- Chronic Care
- Allergies
- Corticosteroids
Prednisone
Prednisone online prescriptions available
Prednisone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation by decreasing your immune system's response to certain diseases or conditions. It can reduce symptoms of inflammation, including swelling and allergic reactions caused by multiple conditions.*
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Reduces inflammation and swelling
Available as a tablet or oral suspension
Several FDA-approved uses
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and our prescription discount card.
About prednisone (intensol, deltasone, and rayos)
Prednisone is a type of corticosteroid therapy. It decreases your immune system's response to various diseases to reduce symptoms, including swelling and allergic reactions.
Prednisone treats many conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, blood disorders, breathing problems, and allergic reactions. Prednisone is available only by prescription. It's available as a generic medication under different brand names, including Prednisone Intensol, Deltasone, and Rayos.
Prednisone may be prescribed as a tablet or oral suspension. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed.
If you're prescribed prednisone, be sure to complete the full course of the corticosteroid unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop. If you don’t complete the corticosteroid therapy, prednisone may not fully treat your symptoms.
Prednisone uses
There are several FDA-approved uses for prednisone, but your healthcare provider may also prescribe it off-label to treat other medical conditions.
Your PlushCare doctor may prescribe prednisone for the following reasons or other reasons not listed here. Ask your online doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about why a medication is prescribed.
Allergies
Prednisone is FDA-approved to treat severe allergic reactions in adult and pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis, drug hypersensitivity, seasonal rhinitis, and serum sickness.
Skin conditions
Prednisone is FDA-approved to treat dermatologic conditions, including contact dermatitis, exfoliative erythroderma, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Endocrine conditions
Prednisone is FDA-approved to treat endocrine disorders, including congenital adrenal hyperplasia and adrenal insufficiency.
Gastrointestinal conditions
Prednisone is FDA-approved to treat acute Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis exacerbations.
Pulmonary conditions
Prednisone is FDA-approved to treat pulmonary conditions, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
How to take prednisone
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your prednisone prescription. Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Prednisone can come in different forms and doses, so follow the specific instructions on your prescription. Depending on your medical condition, prednisone delayed-release tablet doses can range from 10 mg to 50 mg.
Prednisone oral solution doses typically start at 5 mg/mL. If you're taking prednisone oral solution, measure liquid medicine carefully with your dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup to avoid medication errors.
Prednisone side effects
The side effects associated with taking prednisone are typically mild. The most common side effects of prednisone are associated with sleep disturbances.
Prednisone has some common side effects. These include:Sleep problems
Mood changes
Increased sweating
Slow wound healing
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:Blurred vision
Rapid weight gain
Shortness of breath
Tell your doctor if you notice any adverse effects or develop any other new or concerning symptoms.
What to avoid while taking prednisone
Prednisone has 537 drug interactions. Don’t change your actions without checking with your healthcare professional or pharmacist. That includes other medications, supplements, and other drugs.
Possible drug interactions with prednisone include:
St. John's Wort
Birth control pills and other hormones
Blood thinners
Diuretics and other blood pressure medicine
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Both alcohol and corticosteroid therapy suppresses the immune system. Drinking alcohol while taking prednisone may increase your risk of infections.
Medication alternatives to prednisone
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest another allergy medication or corticosteroid in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Allergies
Skin conditions
Proctofoam (hydrocortisone)
Mometasone furoate
Triamcinolone acetonide
Endocrine conditions
Cortisol acetate
Proctofoam (hydrocortisone)
Gastrointestinal conditions
Pulmonary conditions
Flonase (Fluticasone Propionate)Proctofoam (hydrocortisone)
Prelone (prednisolone)
Medrol (methylprednisolone)
Prednisone prescription FAQs
What is prednisone used for?
Prednisone is a corticosteroid, a type of medication that reduces inflammation. It works on the immune system to help relieve swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
What is prednisone?
Prednisone is a glucocorticoid medication used to suppress the immune system and decrease inflammation in conditions such as asthma and COPD. It is also used to treat high blood calcium from cancer or adrenal insufficiency and other steroids.
What does prednisone do?
Steroid drugs, such as prednisone, are immunosuppressants. They work by lowering the activity of your immune system. The immune system is your body’s defense system against disease and infection. Steroids work by slowing your body’s response to certain diseases or injuries. Prednisone can help lower certain immune-related symptoms, including inflammation and swelling.
How long does prednisone stay in your system?
Prednisone has an elimination half-life of around 3 to 4 hours, meaning it takes your body 5.5 half-lives (16.5 to 22 hours) to eliminate it completely from your system.
What is considered a high dose of prednisone?
Prednisone is typically administered between 5 mg and 60 mg daily. A dose of 40 mg or more may be considered high, but the amount of prednisone that constitutes a high dose varies from person to person.
3 simple steps to request your prednisone prescription online
Step 1
Book a prednisone prescription request appointment.
You can book a same-day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your prednisone prescription.
Visit a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up your prednisone prescription.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Prednisone prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Prednisone prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
Copay
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Prednisone prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Food and Drug Administration. Prednisone prescription label. Accessed on September 24, 2022. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/202020s000lbl.pdf
Mayo Clinic. Prednisone and other corticosteroids. Accessed on September 24, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/steroids/art-20045692
StatPearls. Prednisone. Accessed on September 24, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534809/
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.