Prednisone (or brands such as Rayos or Deltasone) is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat the symptoms of low corticosteroid levels in the body. Prednisone is also used to treat other conditions in patients with normal corticosteroid levels and suffering from high inflammation in the body.
According to Mayo Clinic, “Prednisone provides relief for inflamed areas of the body. It is used to treat a number of different conditions, such as inflammation (swelling), severe allergies, adrenal problems, arthritis, asthma, blood or bone marrow problems, endocrine problems, eye or vision problems, stomach or bowel problems, lupus, skin conditions, kidney problems, ulcerative colitis, and flare-ups of multiple sclerosis. Prednisone is a corticosteroid (cortisone-like medicine or steroid). It works on the immune system to help relieve swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions.”
Prednisone comes in the form of an oral tablet, delayed-release tablet, as a solution (liquid), and as a concentrated solution to take by mouth. Prednisone is usually taken with food one to four times a day or once every other day.
Key Takeaways
Prednisone is used as a way of treating low corticosteroid levels (cortisol) and also issues related to high amounts of inflammation in the body.
An average initial oral dose of Prednisone is 5 to 60 mg. Anything over 40 mg per day would be classified as a “high dose” of Prednisone.
It’s not uncommon to have prednisone administered by IV in the event that a patient is in the hospital and in need of emergency treatment. In this scenario, there are times when a patient will receive more than a 60 mg dose of prednisone via the IV and through specialized care.
What is Considered a High Dose of Prednisone?
A high dose of prednisone is anything over 40 mg taken orally, per day.
In general, dose is usually consistent of:
Low dose: less than 7.5 mg per day.
Moderate dose: between 7.5 mg and 40 mg per day.
High dose: 40 mg to 60 mg per day.
The correct dose amount for prednisone is often determined by the patient's body weight rather than the severity of their condition. For example, with polymyalgia rheumatica, according to BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders “The correct prednisone starting dose in polymyalgia rheumatica is related to body weight but not to disease severity.”
Possible Side Effects
Possible side effects of prednisone (according to Mayo Clinic) include the following:
Fluid retention leading to swelling, high blood pressure, or heart failure.
Muscle weakness and loss.
Weakening of bones causing osteoporosis, fractures, or bone tissue death.
Stomach or esophagus ulcers.
Abdominal swelling or pancreas inflammation.
Slow wound healing.
Skin effects: thinning, bruising, redness, increased sweating, and skin bleeding.
Nervous system effects: headaches, dizziness, insomnia, mood swings, personality. changes, depression, and psychosis.
Gland effects: irregular periods, slowed growth in children, and high blood sugar.
Eye effects: cataracts, increased eye pressure, bulging eyes, and glaucoma.
Common Prednisone Ailments and Dosage Amounts
Here are the common prednisone ailments and what would be considered an initial (or regular) dose and a high-dose.
Ailment | Initial Dose | High Dose Amount |
Allergic Reaction | 5 to 60 mg orally/day | Anything over 40 mg orally/day |
Ankylosing Spondylitis | 5 to 60 mg orally/day | Anything over 40 mg orally/day |
Aspiration Pneumonia | 5 to 60 mg orally/day | Anything over 40 mg orally/day |
Bursitis | 5 to 60 mg orally/day | Anything over 40 mg orally/day |
Dermatitis Herpetiformis | 5 to 60 mg orally/day | Anything over 40 mg orally/day |
Hypercalcemia of Malignancy | 5 to 60 mg orally/day | Anything over 40 mg orally/day |
Idiopathic (Immune) Thrombocytopenic Purpura | 5 to 60 mg orally/day | Anything over 40 mg orally/day |
Loeffler's Syndrome | 5 to 60 mg orally/day | Anything over 40 mg orally/day |
Osteoarthritis | 5 to 60 mg orally/day | Anything over 40 mg orally/day |
Polymyositis/Dermatomyositis | 5 to 60 mg orally/day | Anything over 40 mg orally/day |
Psoriasis | 5 to 60 mg orally/day | Anything over 40 mg orally/day |
Rheumatoid Arthritis | 5 to 60 mg orally/day | Anything over 40 mg orally/day |
Sarcoidosis | 5 to 60 mg orally/day | Anything over 40 mg orally/day |
Seborrheic Dermatitis | 5 to 60 mg orally/day | Anything over 40 mg orally/day |
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus | 5 to 60 mg orally/day | Anything over 40 mg orally/day |
Ulcerative Colitis - Active | 5 to 60 mg orally/day | Anything over 40 mg orally/day |
Uveitis | 5 to 60 mg orally/day | Anything over 40 mg orally/day |
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Sources
Prednisone: MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601102.html. Accessed 14 Apr. 2024.
Contributors, WebMD Editorial. “What Is Cortisol?” WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-cortisol. Accessed 14 Apr. 2024.
Prednisone (Oral Route) Description and Brand Names - Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/prednisone-oral-route/description/drg-20075269. Accessed 14 Apr. 2024.
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