Prednisone
Drug class
- Corticosteroid
Generic name
Prednisone, prednisolone
Safety
Efficacy
Convenience
Indications
Approved as an anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressant agent for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
How it works
Quickly lowers inflammation (swelling) and induces remission.
Drug interactions
Aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. Some medications may need dose adjustments, such as anticoagulants, antifungals, and diabetes medications.
Pre-treatment screening tests
Liver function tests, mental health conditions, other health conditions.
Tests during screening
Blood pressure, blood glucose, electrolytes, weight, intraocular (eye) pressure, and bone mineral density.
Route of administration
Frequency
4 or more times a day, depending on formulation
Side effects
High blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, weight gain, acne, rounding of face (moon face), insomnia (trouble sleeping), mood swings.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to prednisone or any component of the formulation; administration of live or live attenuated vaccines with immunosuppressive doses of prednisone; systemic fungal infections.
Safety information
Signs of a allergic reaction, like face swelling, fainting, dizziness, hives, shortness of breath, pancreatitis, high blood sugar, chest pain, throwing up, unexpected bruising or bleeding.