone in the body may increase and lead to more frequent side effects. Phenytoin increases the activity of enzymes in the liver that break down eliminate prednisone and thereby may reduce the effectiveness of prednisone. Thus if phenytoin is being taken an increased dose of prednisone may be required.

Prednisone is used in the management of inflammatory conditions or diseases in which the immune system plays an important role. Since prednisone is used in so many conditions only the most common or established uses are mentioned here. Prednisone most often is used for treating several types of arthritis ulcerative colitis Crohns disease systemic lupus allergic reactions asthma and severe psoriasis. It also is used for treating leukemias lymphomas idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Corticosteroids including prednisone are commonly used to suppress the immune system and prevent the body from rejecting transplanted organs. Prednisone is used as replacement therapy in patients whose adrenal glands are unable to produce sufficient amounts of cortisol.

Store at room temperature 20-25°C 68-77°F and keep away from moisture.