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A Different Look at Corticosteroids

Systemic corticosteroids have been used in the treatment of numerous medical conditions... Short-acting products such as hydrocortisone are the least potent. Prednisone and methylprednisolone, which are intermediate-acting products, are four to five times more potent than hydrocortisone. Dexamethasone is a long-acting, systemic corticosteroid; its potency is about 25 times greater than the short-acting products.

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Articles of Interest

Binghamton researchers are looking for the next prednisone

Nursing and pharmacy researchers hope to find a replacement for prednisone with fewer and less-severe side effects. Their recent clinical research study was the University’s first to use drugs on humans.

Choosing Topical Corticosteroids

Topical corticosteroids are one of the oldest and most useful treatments for dermatologic conditions. There are many topical steroids available, and they differ in potency and formulation. Successful treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis and consideration of the steroid’s delivery vehicle, potency, frequency of application, duration of treatment, and side effects. Although use of topical steroids is common, evidence of effectiveness exists only for select conditions, such as psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, atopic dermatitis, phimosis, acute radiation dermatitis, and lichen sclerosus.

Dexamethasone vs. prednisone: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you

Dexamethasone is known for being a long-acting drug with a half-life of 36 to 72 hours, available in multiple forms including tablets, injections, and ophthalmic solutions, while prednisone is intermediate-acting with a 3 to 4-hour half-life, primarily available in tablet and oral solution form.

My topical steroid withdrawal: ‘Water felt like acid, my body was ablaze and I shed skin like a snake’

I was prescribed steroid cream for my eczema – but when I stopped using it I ended up in A&E. Much more research is needed into this debilitating condition.

Prednisone vs Prednisolone: What’s the Difference?

But prednisone and prednisolone are not the same. Prednisolone is the active metabolite of prednisone. This means the liver converts prednisone to the active drug prednisolone.

Sarah Hyland Gets Real About Dealing With Prednisone ‘Moon Face’

Modern Family star Sarah Hyland has been open about her experience with kidney dysplasia, a condition that causes the kidneys to develop abnormally, and the fact that she underwent a kidney transplant in 2012. Now, she’s sharing information with fans about "moon face," swelling caused by prednisone, one of the medications she now has to take regularly.

What are the side effects of low dose prednisone?

Side effects associated with low dose (7.5 mg/day or less) daily prednisone are less severe than those seen with higher doses (greater than 30mg/day) and can usually be managed with precautions. Common side effects of daily low dose prednisone include elevated blood pressure, swelling, changes in blood sugar, increased appetite, weight gain, insomnia, osteoporosis (thinning of bones), irregular menstrual periods, and mood changes.

What Does It Feel Like to Take Prednisone for Inflammation?

Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid (“steroid”) that’s used to treat many conditions related to inflammation — including allergies, asthma, certain cancers, and some types of arthritis and autoimmune disorders. Some people only take it for a short period of time — a few days or weeks. But others may need to take it for months or even years. While it works quickly to relieve things like swelling and rashes, it can be rough on the stomach and make it hard to fall asleep. And the longer you take it, the greater the risk of long-term side effects, like osteoporosis and cataracts.

Resources

Prednisone

Prednisone is a synthetic, anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid that derives from cortisone. It is biologically inert and converted to prednisolone in the liver. Prednisone is an FDA-approved, delayed-release corticosteroid indicated as an anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive agent to treat a broad range of diseases, including immunosuppressive/endocrine, rheumatic, collagen, dermatologic, allergic states, ophthalmic, respiratory, hematologic, neoplastic, edematous, gastrointestinal, acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis, and as an anti-inflammatory and an antineoplastic agent.

StatPearls

Prednisone is a synthetic, anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid that derives from cortisone. It is biologically inert and converted to prednisolone in the liver. Prednisone is an FDA-approved, delayed-release corticosteroid indicated as an anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive agent to treat a broad range of diseases...