Prednisone is a type of medication that is classified as a glucocorticoid. A glucocorticoid is a type of adrenocortical steroids that can be naturally and synthetically produced. The chemical name for this steroid is: pregna-1, 4-diene3, 11, 20-trione monohydrate, 17,21-dihydroxy and its chemical formula is C21H26O5. Medically, it can be distributed in 5, 10, and 20-milligram tablets.
Prednisone tablets are used to treat adrenocortical deficiency states because of their anti-inflammatory properties. They are most widely used for the following medical conditions (among many others):
Rheumatic disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis)Allergic states (control of severe allergic reactions)Gastrointestinal diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)Nervous system (multiple sclerosis)
Some issues with Prednisone include its ability to hide symptoms of serious or minor infections. The effects of this drug are not known when used by pregnant women. Symptoms of withdrawal (body aches, fever, headaches) can occur if the reduction of dosage is not gradual. Emotional and mood instability can occur, as well as the enhancement or triggering of pre-existing emotional issues with the use of Prednisone. Some side effects of Prednisone include: hypertension, fluid retention, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, pancreatitis, thin fragile skin, facial erythema, headache, vertigo, menstrual irregularities. Prednisone can reduce the effectiveness of the immune system; therefore patients must be cautious around contagious infections such as the chicken pox or measles.
Dosage of Prednisone is extremely dependent on the specific circumstances of each patient’s case. Generally, the initial dosage ranges from 5 to 60 milligrams per day (depending on the disease and the patient’s history). One possible dosage option is Alternate Day Therapy. This is often a viable option for patients anticipating long-term use of Prednisone as the anti-inflammatory effect lasts longer in the body’s system than the physical and metabolic effects, as well as because it helps to restore natural and normal production and activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) region of the brain.
Adrenocortical deficiencies are characterized by inhibited or overactive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity. Through the hypothalamus, a fluctuation in free cortisol causes the pituitary glands to produce more or less (relatively) corticotrophin (ACTH). This results in disrupting the diurnal cycle of natural ACTH production. The restoration of natural and normal production of ACTH can be dramatically affected by stress.
Prednisone is a medication available by prescription only. Other types of corticosteroids that are less severe and considered shorter acting include: hydrocortisone, methylprednisone, and prednisolone.
Definitions:
Adrenocortical: of, pertaining to, or produced by the cortex of the adrenal gland.Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis: the peripheral limbs of the stress system.
Prednisone is a highly potent drug with numerous negative side effects. The constant question it poses is: Are the side effects worse than the disease being treated? Because of this, every prescription must be seriously discussed and the benefits carefully weighed. Medical researchers are currently conducting clinical trials with a targeted form of Prednisone that will dramatically reduce the presence of side effects in patients. This would open up a new world for both medical chemistry and also improve the quality of life for those people who must rely on adrenocortical replacement therapy.
Prednisone tablets are used to treat adrenocortical deficiency states because of their anti-inflammatory properties. They are most widely used for the following medical conditions (among many others):
Rheumatic disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis)Allergic states (control of severe allergic reactions)Gastrointestinal diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)Nervous system (multiple sclerosis)
Some issues with Prednisone include its ability to hide symptoms of serious or minor infections. The effects of this drug are not known when used by pregnant women. Symptoms of withdrawal (body aches, fever, headaches) can occur if the reduction of dosage is not gradual. Emotional and mood instability can occur, as well as the enhancement or triggering of pre-existing emotional issues with the use of Prednisone. Some side effects of Prednisone include: hypertension, fluid retention, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, pancreatitis, thin fragile skin, facial erythema, headache, vertigo, menstrual irregularities. Prednisone can reduce the effectiveness of the immune system; therefore patients must be cautious around contagious infections such as the chicken pox or measles.
Dosage of Prednisone is extremely dependent on the specific circumstances of each patient’s case. Generally, the initial dosage ranges from 5 to 60 milligrams per day (depending on the disease and the patient’s history). One possible dosage option is Alternate Day Therapy. This is often a viable option for patients anticipating long-term use of Prednisone as the anti-inflammatory effect lasts longer in the body’s system than the physical and metabolic effects, as well as because it helps to restore natural and normal production and activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) region of the brain.
Adrenocortical deficiencies are characterized by inhibited or overactive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity. Through the hypothalamus, a fluctuation in free cortisol causes the pituitary glands to produce more or less (relatively) corticotrophin (ACTH). This results in disrupting the diurnal cycle of natural ACTH production. The restoration of natural and normal production of ACTH can be dramatically affected by stress.
Prednisone is a medication available by prescription only. Other types of corticosteroids that are less severe and considered shorter acting include: hydrocortisone, methylprednisone, and prednisolone.
Definitions:
Adrenocortical: of, pertaining to, or produced by the cortex of the adrenal gland.Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis: the peripheral limbs of the stress system.
Prednisone is a highly potent drug with numerous negative side effects. The constant question it poses is: Are the side effects worse than the disease being treated? Because of this, every prescription must be seriously discussed and the benefits carefully weighed. Medical researchers are currently conducting clinical trials with a targeted form of Prednisone that will dramatically reduce the presence of side effects in patients. This would open up a new world for both medical chemistry and also improve the quality of life for those people who must rely on adrenocortical replacement therapy.
"About Prednisone." DailyMed. Jan. 2009. U.S. National Library of Medicine. 05 Mar. 2009 .
Edelblum, Karen. "Eliminating Side Effects for Steroids? - A Scientist-Patient looks at IBD." Health Information, Resources, Tools, & News Online -- EverydayHealth.com. 07 Oct. 2008. Everyday Health Network. 09 Oct. 2008
Interesting article, understanding the chemistry behind a drug, and the molecular aspects that make a certain drug act the way it does is a huge step before prescribing a certain drug to a patient. Medicinal chemistry have closed the gap between chemistry and medicine, creating bridges between this sciences. The “7th AFMC International Medicinal Chemistry Congress” will be a forum created to share and interact with experts all over the world in Medicinal Chemistry, visit for more information about this event:
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