Introduction

Prednisone is a corticosteroid medicine (a type of steroid) that mimics the effects of hormones your body naturally produces in the adrenal glands. It is not an antibiotic — instead, it reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system.

Composition

• Active ingredient: Prednisone
• Available in tablet, liquid, and sometimes injectable form.
• Dosage strength usually ranges from 1 mg to 50 mg tablets.

Uses

Prednisone is prescribed for many inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including:

• Asthma and allergic reactions
• Rheumatoid arthritis and joint pain
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
• Skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis)
• Certain cancers (to reduce inflammation and side effects of chemotherapy)
• Organ transplant patients (to prevent rejection)
• Severe COVID-19 or pneumonia (to reduce lung inflammation, under medical supervision)

Side Effects

Like other steroids, side effects depend on dose and duration of use.

Short-term side effects:

• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Mood changes, anxiety, insomnia
• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
• Stomach upset

Long-term side effects (chronic use):

• Cushingoid appearance (round face, fat deposition)
• Osteoporosis (weak bones)
• Increased risk of infections (due to suppressed immunity)
• High blood pressure
• Cataracts and glaucoma
• Thinning skin, easy bruising
• Muscle weakness

⚠️ Important: Prednisone should never be stopped suddenly after long-term use; it must be tapered gradually under a doctor’s guidance to prevent adrenal crisis.

Famous Brand Names

Common global and regional brand names include:

• Deltasone
• Rayos
• Prednisolone (a closely related drug, sometimes considered interchangeable)
• Winpred
• Meticorten

In Pakistan/India you may also find brands like:

• Prednicort
• Wysolone
• Predmet

Here’s comparison table of Prednisone with other commonly used corticosteroids