What is prednisone used for? 

Prednisone is an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid that can be used for a wide variety of conditions, such as: 

• Asthma 

• Croup

• Crohn disease

• Dermatomyositis

• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

• Ulcerative colitis 

• Many others! 

What are the most common side effects seen with prednisone? 

• Fluid retention

• Higher blood glucose levels

• High blood pressure blood pressure

• Behavioral and mood changes

• Increased appetite and weight gain

• Negative effect on growth and development (long term use) 

Contraindications

• Prednisone shouldn’t be taken if your child has had an anaphylactic reaction (hives or swelling of the tongue) to prednisone previously. 

• Administration of live or live attenuated virus vaccines with high doses of prednisone (high doses of prednisone are usually administered in the hospital).

• Systemic fungal infections (a child would be admitted to the hospital if they had a systemic fungal infection). 

Tips & Tricks to administer prednisone

If your child is having difficulty taking prednisone (liquid or tablets), it can be mixed in some foods or beverages. Please keep in mind that if a medication is mixed with food or drink, it should be taken immediately. The mixture should not be saved or consumed later.

Prednisone oral solution (liquid) and tablets can be mixed with any food or beverage based on the preference of the child. 

How to store Prednisone

• Prednisone tablets and oral solution (liquid) should be stored at room temperature. 

Breast feeding considerations 

• Prednisone can be present in breast milk if being taken by the mother. 

• Prednisone is generally considered as compatible with breastfeeding. 

The information in this database regarding prescription drugs is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interaction or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. See disclaimer.