Health Library

Prednisone (By mouth)

Prednisone (PRED-ni-sone)

Treats many diseases and conditions, especially problems related to inflammation. This medicine is a corticosteroid.

Brand Name(s):

Rayos, predniSONE Intensol

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet, Delayed Release Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
• Swallow the delayed-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how prednisone works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Aminoglutethimide, amphotericin B, carbamazepine, cholestyramine, cyclosporine, digoxin, isoniazid, ketoconazole, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or rifampin
  • Birth control pills
  • Blood thinner (including warfarin)
  • NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib)
  • Diuretic (water pill)
  • Insulin or other diabetes medicine
  • Medicine to treat infections (including azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or if you have kidney problems, heart failure, high blood pressure, a recent heart attack, diabetes, glaucoma, osteoporosis, thyroid problems, mental health problems (including depression), or stomach or bowel problems (including ulcer or diverticulitis). Tell your doctor if you have an infection (including herpes eye infection, tuberculosis, or threadworm). Also tell your doctor if you have a recent exposure to chickenpox or measles.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of infection
  • Adrenal gland problems
  • Changes in mood or behavior
  • High blood pressure
  • Eye problems or changes in vision (including cataracts or glaucoma)
  • Bone problems (including osteoporosis)
  • Slow growth in children
  • Muscle problems (with high doses, especially if you have myasthenia gravis or similar nerve and muscle problems)
  • Increased risk for cancer (including Kaposi's sarcoma)
• This medicine may raise your blood sugar level, especially in people with diabetes.
• If you use this medicine for a long time, tell your doctor about any extra stress or anxiety in your life, including other health concerns and emotional stress. Your dose might need to be changed for a short time while you have extra stress.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Dark freckles, skin color changes, coldness, weakness, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, weight loss
• Depression, unusual thoughts, feelings, or behaviors, trouble sleeping
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
• Muscle pain or weakness
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or red or black stools
• Skin changes or growths
• Trouble seeing, eye pain, headache
• Increased hunger or thirst, increase in how much or how often you urinate

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Increased appetite
• Round, puffy face
• Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024