Quick facts
- Usual strengths available: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg tablets.
- Active ingredient: Prednisone (systemic corticosteroid).
- Common therapeutic areas: skin disorders, asthma, arthritis, gastrointestinal inflammation, and allergic diseases.
What Deltasone is used for
Prednisone reduces swelling and immune responses associated with conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, psoriasis, certain forms of arthritis, asthma exacerbations, and various allergic or dermatologic disorders. Clinicians may also prescribe it for other inflammatory or autoimmune conditions when appropriate. If you are uncertain why it was prescribed for you, ask your prescriber and review the Warnings before use.
How to take it
Follow your prescriber's exact instructions. Taking prednisone with food can help reduce stomach upset. Do not stop prednisone suddenly unless your clinician directs a specific taper plan; abrupt discontinuation can cause adrenal insufficiency and symptom rebound. If you feel dizzy or light-headed after a dose, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how you respond.
If you miss a dose
If you remember soon after the scheduled time, take the missed dose. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed one and return to your usual schedule. Do not double up to make up a dose. Contact your clinician if you frequently miss doses or are unsure how to adjust your schedule.
Storage and handling
Store at room temperature in a dry place, away from moisture and out of reach of children and pets. Keep the bottle tightly closed. Dispose of unused medicine according to local guidelines or pharmacy take-back programs.
Possible overdose
Seek medical help right away if severe or persistent symptoms suggest an overdose, such as notable fluid retention with swelling of hands or feet, a round or puffy face, rapid weight gain around the abdomen, or significantly elevated blood pressure. Bring the medication container with you so providers can verify the exact product and strength.
Warnings and precautions
Do not use prednisone if any of the following apply to you unless a clinician decides the benefits outweigh risks:
- You are receiving mifepristone.
- You have a known allergy to prednisone or any tablet ingredient.
- You have an active, systemic fungal infection.
Tell your doctor before starting prednisone if any of these conditions may apply to you:
- Recent or current infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal), positive tests for TB, or a history of TB, measles, or chickenpox.
- Eye herpes infection or increased eye pressure/glaucoma.
- Ulcer disease, gastritis, esophagitis, GI perforation or obstruction, or ulcerative colitis.
- Diabetes; kidney or liver problems; underactive thyroid.
- Heart disease, high blood pressure, or fluid retention.
- History of mood disorders, including depression or psychosis.
- Planned vaccines (especially live vaccines such as smallpox) during therapy.
- Pregnancy, plans to become pregnant, or breast-feeding.
- Use of any prescription/OTC drugs, supplements, or herbal products.
Additional cautions:
- Alcohol can worsen stomach irritation and may increase certain side effects.
- Long-term or high-dose use may increase risks such as high blood sugar, cataracts or glaucoma, bone thinning, infections, and mood changes.
- Contact your clinician promptly if your symptoms worsen, you develop fever or signs of infection, or experience significant mood or vision changes.
Drug interactions
Tell your pharmacist or prescriber about all medicines you take. Some key interactions include:
- Hydantoins such as phenytoin, rifampin, carbamazepine, or barbiturates (for example, phenobarbital) may reduce prednisone levels and effectiveness.
- Azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole), clarithromycin, troleandomycin, or some hormonal contraceptives can increase steroid levels and raise the risk of side effects like weakness, mood changes, or low blood sugar.
- Mifepristone may reduce glucocorticoid effects for weeks after use.
- Warfarin and other anticoagulants or aspirin can have effects that are increased or reduced; monitoring may be required.
- Methotrexate or ritodrine may have enhanced actions or adverse effects when combined with prednisone.
- Live vaccines may be less effective and may not be recommended during immunosuppressive doses of prednisone.
Possible side effects
Many people tolerate short courses well. If effects occur, they are often mild and temporary. Common effects may include:
- Increased appetite and indigestion.
- Trouble sleeping or feeling jittery or nervous.
- Dizziness or a spinning sensation.
- Mood shifts or increased sweating.
Seek urgent medical care if you notice severe reactions such as:
- Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, rash, itching, swelling of the face/lips/tongue, chest tightness, or breathing difficulty.
- Black or tarry stools, coffee-ground vomit, or severe abdominal pain.
- Marked mood or personality changes, depression, or seizures.
- Persistent fever, prolonged sore throat, or frequent infections.
- Eye pain or vision changes, rapid weight gain, swelling of legs or feet, or pronounced muscle weakness.
- Menstrual cycle changes, severe nausea or vomiting, or unexplained weight loss.
Alternatives and similar medications
Depending on the condition and route needed, clinicians may consider these alternatives. Never switch without medical guidance.
- Prednisolone (oral): Similar systemic effect; sometimes preferred in liver impairment.
- Methylprednisolone (oral/IV): Comparable potency with different dosing equivalence; commonly used as a dose pack.
- Dexamethasone (oral/IV): Longer-acting steroid; higher anti-inflammatory potency per mg.
- Hydrocortisone (oral/IV): Shorter acting; used when a lower potency steroid is desired.
- Budesonide (oral controlled-release for IBD or inhaled for asthma): More targeted action with potentially fewer systemic effects depending on formulation.
Non-steroidal options may be appropriate for specific diagnoses (for example, biologics for IBD or rheumatoid arthritis, leukotriene modifiers or inhaled therapies for asthma, or non-steroidal immunomodulators). Discuss with your prescriber whether a steroid-sparing regimen may suit your long-term plan.
Approximate prices in the USA (USD)
Cash prices vary widely by pharmacy, discount programs, and dosage. The figures below are rough ranges for common quantities and are not offers. Insurance copays may differ substantially.
- Prednisone 5 mg tablets (30 count): about $3 to $12.
- Prednisone 10 mg tablets (30 count): about $4 to $15.
- Prednisone 20 mg tablets (30 count): about $5 to $18.
- Methylprednisolone 4 mg dose pack (6-day): about $8 to $25.
- Dexamethasone 4 mg tablets (10 to 20 count): about $5 to $20.
- Budesonide oral (for IBD) can be significantly more expensive, often $300+ for a monthly supply depending on brand and dose.
Tips: Comparing pharmacies and using legitimate discount programs can make a substantial difference at the register. If the price you are quoted seems unusually high, ask your pharmacist about alternatives noted in Alternatives and similar medications.
U.S. legal and access information
- Prescription-only: In the United States, prednisone/Deltasone is an FDA-approved prescription medicine. It is not available over the counter.
- Controlled status: Prednisone is not a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act.
- Prescribing and telehealth: Licensed clinicians in your state may prescribe prednisone in person or via telemedicine where permitted. Electronic prescribing is widely used.
- Pharmacy rules: Dispensing must be by a state-licensed pharmacy. Refills and quantity limits follow the prescriber's directions and state laws.
- Vaccinations: Live vaccines are generally avoided during immunosuppressive doses of steroids. Discuss timing with your provider.
- Importation: Personal importation of prescription drugs is restricted. The FDA may exercise discretion for small quantities for personal use, but this is not guaranteed; it is safer to use U.S.-licensed pharmacies.
- Sports and anti-doping: Systemic glucocorticoids may be restricted in-competition under certain sports rules. Athletes should verify current policies and obtain a therapeutic use exemption if needed.
- Driving and machinery: If prednisone causes dizziness or mood changes, use caution with tasks requiring alertness.
More information and practical tips
Because prednisone can cause insomnia or nervousness, some patients prefer morning dosing. If your condition worsens or you develop concerning side effects, contact your clinician promptly. Keep a list of all medications and supplements you use and show it at each visit to help screen for interactions. If you have questions at any time, a pharmacist can help explain how to take the medicine and what to expect.
