Deltasone
Generic: prednisone
Also known as: Orasone, others
Class
Drug (Wikipedia)
Form
N/A
Route
N/A
Manufacturer
Various manufacturers
scienceActive Ingredients
| Ingredient | Strength |
|---|---|
| 17,21-dihydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,11,20-trione |
healingIndications & Usage
Prednisone is a glucocorticoid medication mostly used to suppress the immune system and decrease inflammation in conditions such as asthma, COPD, and rheumatologic diseases. It is also used to treat high blood calcium due to cancer and adrenal insufficiency along with other corticosteroids. It is taken by mouth. Common side effects may include cataracts, bone loss, easy bruising, muscle weakness, and thrush. Other side effects include weight gain, swelling, high blood sugar, increased risk of infection, and psychosis. It is generally considered safe in pregnancy and low doses appear to be safe while the user is breastfeeding. After prolonged use, prednisone must be stopped gradually. Prednisone is a prodrug and must be converted to prednisolone by the liver before it becomes active. Prednisolone then binds to glucocorticoid receptors, activating them and triggering changes in gene expression. These changes inhibit function and decrease the number of key leukocytes in the bloodstream. Prednisone was patented in 1954 and approved for medical use in the United States in 1955. Prednisone is a therapeutic alternative on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It is available...
scheduleDosage & Administration
Consult prescribing information or healthcare provider for dosage.
warningWarnings
Information from Wikipedia. Always verify with official sources and consult a healthcare professional.
reportAdverse Reactions
See Wikipedia article for reported adverse reactions.
blockContraindications
Consult prescribing information for contraindications.
compare_arrowsDrug Interactions
Consult prescribing information for drug interactions.
gavelLegal Status by Country
| Country | Legal Status | Prescription | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Varies | Check FDA | Consult healthcare provider |
infoLegal status may change. Always verify with local authorities before traveling internationally with medication.
scienceScientific References
- verified
FDA Drug Label
View on DailyMedopen_in_new - article
PubMed Research
Search PubMed for studiesopen_in_new
helpFrequently Asked Questions
Data Sources
This information is sourced from the FDA's public drug database (OpenFDA) and the National Library of Medicine's RxNorm API. Data was last updated on Nov 29, 2025.
FDA Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. The information provided may not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions.