Prednisone
10 mg
Stop: Call 911 or get emergency help
Bad stomach pain; black/tarry stool or coffee-ground vomit; severe confusion, hallucinations, or dark mood; blurry vision/eye pain; new fever/infection; chest pain or fast/pounding heartbeat; swelling or trouble breathing.
Seek medical help first
Use this information only if you are unable to contact your provider. Then, contact your provider as soon as possible.
What it may treat & how much to take
- 1
Asthma attack
Wheezing, chest tightness, cough, or trouble breathing.
If not better after 2–3 days of extra inhaler use: Take 4 tablets daily for 5 days. Contact provider ASAP.
- 2
COPD flare-up
More wheezing or shortness of breath than usual.
Take 4 tablets once daily for 5 days. Keep using inhalers. See azithromycin card for mucus, cough, or fever.
- 3
Bad poison ivy / oak / sumac
Large-area or face/private-part rash; itchy, blistered, swollen.
4 tablets daily for 5 days, then 2 daily for 5 days, then 1 daily for 5 days. Do not stop early.
- 4
Bad allergic rash / hives
Raised red or pink very itchy welts over the body. Breathing and swallowing normal.
First take diphenhydramine. If it does not help, take 4 tablets daily for 3–5 days.
- 5
Gout attack
Only if told you have gout. One painful, red, hot, swollen joint.
Take 3 tablets once a day for 5 days.
How to take it
Take with food or milk and water. Take the whole dose in the morning before 9 a.m. Do not skip days.
Important information
Does not treat cold, flu, or sore throat. Avoid ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin unless your doctor says okay.
Common side effects
Trouble sleeping; jumpy/moody feeling; hunger; heartburn; puffy face/hands/feet; flushed face; higher blood sugar.
Do not take if
Allergic to prednisone or other steroid pills, or fungal infection inside the body.
Ask your provider or pharmacist first if
Fever/active infection, diabetes, high blood pressure, ulcer, glaucoma, heart failure, weak bones, mood problems, live vaccine, or ciprofloxacin.
If pregnant or breastfeeding
Generally considered safe during pregnancy. Talk with a doctor. Contact your provider for breastfeeding advice.