Prednisone: Uses, Side Effects, and How to Take It Safely
Prednisone is a corticosteroid medicine that reduces inflammation and suppresses an overactive immune system. It is used for many conditions, including asthma, arthritis, allergies, skin disorders, and certain autoimmune diseases. The dose and treatment duration depend on the condition being treated and your response to the medicine.
Take prednisone exactly as prescribed, and do not stop suddenly without medical guidance. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects, worsening symptoms, or concerns about interactions.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- H02AB07
- Generic
- Prednisone
- Class
- corticosteroid
- Brands
- Deltasone
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 3
- Onset (min)
- 240
- Duration (h)
- 24
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- blood-glucose, blood-pressure, bone-density, adrenal-suppression
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; glucocorticoids may increase risk of cleft lip/palate in first trimester
regular fetal monitoring, ultrasound assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh risks; monitor for gestational diabetes and preeclampsia
blood glucose monitoring, blood pressure monitoring, fetal growth monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment typically required
prednisone passes into breast milk in small amounts; generally considered compatible with breastfeeding but use lowest effective dose
monitor infant for signs of adrenal suppression if high doses used
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsdose based on weight and disease severity
use cautiously; long-term use may affect growth and development; monitor growth curves and bone density
regular growth monitoring, bone density assessments, adrenal function testing
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart with lower dose, use shortest duration
use with caution due to increased susceptibility to side effects; monitor for osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension
regular blood pressure, blood glucose, bone density monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild moderateno major adjustment typically required
no specific dose adjustment needed; monitor fluid and electrolyte balance
monitor renal function, electrolytes
hepatic_impairment
moderate severemay require dose reduction
prednisone is metabolized in liver; use with caution in hepatic impairment; may need dose adjustment
monitor liver function, adrenal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval date for Prednisone
Drug class
Pharmacological classification of Prednisone
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, asthma, and allergic reactions
Mechanism of action
Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects through gene expression modulation
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy