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Drug Info

When is the best time to take prednisone?

Timing matters when taking prednisone. Discover expert recommendations on when to take it for the best results.
Ashley Broadwater, writer for SingleCare
By | Apr. 30, 2025 Medically reviewed by Anne Jacobson, MD, MPH
Dr. and patient: best time to take prednisone

Key takeaways

  • Prednisone is a corticosteroid. Physicians or other healthcare providers may prescribe it to people looking for short-term pain relief, inflammation reduction, and/or other specific needs. The effects of systemic corticosteroids are backed by research.

  • The best time to take prednisone is in the morning. Take it consistently at the same time every day.

  • Prednisone has side effects. When used as a long-term solution, patients risk more significant side effects, such as Cushing syndrome, osteoporosis (a condition affecting the bones), and more.

In this article:

Prednisone is in the corticosteroid class of medications. It suppresses the immune system and has anti-inflammatory effects. It works in children and adults by replacing the hormone cortisol when the body needs more than what the adrenal glands can produce. A doctor may also prescribe a common brand name of prednisone, such as Prelone or Deltasone, or prednisolone, the active form of the drug. None of these forms can be purchased over the counter.

Like other corticosteroid medications, prednisone plays an important role in treating various diseases and symptoms, such as allergies, pain, chronic inflammation, and autoimmune conditions. 

While helpful in treating many conditions, prednisone does come with risks and side effects, which are important to discuss with a doctor, pharmacist, or care team. Taking prednisone at the right time can reduce some side effects and maximize effectiveness.

What is the best time of day to take prednisone?

First, it’s important to emphasize the importance of timing. “Taking it at the correct time is just as important as taking it at all,” says Dr. Emma Lin, a board-certified pulmonologist, sleep medicine specialist, and co-founder of ReadyO2.com who has years of experience and numerous patients on prednisone. She also finds that taking it at the same time daily is essential for consistency. 

On the flip side, taking prednisone irregularly can lead to fluctuations in energy, mood, and hormones, making it harder to function. Some of Dr. Lin’s patients have complained about feeling extra tired or dizzy after skipping a dose of prednisone or when they took it too late.

So, when is the right time to take prednisone? “Morning is best in most cases,” says Dr. Lin.

“When I prescribe prednisone, I usually recommend my patients take it first thing in the morning—ideally around 7 to 9 a.m.,” says Dr. James Lyons, MD, a family physician and medical consultant for Synergy Houses. “That is when your body naturally produces the highest cortisol levels, so taking prednisone during that window helps align with your body’s rhythm.”

Factors influencing the best time to take prednisone

People may notice prednisone’s effects within a few hours or days after starting it. 

“One of the things my patients often love about prednisone is how quickly it starts to work,” Dr. Lyons says. “That is part of why it is a go-to medication: When used appropriately, it acts quickly and provides noticeable relief for a wide range of symptoms.”

So what does that relief look like? “For asthma and COPD patients, morning prednisone keeps the airway open and symptoms under control,” Dr. Lin explains. “In conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, where morning stiffness and pain are exacerbated, morning administration enables patients to mobilize with less difficulty during the day.”

Prednisone’s side effects also factor into why it’s best taken in the morning hours. It can contribute to insomnia, racing thoughts, and jitteriness, which can make sleep more difficult.

Morning isn’t necessarily the best time for all patients, however. Per usual, it’s best to check with a healthcare provider since the condition can affect the best timing for prednisone. 

“For example, with adrenal insufficiency, we might split the dose or time it differently,” Dr. Lyons says. “However, mornings are the sweet spot for most people and are the most used.”

When taking prednisone, it’s important to know what medications interact with it. Examples of medication cautions and interactions with prednisone include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), immunosuppressants, diabetes medications, blood thinners, diuretics, certain antibiotics, and live vaccines. Also, let your doctor know if you take any dietary supplements. For a complete list of potential interactions and to be as safe as possible, talk to a healthcare professional before taking prednisone or any new medication.

If you forget a dose of prednisone, take it as soon as you remember.If it’s almost time for your next dose, just take the next dose as scheduled.

How to take prednisone for best results

Prednisone is taken by mouth in one of three forms: tablet, delayed-release tablet, or oral solution. 

It’s best taken at the same time every day, typically in the morning. “When my patients take it at the same time each day, it helps keep the drug levels steady in their system,” Dr. Lyons says. “That kind of regularity not only improves symptom control but also supports their adrenal glands, which can be suppressed by steroid use.”

Prednisone is usually prescribed for a short time and at low doses, if at all possible. The use of this medication for a long time, or in higher doses, can lead to serious side effects, such as bone loss, cataracts, and infections. 

Other tips for best results—especially given the medicine’s side effects, discussed later—include: 

  • Taking it with food
  • Only drinking coffee or caffeine in moderation 
  • Drinking more water
  • Keeping the medication at room temperature
  • Checking the expiration date before consuming

Prednisone side effects

As mentioned, prednisone may cause side effects. Examples of possible side effects include (but aren’t limited to):

  • Stomach distress, such as stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting 
  • Facial effects, such as facial puffiness and facial redness
  • Agitation, mood swings, and mood changes
  • Skin concerns, such as acne, thinning or discoloration of the skin, rash, and hives
  • Unwanted hair growth
  • Changes in appetite
  • Weight gain
  • Fluid retention, sodium retention, and swelling 
  • Sweating
  • Potassium loss
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Increased pressure in the eyes
  • Increased blood glucose
  • Headache 
  • Slow wound healing
  • Menstrual changes

More serious side effects include (but aren’t limited to): 

  • Steroid psychosis
  • Muscle damage
  • Infection
  • Diabetes 
  • High blood pressure
  • Seizures
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal perforation
  • Swelling of the pancreas
  • Bone tissue death
  • Tendon rupture 
  • Bulging eyes
  • Increased pressure in the brain
  • Severe or life-threatening allergic reactions
  • Withdrawal or adrenal gland insufficiency 
  • Severe pain

Seek emergency medical attention for any serious side effects while taking prednisone.

Taking prednisone at high doses or for a long period means a higher risk of adverse effects, so it’s usually prescribed for a short length of time and at the lowest effective dose. Other kinds of treatment may be tried first, or as a longer-term solution.

As with any health decision, talk with your healthcare provider for more individualized information and medical advice to reduce the risk of side effects and other problems.