Prednisolone is a widely used corticosteroid. Doctors prescribe it for inflammation, allergic reactions, asthma flare-ups, certain autoimmune conditions, and some skin problems. It works fast to reduce swelling and immune activity, which makes it helpful in short urgent courses and in longer-term control when needed.
Common short uses: sudden asthma attacks, severe allergic reactions, or bad flare-ups of arthritis. A typical short adult course might be 20–40 mg per day for a few days. For acute asthma, doctors often use a single daily dose of 40–50 mg for 3–5 days.
Children are dosed by weight (commonly about 1–2 mg/kg per day) — which is why you must follow a doctor’s exact instructions. For ongoing conditions like autoimmune disease, doses vary a lot and your doctor will pick the lowest effective dose.
Tapering matters. If you’ve taken prednisolone for more than two weeks, you usually shouldn’t stop abruptly. A simple taper could be reducing the dose by 5–10 mg every 3–7 days until you reach a low dose, then slow the reduction further. Your prescriber will tailor the taper to your treatment length and dose.
Short-term side effects are common: increased appetite, trouble sleeping, mood changes, and fluid retention. With longer use you may see higher blood sugar, weight gain, weaker bones, higher infection risk, and thin skin. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, or osteoporosis need closer monitoring.
Watch for warning signs: sudden severe weakness, high fever, new infections, severe abdominal pain, or easy bruising. Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have active infections. Prednisolone can interact with other drugs — common interactions include blood thinners (warfarin), some diabetes medicines, and strong antifungals like ketoconazole. Certain antibiotics and seizure meds can change steroid levels too.
Buying prednisolone online? Always require a valid prescription. Check the pharmacy’s credentials: look for clear contact info, a licensed pharmacist available by phone or chat, and recognized seals like CIPA or NABP listings. Avoid sites with extremely low prices, no prescription requirement, or no customer support. Read shipping and return policies and confirm secure payment methods.
Need a quick checklist: 1) Get a written prescription. 2) Verify the pharmacy and pharmacist access. 3) Compare prices but don’t accept suspiciously cheap offers. 4) Keep follow-up appointments to monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, and bone health if your course lasts beyond a few weeks.
If you have specific questions about dosing, side effects, or whether prednisolone is right for your condition, talk with your prescriber or pharmacist. They can tailor advice to your health and other medicines. Stay informed and stay safe.
Discover the top alternatives to Prelone in 2025. Whether you're looking for a cost-effective solution or something with fewer side effects, this guide breaks down the leading options. You’ll find information on each alternative's use, benefits, and potential drawbacks. Ideal for those managing inflammatory or autoimmune conditions.