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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
While they are very similar, prednisone and prednisolone are not the same. They are both corticosteroid medications, also called glucocorticoids or, simply, steroids. Steroids are used to treat inflammation in many autoimmune diseases, such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. The list of available corticosteroids is long, and many different dosage forms are available. Prednisone and prednisolone are similar but have some critical differences discussed in this article. Shidlovski / Getty Images What Are Prednisone and Prednisolone Used For? Steroids like prednisolone and prednisone are used to treat numerous medical conditions that cause the following:Inflammation in the bodyAutoimmune diseases (causing the body to attack itself) Some common uses for prednisone include the following:ArthritisBreathing problems, such as asthmaSevere allergiesCancersBlood disorders, such as idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) How Do Prednisolone and Prednisone Work? Prednisolone and prednisone are both synthetic (manufactured) versions of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by your two adrenal glands that sit above your kidneys. Prednisone and prednisolone are highly similar, but prednisone is a prodrug. This means after you swallow it, your liver alters the chemical structure a tiny bit to change it into prednisolone. Prednisolone causes the following effects.Decreases inflammation: it blocks certain substances from being made that cause inflammation, such as prostaglandins, resulting in decreased swelling, redness, and pain.Suppresses the immune system: it suppresses your immune system when it attacks your cells by decreasing how many T-cells (a specific type of white blood cell) it makes.Constricts blood vessels: it tightens dilated blood vessels that may contribute to symptoms such as congestion, redness, warmth, and swelling. How Do the Dosages Compare for Prednisolone and Prednisone? Prednisone Prednisolone Other oral tablets availableDelayed release, brand name Rayos Orally disintegrating tablet (ODT), brand name Orapred ODTOral liquid brand namesPrednisone IntensolMillipred, Orapred, PediapredOther dosage forms available N/AEye drop (Pred Forte)Typical dosage5 to 10 milligrams (mg) depending on condition and severitySame dosing as prednisone What Other Things Can I Do to Help Manage Inflammation in the Body? Inflammation is essential in the body for some purposes and for short times. Examples include the following: Responding to injuryFighting infections However, chronic inflammation is not beneficial. But you can help prevent it by maintaining certain lifestyle habits such as the following:Get at least 20 minutes of moderate exercise per dayQuit smokingMaintain a healthy weightFollow an anti-inflammatory diet Finally, other drugs besides steroids exist that reduce inflammation and include the following:NSAIDsDMARDsBiologic drugs Depending on your condition and medical history, your healthcare provider may recommend one or more of these options instead of or in addition to steroid medications. Side Effects & Precautions Prednisone and prednisolone cause similar side effects as many other corticosteroid drugs. Side effects are dose-related, meaning they
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