prednisone

Prednisone is a synthetic glucocorticoid corticosteroid used primarily for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. It is indicated for the treatment of a wide range of conditions including autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus), severe allergic reactions, asthma and other respiratory disorders (like COPD), inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease), certain cancers (notably hematologic malignancies), adrenal insufficiency when endogenous corticosteroid production is inadequate or absent, skin disorders, blood disorders and more[1][2][3][5][6]. Prednisone acts as a prodrug that is converted in the liver to prednisolone—its active form—which binds to glucocorticoid receptors. This binding alters gene expression in target cells to suppress inflammation by inhibiting proinflammatory cytokine production and immune cell migration. It also induces apoptosis in certain tumor cell populations[5][6]. Prednisone was patented in 1954 and approved for medical use in 1955; it remains widely prescribed globally[5].

Brand names

DeltasoneRayosSterapredPredoneSterapred DSFernisoneMeticortenOrasonePanasolPronax

Other names

prednisone alternatingalternate-day prednisonealternate day corticosteroid therapy