Prednisone
Prednisone, drug used to treat a variety of ailments including arthritis , asthma , tuberculosis , ulcerative colitis (inflamed colon), certain cancers, multiple sclerosis, skin diseases, and severe allergic reactions. Prednisone is also used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs. An anti-inflammatory drug known as a steroid , prednisone works by suppressing the action of certain white blood cells in the immune system. Prednisone is available only by prescription. It is taken orally in tablet or liquid form, usually with food to avoid stomach upset. Dosages vary from 5 to 60 mg per day, although some acute conditions may be treated with up to 200 mg per day. Prednisone’s effectiveness is usually apparent after four to ten days of treatment. It is usually discontinued gradually, with smaller and smaller doses until the end of treatment. Patients with widespread fungus infections, peptic ulcer disease, active tuberculosis, or an eye infection caused by the herpes simplex virus shou...