prednisone: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Prednisone is a systemic glucocorticoid and a prodrug of prednisolone. It is most commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation and suppress immune activity in serious allergic, inflammatory, autoimmune, respiratory, skin, eye, gastrointestinal and blood conditions. Prednisone is available as a generic medicine and requires a prescription in the United Kingdom.

Prednisone is used for many conditions where inflammation or excessive immune activity needs controlling. These include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, lupus, severe psoriasis, dermatitis, severe allergic conditions, asthma and inflammatory diseases affecting the eye. It is also indicated for some endocrine disorders, sarcoidosis, pulmonary tuberculosis when used with appropriate antituberculous chemotherapy, blood disorders, leukaemias and lymphomas, nephrotic syndrome, ulcerative colitis, regional enteritis and selected other conditions.

The label also lists use for certain infections or inflammatory complications, including trichinosis with neurological or myocardial involvement and tuberculous meningitis when used with appropriate antituberculous chemotherapy. Treatment depends on the condition and the clinical response.

Prednisone belongs to the systemic glucocorticoid class and is converted in the body to prednisolone, its active form. Glucocorticoids enter cells and influence the activity of genes involved in inflammation and immune responses. This reduces the release of inflammatory substances and lowers the movement and activity of immune cells in affected tissues.

As a result, swelling, redness, irritation and other inflammation-related symptoms may improve. The same immune-suppressing action can reduce the body's resistance to infections and may mask some signs of infection. Glucocorticoids also affect the body's natural adrenal hormone system, particularly when treatment is prolonged or withdrawn too quickly.

The label lists oral solution at 5 mg/5 mL and oral concentrated solution at 5 mg/mL. The label lists tablets of 1 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 50 mg. The label lists delayed-release tablets of 1 mg, 2 mg, and 5 mg.

The usual starting dose is 5 mg to 60 mg per day, depending on the condition being treated and the response. The label lists morning administration prior to 9 am for single-dose treatment, with multiple doses distributed at evenly spaced intervals. The label states that dosage is individualised, may be adjusted after response, and is reduced gradually when long-term treatment is stopped.

The label states that treatment should not be stopped abruptly. Gastric irritation may be reduced when administration occurs before, during, or immediately after meals, or with food or milk.

A missed dose can reduce the intended anti-inflammatory effect. General missed-dose advice is to follow the prescriber's or pharmacist's instructions and avoid taking extra doses to compensate unless specifically advised.

Prednisone should not be stopped abruptly, particularly after long-term treatment, because withdrawal can cause adrenal insufficiency. If several doses are missed, advice from a pharmacist or doctor is appropriate before treatment is changed.

Corticosteroids have caused developmental abnormalities in several animal species, including an increased incidence of cleft palate in offspring. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Prednisone should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Infants born to mothers who received substantial corticosteroid doses during pregnancy should be carefully observed for signs of hypoadrenalism. The label does not specify lactation data, so pregnancy or breastfeeding should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.

Store the tablets in a tight, light-resistant container at 20°C to 25°C, equivalent to 68°F to 77°F. Keep the medicine away from moisture and out of the reach of children. Follow the label's storage directions to maintain quality.