What is prednisolone?

Prednisolone is a medicine that belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids.

Corticosteroids are synthetic (man-made) versions of a natural chemical in your body called cortisol. Cortisol helps reduce inflammation in your body and regulate your immune system.

Prednisone is a different medicine related to prednisolone. It works in the same way to treat inflammatory diseases. Your doctor will prescribe the medicine and dose that is most suitable for your condition.

LOOKING FOR A MEDICINE? — To search for a list of medicines that contain prednisolone, use the Medicines information search feature.

How does prednisolone work?

Prednisolone enters the cells that cause inflammation and blocks the body's inflammatory reaction. It also has glucocorticoid (a steroid hormone) effects that help fight the inflammation made by your immune system. It may also be useful in the management of pain.

This can reduce the symptoms of some autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.

What is prednisolone used for?

Prednisolone is used to help reduce inflammation in your body.

Symptoms of inflammation may include:

• swelling
• redness
• pain or tenderness
• itching
• reduced function

Inflammation can affect any part of your body.

Prednisolone is used to treat many different conditions, including but not limited to:

• severe allergies
• asthma
• some types of arthritis and gout
• skin problems
• inflammatory diseases of the bowel
• autoimmune diseases — where your immune system mistakenly attacks normal cells in your body

What forms of prednisolone are available?

Prednisolone is the name of the active ingredient. It is available in many different brands, which have different:

• names
• appearances (size, shape or colour)
• forms (tablets, liquid, eye drops and suppositories)
• strengths

No matter which brand you are prescribed, prednisolone works in the same way to treat your condition.

In Australia, prednisolone is only available with a doctor's prescription.

What are the possible side effects or risks of prednisolone?

Prednisolone helps most people who take it, but as with all medicines, there is a risk of side effects.

Generally, the risk of side effects is low if you take prednisolone for a short time. Your risk increases if you take high doses of prednisolone for a long time. If you have any concerns speak to your doctor.

Common side effects of prednisolone, especially with high doses for long periods, include:

• fluid retention including bloating of the face and swelling of the abdomen
• weight gain
• irregular periods
• muscle cramps or weakness
• thin skin that bruises easily, and acne
• osteoporosis(thinning of the bones)
• high blood pressure

Some psychological side effects include:

• trouble sleeping
• irritability, agitation or depression
• changes in mood or personality

In children, prolonged use of prednisolone can cause slowed growth.

Other side effects may include:

• increased risk of infection
• poor control of diabetes
• slow wound healing
• altered your thyroid and adrenal gland function

Some side effects can only be noticed by your doctor through tests. Taking prednisolone can mask the signs of infection and thyroid problems. If you take prednisolone for long periods of time, you should have regular check-ups.

See your doctor immediately or go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital if you experience any of these serious side effects:

• severe abdominal pain
• seizures
• sudden changes in your vision
• abnormal changes in your mood or behaviour
• severe dizziness, fainting or weakness
• chest pain
• irregular heart beat

This is not a full list of side effects. For more information about the risks of side effects, read the Consumer Medicines Information (CMI) for the brand of prednisolone you are taking or speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Although there are many possible side effects, you may not experience any of them.

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How do I take prednisolone?

You should take prednisolone with food or just after eating to lower the chance of stomach upset.

Try to take prednisolone at the same time each day.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking prednisolone.

It is important to take prednisolone as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you would like to lower your dose or stop taking prednisolone.

Make sure to tell your doctor, surgeon or dentist that you are taking prednisolone, as surgery or illness may affect the dose you need to take.

Prednisolone can cause dizziness. Be careful when driving or operating heavy machinery until you understand how the medicine affects you.

When should I see my doctor?

Speak to your doctor if you:

• experience side effects that trouble you
• notice any changes to your eyesight
• have signs of an allergic reaction
• have signs of an infection
• have a health condition or are taking medicines that may affect how your body reacts to prednisolone
• become pregnant, are planning a pregnancy or start breastfeeding

See the Consumer Medicines Information (CMI) for full details about when to speak with your doctor before or after you have started taking prednisolone.

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information to improve some possible side effects. For example, ask them if taking prednisolone with food can reduce indigestion or heartburn, or if taking corticosteroids in the morning can help prevent sleep disturbances.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

Resources and support

Asking about your treatment or medicines can help you understand your options. Read our guide to questions to ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking a medicine.

You can also visit healthdirect's list of medicines that contain prednisolone to read the CMI for the brand of prednisolone your doctor prescribed.

Other languages

You can find translated information on medicines on the NPS MedicineWise website.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation website has resources on medicines, side effects and more.