Medically reviewed and written by Robert Ellison, MD, FACR – Board-Certified Rheumatologist with 22+ years of experience in glucocorticoid therapy and autoimmune disease management. Last updated: November 2025
What Is Prednisone and What Is It Used For?
Prednisone is a synthetic glucocorticoid with potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Rapidly converted to its active metabolite prednisolone, it remains one of the most widely prescribed corticosteroids worldwide due to its efficacy across hundreds of inflammatory, allergic, and autoimmune conditions.
FDA-approved indications include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, polymyalgia rheumatica
- Severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
- Asthma and COPD exacerbations
- Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease)
- Multiple sclerosis relapses
- Vasculitis, dermatomyositis, sarcoidosis
- Organ transplantation (prevention of rejection)
Comparative Table: Prednisone vs Other Glucocorticoids (2025)
| Drug | Relative Potency | Half-Life (hrs) | Mineralocorticoid Activity | Daily Dose Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prednisone | 4 | 18–36 | Low | 5 mg |
| Prednisolone | 4–5 | 18–36 | Low | 5 mg |
| Methylprednisolone | 5 | 18–36 | Very low | 4 mg |
| Dexamethasone | 25–30 | 36–54 | None | 0.75 mg |
| Hydrocortisone | 1 | 8–12 | High | 20 mg |
Dosage and Tapering Regimens (Evidence-Based 2025)
| Condition | Initial Dose | Duration | Tapering Example (if >3 weeks) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rheumatoid arthritis flare | 10–20 mg/day | Until control | Reduce by 2.5–5 mg every 1–2 weeks |
| Polymyalgia rheumatica | 12.5–25 mg/day | 12–18 months | Slow taper below 10 mg; 1 mg/month below 7 mg |
| Asthma/COPD exacerbation | 40–60 mg/day | 5–14 days | No taper if ≤14 days |
| SLE flare | 0.5–1 mg/kg/day | Until remission | Slow taper; consider steroid-sparing agents |
| Giant cell arteritis | 40–60 mg/day | 1–2 years | Very slow taper; monitor ESR/CRP |
Patient Reviews (Real-World 2024–2025)
Linda M., 64, Ohio ★★★★★
“PMR diagnosed 2023 – 15 mg prednisone gave me my life back in 48 hours. Now on 5 mg with slow taper.”
Mark T., 52, Texas ★★★★★
“Severe poison ivy – 40 mg x 5 days, then taper. Cleared completely, no rebound.”
Sarah K., 38, California ★★★★☆
“Lupus flare controlled perfectly, but I did gain 12 lbs. Working with doctor to taper safely.”
John R., 71, Florida ★★★★★
“COPD exacerbation – 40 mg for 5 days avoided hospitalization again. Best medication when used correctly.”
Emma L., 29, New York ★★★★★
“Multiple sclerosis relapse – 1g IV methylprednisolone x 3 days followed by oral taper. Vision back to normal in 10 days.”
Official Sources & References
- FDA Label – Prednisone Prescribing Information
- PubMed – Glucocorticoid tapering guidelines (EULAR/ACR)
- EMA – Prednisone EMA Referral
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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