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Drugs and Medicinal Substances

Prednisone

Systemic Hormonal Preparations

Prednisone is a glucocorticoid medication mostly used to suppress the immune system and decrease inflammation in conditions such as asthma, COPD, and rheumatologic diseases.

Facts
Drug Class
Glucocorticoid (corticosteroid) 1
Mechanism of Action
A prodrug converted by the liver to prednisolone, which binds glucocorticoid receptors and alters gene expression, inhibiting leukocyte function and reducing their numbers in the bloodstream. 1
Approved Use
Suppresses the immune system and decreases inflammation in conditions such as asthma, COPD and rheumatologic disease. 1
First Approved / Isolated Year
1955 1
Significant Risk
Cataracts, bone loss, easy bruising, muscle weakness and thrush; also weight gain, swelling, high blood sugar, increased infection risk and psychosis. 1
Classification
Approval Status
Approved 1
ATC ClassSourced to the subject's own account
H: Systemic Hormonal Preparations, Excluding Sex Hormones and Insulins 2
Route of Administration
Oral 3
WHO Essential Medicine
Core List 1
Connections

Treats

Bell's Palsy, Conditions

Oral corticosteroids (prednisone) are the standard early treatment for Bell's palsy.

Source Prednisone (Wikipedia)
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Conditions
Source Prednisone (Wikipedia)
Sarcoidosis, Conditions

Corticosteroids (prednisone) are the standard first-line treatment for symptomatic sarcoidosis.

Source Prednisone (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Prednisone (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia Foundation
  • Lead section
    used to suppress the immune system and decrease inflammation in conditions such as asthma, COPD, and rheumatologic diseases
  • Infobox, drug class
    Glucocorticoid
  • Mechanism of action section
    Prednisone is a prodrug and must be converted to prednisolone by the liver before it becomes active.
  • History section
    Prednisone was patented in 1954 and approved for medical use in the United States in 1955.
  • Adverse effects section
    Common side effects may include cataracts, bone loss, easy bruising, muscle weakness, and thrush.
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prednisone, lead section
    insufficiency along with other corticosteroids. It is taken by mouth.
  • Regulatory approval status
  • WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, core list
View the Source
2. Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFirst-level anatomical group codes, Code H
Quote, First-level anatomical group codes, Code H
Systemic hormonal preparations, excluding sex hormones and insulins
View the Source
3. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundation
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