Prednisone belongs to the class of medications called corticosteroids. It is used to treat a number of conditions. It is more commonly used to treat allergic reactions, some skin conditions, severe asthma, and arthritis. It can also be use to treat steroid deficiency in the body, certain blood disorders, certain types of cancer, and ulcerative colitis. It works by reducing swelling, inflammation, and irritation.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

The dose of prednisone varies greatly according to the condition being treated and circumstances of person being treated. Take prednisone with food to avoid stomach upset. If this medication has been taken for extended periods, do not stop taking it without talking with your doctor. Under these circumstances, the dose of the medication should be reduced gradually according to your doctor's instruction.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is very important to take this medication regularly, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without first talking with your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

has an allergy to prednisone or any of the ingredients of the medication

has an internal fungal infection

is to be administered live virus vaccine (applies to people taking large immunosuppressive doses of prednisone only)

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication.

If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor. Your health professional may be able to help you deal with some of the effects.

The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medicine; check with your doctor if they continue or become bothersome.

increased appetite

indigestion

nervousness or restlessness

Less common or rare:

darkening or lightening of skin colour

dizziness or lightheadedness

flushing of face or cheeks

hiccups

increased sweating

sensation of spinning

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

decreased or blurred vision

frequent urination

increased thirst

Rare:

confusion

depression

excitement

false sense of well-being

hallucinations

mistaken feelings of self-importance or of being mistreated

mood swings (sudden and wide)

restlessness

skin rash or hives

The following side effects may occur if you take this medicine for a long time. Check with your doctor if any of the following side effects occur:

abdominal or stomach pain or burning (continuing)

acne

bloody or black, tarry stools

changes in vision

eye pain

filling or rounding out of the face

headache

irregular heartbeat

menstrual problems

muscle cramps or pain

muscle weakness

nausea

pain in arms, back, hips, legs, ribs, or shoulders

reddish-purple lines on arms, face, groin, legs, or trunk

redness of eyes

sensitivity of eyes to light

stunting of growth (for children)

swelling of feet or lower legs

tearing of eyes

thin, shiny skin

trouble sleeping

unusual bruising

unusual increase in hair growth

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

weight gain (rapid)

wounds that will not heal

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Diabetes: Cortisone causes blood glucose to increase. Therefore, high blood sugar may occur, glucose tolerance may change, and diabetes mellitus may worsen. People with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar closely, and talk to their doctor about any abnormalities.

Electrolytes: If you take large doses of prednisone, you may need to restrict your salt intake and take potassium supplements. Check with your doctor about whether you need any supplements while you are on this medication.

Eye problems: Prolonged use of prednisone may cause glaucoma with possible damage to the optic nerves or it may produce cataracts. It may also increase the risk of eye infections due to fungi or viruses. People with herpes simplex of the eye may be at a higher risk of an eye injury called corneal perforation. If you have herpes simplex of the eye, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

Fertility: For some men, steroids such as prednisone may increase or decrease motility and number of sperm.

Fungal infections: This medication may worsen internal fungal infections and therefore should not be used if you have such an infection.

Infections: This medication may mask some signs of infection, and new infections may appear during their use.

Medical treatment: Inform all doctors that you go to that you have been using prednisone.

Osteoporosis: Long term use of prednisone increases the risk of osteoporosis (brittle bones).

Reducing dose: When stopping the use of this medication after having used it for a prolonged period, reduce the dose slowly as prescribed by your doctor.

Unusual stress: People who take prednisone who are subjected to any unusual stress should increase the dosage of prednisone before, during, and after the stressful situation as prescribed by their doctor.

Withdrawal syndrome: Following prolonged treatment with prednisone, the withdrawal of the medication may result in symptoms of the corticosteroid withdrawal syndrome including fever, muscle and joint pain, and malaise.

Pregnancy: If you are or may be pregnant, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

Breast-feeding: If you are breast-feeding, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication. If you take high doses of prednisone, your doctor may advise you not to nurse.

Children: The growth and development of infants and children who take this medication for a prolonged period of time should be carefully monitored.

The following medications may affect the way that prednisone works or increase the risk of side effects:

barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital)

birth control pills

cyclosporine

erythromycin

estrogens

ethacrynic acid

fluconazole

furosemide

itraconazole

ketoconazole

miconazole

phenytoin

rifabutin

rifampin

thiazides

anticholinesterase medications (e.g., neostigmine, pyridostigmine)

anti-diabetes medications

cyclosporine

digoxin

isoniazid

NSAIDs (e.g., naproxen, ibuprofen)

salicylates (e.g., ASA)

vaccines or toxoids

warfarin

If you are taking any medications containing this drug, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

stop taking one of the medications,

change one of the medications to another,

change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or

leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription) and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or illegal drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.