Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid medication primarily used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. It treats a wide range of conditions including asthma, allergies, arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases (like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis), lupus, certain cancers, skin diseases, blood disorders, and to prevent organ rejection after transplants
. Prednisone works by mimicking cortisol, a hormone naturally produced by the body that helps respond to stress, injury, and illness. It decreases inflammation by inhibiting enzymes that produce pro-inflammatory substances and suppresses immune system activity by reducing the number and function of immune cells
. This helps calm immune overreactions and reduce swelling, redness, and allergic reactions
. It is taken orally and is a prodrug converted in the liver to its active form, prednisolone, which then binds to glucocorticoid receptors to alter gene expression and immune responses
. In summary, prednisone:
- Reduces inflammation and swelling
- Suppresses an overactive immune system
- Replaces cortisol in cases of adrenal insufficiency
- Helps prevent organ rejection after transplants
- Treats autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, allergic reactions, and certain cancers
Common side effects can include weight gain, high blood sugar, increased infection risk, bone loss, and muscle weakness, especially with long-term use
