Prednisolone is a steroid medication used to treat a wide range of health conditions, including allergies, asthma, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, and certain types of cancer. It works by decreasing inflammation in the body. Prednisolone is available as a tablet, liquid, and inhaler. It is typically taken once per day, though some conditions may require multiple doses. Common side effects include increased appetite, weight gain, and stomach upset.
Prednisolone is a corticosteroid medication [1]. In simpler terms, it's a man-made version of a hormone your adrenal glands naturally produce. Doctors prescribe prednisolone to treat a wide range of conditions by:
- Reducing inflammation [1, 2]. This is helpful for conditions like arthritis where your joints are inflamed.
- Calming down an overactive immune system [1, 3]. This is beneficial for autoimmune diseases where your body attacks itself, like lupus.
Here's a breakdown of some key points about Prednisolone:
- Conditions it treats: Prednisolone tackles a wide range of ailments including allergies, blood disorders, skin diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, and even some cancers [1, 4].
- How to take it: Prednisolone comes in tablet, liquid, and even injectable forms [2]. You'll typically take it once a day, in the morning, to avoid sleep problems as a side effect [4].
- Side effects: Be aware that prednisolone can cause weight gain, trouble sleeping, and indigestion [4]. It can also weaken your immune system, making you more prone to infections [4].