Skip to content
ClinCalc Pro
Menu
Calculators Drugs Pathways AI Dx Donate Get the App
Oral Corticosteroid

Prednisolone (Oral — General Medicine)

Brand names: Prednisolone (generic)

Used in: Gout Inflammatory Bowel Disease Acute Red Eye

Oral prednisolone is a glucocorticoid corticosteroid used in general medicine for a wide range of inflammatory and immune-mediated conditions, including asthma and COPD exacerbations, inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune disease and as part of immunosuppressive regimens.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It binds glucocorticoid receptors to modulate gene transcription, suppressing inflammatory mediators and immune cell activity while exerting mineralocorticoid and metabolic effects.

Prescribing in practice

  • Do not stop prolonged or high-dose treatment abruptly because of the risk of adrenal insufficiency; the dose must be tapered and patients should carry a steroid treatment card.
  • Long-term use causes osteoporosis, hyperglycaemia, hypertension, gastrointestinal and psychiatric effects and increased infection risk, so co-prescribe bone and gastric protection where indicated.
  • It can mask signs of infection and reactivate latent infections such as tuberculosis and chickenpox, so advise on avoiding contact and seeking prompt advice after exposure.

Monitoring

During longer courses monitor blood pressure, blood glucose, weight and bone health, and review for signs of infection and mood disturbance.

Counselling the patient

  • Never stop this steroid suddenly; always reduce it gradually as advised.
  • Carry a steroid treatment card and tell any healthcare professional you are taking it.
  • Seek advice promptly if you are exposed to chickenpox or shingles or feel unwell with infection.

Evidence & guidelines

Oral prednisolone is standard therapy across numerous inflammatory and respiratory conditions in NICE and specialist society guidance.

Reference: NICE guidance on glucocorticoid use; RCP Steroid Emergency Card guidance; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators
Pathways