prednisone

Anti-inflammatory steroid drug

Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid medication used to reduce inflammation and suppress immune system activity.

Doctors prescribe it for a wide range of conditions including asthma, allergies, arthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease.

It's typically taken orally and often in tapering doses, since stopping abruptly after extended use can cause serious side effects.

The doctor put me on prednisone for my flare-up.

Long-term use carries risks including weight gain, bone loss, and mood changes.

pharmacology

corticosteroid

Adrenal-derived inflammation suppressant

glucocorticoidSteroid regulating metabolism, immunity
immunosuppressantAgent reducing bodily defenses
anti-inflammatoryInflammation-reducing agent

synthetic hormone · prescription · dosage · taper · maintenance dose · half-life · bioavailability · metabolite · hydrocortisone · dexamethasone

conditions

rheumatoid arthritis

Autoimmune joint disease

lupusChronic autoimmune disorder
asthmaChronic lung inflammation
COPDChronic obstructive pulmonary disease

psoriasis · Crohn's disease · ulcerative colitis · inflammatory bowel disease · eczema · dermatitis · multiple sclerosis · giant cell arteritis · sarcoidosis · allergic rhinitis

side effects

moon face

Unusually circular facial appearance

weight gainBody mass accumulation
insomniaPersistent inability to rest
mood swingsAbrupt temperament changes

irritability · hyperglycemia · osteoporosis · cataracts · glaucoma · hypertension · edema · thinning skin · bruising · muscle weakness

treatment

short-term

Of limited duration

long-termLasting extended period
taperingProgressive decrease in width
flare-upSudden recurrence of symptoms

remission · morning dose · weaning · discontinuation · rebound · maintenance · acute · chronic · monotherapy · combination therapy

allergy

antihistamine

Drug blocking allergic response

hay feverAllergic rhinitis from pollen
allergic reactionImmune system's hostile response
hivesRaised itchy skin reaction

angioedema · contact dermatitis · allergic asthma · seasonal allergies · epinephrine · allergist · immunotherapy · desensitization · pollen · dander

Categories

Prodrugsvalacyclovir, levodopa, codeine, omeprazole, heroin
transplant immunityallograft, graft rejection, transplant rejection, organ rejection, tissue rejection
medicationspills, Tylenol, capsules, tablets, Xanax
Medicinespill, tablet, aspirin, tablets, penicillin
drugsibuprofen, marijuana, aspirin, meth, cocaine
pharmaceuticalsanalgesics, medicines, anesthetics, pills, acetaminophen

Opposites

mechanism of action

prednisoneimmune booster

Agent strengthening disease defenses

interferon · interleukin-2 · vaccine · immunotherapy · echinacea

inflammatory effect

prednisonehistamine

Allergy-response compound

prostaglandin · cytokine · irritant

drug class contrast

prednisoneantibiotic

Bacteria-killing medication

penicillin · amoxicillin · antiviral · analgesic · antifungal

Family

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G