Quick answer
What is prednisolone used for?
Prednisolone is a steroid medicine that suppresses inflammation, used for asthma flare-ups, arthritis flare-ups, allergic reactions and many autoimmune conditions. Short courses carry fewer risks, while long-term use can cause weight gain, osteoporosis and diabetes. Long courses should never be stopped abruptly and must be tapered under medical guidance.
What prednisolone is used for
Prednisolone is used for a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including asthma exacerbations, polymyalgia rheumatica, flare-ups of inflammatory bowel disease, severe allergic reactions and other autoimmune conditions. It often acts as a bridge, controlling symptoms quickly while slower-acting treatments have time to take effect.
Short courses versus long-term treatment with prednisolone
A short course of prednisolone generally needs minimal monitoring and carries fewer risks. Long-term treatment is different: your GP will monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar, bone health and eyes, since prolonged use affects all of these.
Side effects of prednisolone
With longer-term use, prednisolone can cause weight gain, a rounder “moon” face and thinning of the skin. Psychiatric effects, such as changes in mood or sleep, can occur with any duration of treatment, so tell your GP if you notice these.
Stopping prednisolone safely
If you have taken prednisolone for more than three weeks, or have had repeated courses, it must be tapered rather than stopped suddenly. If you become unwell with an infection or injury while on long-term prednisolone, follow the “sick day rules” your GP gives you, as your body may need extra steroid cover at these times because of adrenal insufficiency.
Common questions about prednisolone
- What are the side effects of a short course of prednisolone?
- A short course can cause mood changes, disturbed sleep and increased appetite, which usually settle once the course finishes. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar closely, as prednisolone can raise it temporarily.
- Why does prednisolone need to be tapered rather than stopped suddenly?
- Prednisolone suppresses your body's own steroid production, and this suppression can persist after several weeks of treatment. Stopping suddenly risks an adrenal crisis, so longer courses must be reduced gradually under your GP's guidance.
- Is prednisolone safe to take with an infection?
- Steroids can mask the normal signs of infection, such as fever, and may allow an infection to worsen without obvious warning. Seek medical advice promptly if you feel unwell while taking prednisolone, so the risk can be balanced properly.
- How is bone health protected during long-term prednisolone use?
- Long-term prednisolone increases the risk of osteoporosis, so calcium and vitamin D supplements are usually recommended. A bisphosphonate medicine may also be prescribed for bone protection, following current clinical guidelines.