Prednisone is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids [1]. It is used to suppress immunity and reduce inflammations in conditions like arthritis.
What Is Used For?
Prednisone is used to reduce inflammations. It can be used to treat the following conditions:
- Ulcerative colitis
- Arthritis
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Allergic disorders
- Crohn’s disease
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Skin conditions like psoriasis
- Inflammation of the eyes
- Anaemia
- Sarcoidosis
- Exacerbations of multiple sclerosis
- Thrombocytopenia
- Asthma
Mechanism of Action
When prednisone is taken, it is converted to prednisolone in the liver, which is the active form of the drug. Prednisone helps to weaken the immune system by reducing the migration of leukocytes. This action reduces capillary permeability which causes inflammation. Prednisone is an artificial glucocorticoid [2], so it exhibits the action of natural glucocorticoids in the body like raising blood glucose levels.