Prednisone

Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid medication that is commonly used to treat a variety of conditions, including inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.

What is Prednisone Used For?

• Rheumatoid arthritis: to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms such as pain and stiffness
• Asthma: to reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma attacks
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): to reduce inflammation and improve lung function
• Psoriasis: to reduce skin inflammation and relieve symptoms such as itching and redness
• Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease: to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and relieve symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain
• Other conditions, such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and certain types of cancer

How Does Prednisone Work?

Prednisone works by mimicking the effects of cortisol, a hormone produced naturally by the adrenal gland. It reduces inflammation by suppressing the immune system's response to inflammation, which can help to relieve symptoms and prevent tissue damage.

Forms and Dosage

Prednisone is available in several forms, including:

• Tablets: typically taken orally once or twice a day
• Solution: a liquid form of the medication that can be taken orally
• Injectable: given by injection into a muscle or vein

The dosage of prednisone varies depending on the condition being treated and the individual patient's response to the medication. Typical dosages range from 5-60 mg per day, and may be taken for a short period (e.g., several days) or long-term (e.g., several months or years).

Side Effects

Prednisone can cause a variety of side effects, including:

• Weight gain
• Mood changes (e.g., anxiety, depression)
• Insomnia
• Increased appetite
• Acne
• Thinning skin
• Osteoporosis (with long-term use)
• Cataracts (with long-term use)
• Glaucoma (with long-term use)

Interactions and Contraindications

Prednisone can interact with other medications, including:

• Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin)
• Diabetes medications (e.g., insulin)
• High blood pressure medications (e.g., beta blockers)

Prednisone is contraindicated in patients with:

• Fungal infections
• Tuberculosis
• Hypersensitivity to prednisone or other corticosteroids

Special Precautions

Prednisone can cause a range of serious side effects, including:

• Adrenal insufficiency (when the body's natural production of cortisol is suppressed)
• Cushing's syndrome (a condition caused by excess levels of cortisol in the body)

Patients taking prednisone should be monitored closely for signs of these conditions, and should not stop taking the medication abruptly without consulting their doctor.