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Prednisone is an FDA-approved, delayed-release corticosteroid tablet. This medication is anti-inflammatory and is prescribed to treat the symptoms of low cortisol levels.
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Cortisol is a hormone that is naturally produced in the body and helps to maintain the body’s normal functioning. Prednisone is also used to treat other conditions in patients with normal cortisol levels, and works by suppressing the immune system and reducing swelling, redness and allergic reactions.
Prednisone is used to treat a broad range of illnesses including:
Most patients do not develop side effects if taking steroid tablets for short periods, but side effects may occur if taken for longer periods of time.
Common side effects of prednisone include:
Most side effects subside once treatment stops. Patients should discuss with their doctor if they persist or bother them.
Steroid tablets are made of synthetic hormones to replace the cortisol normally produced in the adrenal glands. Steroids reduce inflammation and can treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, and Crohn’s disease.
Steroids suppress the immune system, the body's natural defense against illness and infection. A suppressed immune system might be a desirable effect for people with autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body. For others, a weakened immune system means increased vulnerability to diseases and sickness. This can help treat autoimmune conditions.
Common examples of steroid tablets include prednisolone, betamethasone, and dexamethasone. Steroid tablets are available by prescription and also come in dissolvable, liquid, and syrup versions. They should be stored at room temperature.
The FDA does not warn against drinking while on prednisone. And for many, drinking alcohol while taking prednisolone could be considered safe. However, drinking while on prednisone may carry heightened risks for some based on prednisone’s effect on lowering the immune system and the side effects of alcohol use.
For patients with existing medical conditions, drinking alcohol while on prednisone is not recommended. Patients should always consult with their doctor before drinking alcohol with prednisone to avoid possible complications.
Short-term side effects may include:
Long-term side effects:
Long-term use of prednisone and alcohol is linked to an increased risk of certain health problems. The dangers of mixing prednisone and alcohol include:
Patients with pre-existing conditions carry greater risks of developing complications than others. Patients should always speak with their healthcare provider first to avoid complications and learn if drinking while on prednisone is safe for them.
Over 484 drugs are known to interact with prednisone.
Common drugs that interact with prednisone include:
Patients taking steroid tablets should also avoid vaccines because steroids suppress the immune system and make them more susceptible to viruses and illnesses.
Before taking prednisone, patients should tell their healthcare provider what other medications, vitamins, herbal products, and nutritional supplements they take or plan to take to ensure that prednisone is safe for them.
There is no evidence that alcohol kills prednisone or renders it ineffective. But alcohol abuse and addiction can cause a patient to ignore important habits of self-care, crucial to patients who use prednisone for the treatment of chronic illnesses.
The effects of alcohol abuse and addiction make it difficult for patients to maintain their medication regimens, which may cause complications. In addition, alcohol can enhance prednisone’ immunosuppressive effects, which may make the patient susceptible to additional illnesses.
Prednisone suppresses the body’s immune system. Prednisone can help lower certain immune-related symptoms such as inflammation and swelling by preventing the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Prednisone causes the body to lose potassium and retain sodium (salt), which can lead to bloating, fluid retention, and weight gain. To reduce these effects, you can drink more water and exercise regularly to help with fluid retention.
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