What does prednisone mean?
Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid medicine that helps reduce inflammation and suppress excessive immune activity. It is used for conditions including severe allergies, asthma, arthritis, skin disorders, and some autoimmune diseases. In the body, it is converted into the closely related corticosteroid prednisolone. Although it can be highly effective, prednisone may cause significant side effects, especially with prolonged use, including increased susceptibility to infection, elevated blood sugar, bone loss, and changes in mood or appearance. For this reason, it is normally prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional, and a course may need to be reduced gradually rather than stopped suddenly. The word is especially common in US medical usage, while British usage often favors prednisolone.
nounPrednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation and suppress an overactive immune system. It is prescribed for a wide range of inflammatory, allergic, and autoimmune conditions.
- A synthetic corticosteroid medicine used as an anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressant drug.
"Her doctor prescribed prednisone for a severe allergic reaction."
"The clinician started a short course of prednisone to control the inflammation."
"Long-term use of prednisone can cause important side effects, so patients should be monitored closely."
Rarely used in the plural because the name normally refers to the medicine in general or to a prescribed course of treatment.
"The pharmacist explained how to take the prednisones without exceeding the prescribed dose."
Prednisone can dramatically calm inflammation, but its effects are not limited to the original problem: tapering may be necessary when treatment is prolonged.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prednisone come from?
The name is based on that of prednisolone, with the chemical suffix '-one' reflecting the related steroid structure. Prednisone and prednisolone developed as pharmaceutical names in the corticosteroid tradition, and their names share the distinctive 'prednis-' stem. The paired terms are also reflected in derivative medicines such as prednisolone acetate and prednisone acetate.
How prednisone is actually used
The term is medical and is generally used in professional or informational contexts. In British usage, prednisolone is often preferred for the same broad therapeutic role. Prednisone is usually taken orally, and dosage and duration should be directed by a qualified healthcare professional.
Easily confused with prednisone
Prednisone is a prodrug that is converted in the body into prednisolone, and the two drugs are closely related in their medical uses and effects.