Adults: 5–60 mg/day orally (single or divided doses)
Children: 0.5–2 mg/kg/day orally
Note: Use lowest effective dose and taper gradually.
Route of Administration
Oral
Mechanism of Action
Prednisone is converted in the liver to prednisolone, which suppresses inflammation and immune responses by inhibiting cytokine production, leukocyte migration, and capillary permeability.
Common Adverse Effects
Increased appetite and weight gain
Gastric irritation
Mood changes, insomnia
Hyperglycemia
Fluid retention
Serious Adverse Effects
Adrenal suppression
Increased risk of infections
Hypertension
Osteoporosis
Peptic ulcer disease
Contraindications
Systemic fungal infections
Live vaccines during high-dose therapy
Known hypersensitivity to prednisone
Precautions
Diabetes mellitus
Hypertension
Peptic ulcer disease
Tuberculosis (latent or active)
Long-term use requires gradual tapering
Drug Interactions
NSAIDs – increased risk of GI bleeding
Antidiabetic drugs – reduced efficacy
Rifampicin, phenytoin – reduced steroid levels
Live vaccines – reduced immune response
Pregnancy & Lactation
Use only if benefit outweighs risk. Small amounts are excreted in breast milk.