Prednisolone tablets and liquid
NHS information about the medicine prednisolone, including what it's used for, who can take it, how to take it and side effects.
What prednisolone is for
Prednisolone is a type of medicine called a steroid.
Steroid medicines help reduce swelling and inflammation. They're different to anabolic steroids, which some people use illegally to help build bigger muscles.
Prednisolone can help with conditions that cause swelling and conditions caused by your immune system attacking itself, including:
- allergies
- asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- autoimmune conditions, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
- skin conditions, such as atopic eczema and hives
It can also be used to prevent your body rejecting a donor organ after having a transplant or to help manage Addison's disease (primary adrenal insufficiency).
How to take prednisolone
Prednisolone usually comes as tablets and liquid (oral solution) you swallow, but it can also come as other types. There's also a type of tablet you dissolve in water and drink (soluble tablets).
How much you need to take and how long for depends on which type it is and why you're taking it. Most people take it once a day, in the morning, after breakfast. Your dose may go up or down depending on your symptoms and if your condition gets better or worse.
When taking prednisolone:
- swallow tablets whole with water, do not chew or crush them – you can also dissolve soluble tablets in a glass of water
- check the packet or leaflet to see if you can take it with or without food
- if you're taking the liquid medicine, use the cup or spoon that comes with it to help you measure the right dose
Depending on your condition and how long you need to take prednisolone for, you may be given a blue steroid card, and a (red) steroid emergency card. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about these.
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.
Side effects of prednisolone
Like all medicines, prednisolone can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Common side effects of prednisolone include:
- anxiety and mood changes such as feeling irritable
- wanting to eat more than usual and putting on weight
- problems sleeping (insomnia)
- headaches
- feeling sick (nausea)
- indigestion
Prednisolone will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery.
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of prednisolone.
For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website
Who can and cannot take prednisolone
Most adults and children can take prednisolone.
But prednisolone is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:
- you've had an allergic reaction to prednisolone or another steroid medicine
- you have an infection that is not currently being treated
- you have heart failure or recently had a heart attack
- you have diabetes or a history of diabetes in your family
- you have epilepsy
- you have recently been in contact with someone with shingles, chickenpox or measles
- you've ever had problems with your mental health
Before taking prednisolone, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.
Breastfeeding and prednisolone
Prednisolone can be taken while breastfeeding, but check with a doctor first.
If you're taking prednisolone while breastfeeding, speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.
Pregnancy and prednisolone
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant.
Prednisolone can be used during pregnancy if needed. It has occasionally been linked to problems in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and may affect your baby's growth.
Your doctor will talk to you about the risks and benefits of taking it while pregnant.
Taking prednisolone with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with prednisolone.
This includes some types of:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin
- antibiotics, such as erythromycin and rifampicin
- medicines to treat diabetes, such as insulin and metformin
- anticoagulants, such as warfarin
Before taking prednisolone, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
Food, drink and alcohol with prednisolone
Do not eat real liquorice or foods that have liquorice in them as this can increase how much of the medicine is in your body and the risk of side effects.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- speak to a pharmacist or a doctor for advice
