Steroids are widely administered over multiple kinds of treatment. One of the chief uses of steroids – especially, meds belonging to a subgenre called corticosteroids – is to treat inflammation i.e., internal swelling. Key chemicals present in such drugs also control immunity levels; this property helps treat allergic conditions. Prednisone is a commonly administered med in the corticosteroids genre of meds. Its dosages are administered for treating painful joints, immunity-based disorders, the incidence of allergies, skin problems, and a few autoimmune ailments. But, how long does prednisone remain inside your body? It is a good practice to have needful details prior to starting your treatment.
What is prednisone?
Prednisone is one of the widely prescribed forms of corticosteroid drugs. It is administered for the management of the immune system, to treat autoimmune disorders and a few allergic reactions. Key items present in prednisone are known to minimize responses of your immune system; common responses are inflammation and/or swelling, itchiness, or a few skin conditions. This steroidal drug is not an OTC drug. It is always administered under the guidance and supervision of a qualified physician.
This steroidal med is consumed to influence and control the potential of your immunity cells. Owing to such properties, this steroid is administered for treating pains caused by autoimmune problems like arthritis, and breathing disorders like panting, gasping, or wheezing for breath.
Prednisone is however known to trigger a few unintended side effects. A few common discomforts this med may cause are blurring or doubling of vision, mental conditions like depression, hallucinations, weird thoughts, and staying anxious. Intake of this med for a longer duration of time may trigger loss of bones and impairment of regular growth cycles among teens and children.
How long does this steroidal med Prednisone stay in your Body?
A standard dose of this med is expected to stay in your body for up to a day’s time. The average half-life of this steroid is nearly 4 hours. This is the duration needed for your system to decrease the plasma level by 50%. Thus, it takes up to nearly 6 half-lives (to be precise, 5.5 half-lives) for the drug to be entirely discharged.
However, the time is taken to fully discharge the drug (and its active ingredients) can depend upon a host of factors: these include – the rate of metabolism, dosage strength of prednisone and frequency of intake each day, prior ailments, if any, your age, body weight / BMI, etc. Among elderly users, the time taken for a full-fledged discharge is long. Also, those with poor renal or hepatic health may take more time to discharge prednisone from their system.
How to safely use prednisone?
No two individuals are administered with same medication plans i.e., despite having the same symptoms and signs. Your medication plan is influenced by your body weight, gender, age, how acute your medical condition and the possible onset of other conditions – both current and prior. People who have witnessed prior spells of hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to key chemicals used in prednisone must tell their treating physician of such conditions.
It is essential to consume this drug until your doctor advises you to discontinue. An abrupt stop can bring about problems such as headaches, migraines, tremors, and other related discomforts. In some cases, users have reported fatigue, weakness of muscles or cramps as well as abdominal conditions like nausea, indigestion, and/or vomiting. Upon witnessing one or more of these adverse effects, it is wise thing to reach out and take clinical support in a timely manner.