Want a straight answer on what prednisolone does? It's a steroid medicine doctors use to reduce inflammation and calm an overactive immune system. You’ll see it for asthma flares, severe allergies, some skin rashes, eye inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease, and many autoimmune problems. It’s powerful but not risk-free, so knowing when and how it’s used matters.
Prednisolone is prescribed in different doses depending on the problem. For short, intense treatment like an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction, adult doses often run 20–60 mg once daily for 3–7 days. For long-term control of autoimmune diseases, doctors may prescribe a lower maintenance dose—often 5–20 mg daily—or alternate-day dosing to reduce side effects.
Kids get weight-based dosing, commonly 1–2 mg/kg once daily for short courses (doctors cap the total daily dose). For conditions like uveitis or some severe skin disorders, higher or pulsed doses might be used under specialist care. Always follow your prescriber's exact regimen—these numbers are common ranges, not a one-size-fits-all plan.
Short courses (a few days) usually cause mild side effects: trouble sleeping, mood swings, hunger, or a bit of fluid retention. Longer use raises the stakes: weight gain, weak bones (osteoporosis), higher blood sugar, higher infection risk, cataracts, and adrenal suppression if stopped suddenly.
Want to lower your risk? Take prednisolone in the morning with food to cut stomach upset and mimic your body’s natural steroid rhythm. Don’t stop abruptly after weeks or months of use—tapering is often needed so your adrenal glands can recover. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of ulcers, tell your doctor—prednisolone can affect all of those.
Watch for interactions. Prednisolone can interact with NSAIDs (higher ulcer risk), certain blood thinners, some diabetes drugs, and live vaccines. It can also reduce the effect of some blood pressure medicines and change potassium levels when used with diuretics. Always run new meds or supplements by your prescriber or pharmacist.
Small practical steps help: get calcium and vitamin D if you’re on long-term steroids, schedule bone density checks when advised, avoid close contact with people who have infectious illnesses, and report unexplained fever or persistent cough quickly.
Prednisolone is a common, effective medicine when used right. It can turn a dangerous flare into calm days, but it needs respect. Talk with your healthcare provider about the exact dose, how long you’ll be on it, and what monitoring makes sense for your health. If anything feels off while you’re taking it, call your doctor rather than guessing.
Prednisolone is a steroid medication with many uses, from asthma to autoimmune diseases. This article breaks down how prednisolone works, what conditions it treats, common side effects, safety tips, and what to watch out for. If you want real facts plus practical advice for daily life with prednisolone, you’ll find it all here.