Prednisolone is a tablet used to treat a wide range of inflammatory and allergic conditions – and to prevent rejection of transplanted organs.
Prednisolone is a commonly used corticosteroid medication prescribed to reduce inflammation, suppress an overactive immune system, and treat various medical conditions.
It belongs to a group of medicines called steroids (specifically glucocorticoids), which are synthetic versions of the hormones naturally produced by your adrenal glands.
Prednisolone is used for people with:
Severe inflammatory conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis)
Severe allergic reactions and asthma flare-ups
Autoimmune diseases (such as lupus and autoimmune hepatitis)
Certain types of cancer and blood disorders, often alongside other treatments
The usual prednisolone dose depends heavily on the specific medical condition, age, and response to treatment:
Adults: Typically ranges from 5 mg to 60 mg daily, taken as a single dose in the morning with breakfast.
Children: Dose is calculated by a doctor based on body weight or surface area.
Short courses: Often prescribed for 3 to 5 days for acute conditions like asthma attacks.
Note: Patients should not stop taking prednisolone suddenly if they have been taking it for more than a few weeks, as this can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms. The dose must be tapered down gradually under medical supervision.
Prednisolone side effects are more likely to occur with higher doses or long-term use.
Increased appetite and weight gain (especially fluid retention around the face and stomach)
Mood changes, irritability, or difficulty sleeping
Indigestion or heartburn
Increased risk of infections
Thinning skin and slower wound healing
Serious side effects such as severe mood swings, vision changes, or signs of an infection require immediate medical attention.
As a corticosteroid, prednisolone works by binding to cellular receptors to inhibit the production of chemicals that cause inflammation in the body.
This reduces swelling, redness, and pain, while also calming down an overactive immune response in autoimmune conditions.
Your doctor should monitor:
Blood pressure and blood sugar levels (steroids can increase both)
Bone density (during long-term use, to check for osteoporosis)
Growth in children receiving long-term treatment
Signs of adrenal suppression when withdrawing from the medication
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