The initial dosage of prednisone for adults is 5-60 mg daily. The dosage depends on the medical condition for which this drug is prescribed, the severity of the disease, and the patient’s response to the treatment. This HealthHearty write-up provides information on this synthetic corticosteroid.
When it comes to synthetic corticosteroids, prednisone is the drug of choice for majority of the physicians worldwide. It is recommended for the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, allergic reactions, asthma, severe psoriasis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and certain types of cancers. It is a prodrug, which means that is administered in its inactive form, and changes to its active form by metabolic processes. Once prednisone is administered, the liver metabolizes it to its active form called prednisolone. This active form is then circulated through blood.
It works by reducing the inflammation, and suppressing the immune system. Healthcare providers are aware of the side effects of prednisone that are associated with the long-term use of this drug, and the withdrawal symptoms that occur in the event of sudden discontinuation of prednisone. Therefore, they prescribe the minimum dose that can provide the required effect. It is essential to take this drug only for the duration and dosage recommended by one’s healthcare provider.
Dosage for Adults
Approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), prednisone is available in the form of tablets and injections. In general, the treatment starts with a low dosage, after which dose can be altered according to the patient’s response to the drug. Needless to say, the recommended dose for children is lower. To avoid adverse effects, one needs to take the drug in the prescribed dosage. Also, if you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed dose.
In case of children, the dosage is 0.05-2 mg/kg/day. In adults, the daily dosage may range from 5 mg to 60 mg. For individuals affected by multiple sclerosis, the daily dose is 200 mg; whereas the daily dosage for cancer patients may go up to 500 mg. The dose could be given at one time or divided into 4 times per day. While deciding the dosage, the doctor takes into account the patient’s age, weight, disease, severity of the disease, other health problems, and other drugs that the patient might be taking currently (if applicable). According to medical experts, taking 20 mg of prednisone per day for 14 days is safe for adults. More often than not, doctors recommend short-term use of prednisone to lower the risk of adverse effects.
The drug has to be taken under medical supervision. In case of individuals taking a high dose, doctors monitor the patient’s condition. If the patient’s condition improves, the dosage is gradually decreased. This is to lower the risk of withdrawal symptoms, which occur when the drug is discontinued suddenly. Gradually tapering the dosage gives sufficient time for the body to function normally without prednisone.
On a concluding note, the dosage of prednisone would vary from person to person. Those who have been taking this drug should not alter the daily dose, unless directed by their healthcare provider. Side effects are less likely to occur, if the drug is taken for the duration and dosage prescribed by the healthcare provider. Inform your healthcare provider, if you experience any untoward effects.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
