{"id":632221,"date":"2025-05-08T18:22:04","date_gmt":"2025-05-08T22:22:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=632221"},"modified":"2026-04-16T15:27:27","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T19:27:27","slug":"prednisone-20-mg","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/prednisone-20-mg\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding prednisone 20 mg"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/prednisone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prednisone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prescription drug<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/corticosteroids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">corticosteroid<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> drug class. While it <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/prednisone-over-the-counter\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can\u2019t be bought <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">over the counter<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a healthcare provider can prescribe it. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> treats inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and various other conditions. Patients may also take a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">brand-name<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> version, such as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deltasone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Predone, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sterapred<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sterapred<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> DS.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/prednisone\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prednisone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tablets<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">delayed-release tablets,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in particular, have various <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/prednisone\/dosage\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dose<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> strengths. A 20 mg dose of prednisone may be used to quickly reduce inflammation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-20-mg-of-prednisone-used-for\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is 20 mg of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used for?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cA 20 mg <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dose of prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is usually prescribed when inflammation needs to be brought under control quickly,\u201d says Dr. Gail Clifford, MD, MMM, CPE, FACP, FHM, an executive physician with ARRC LED specializing in internal medicine. \u201cThe goal is to calm down an overactive immune response and help relieve symptoms like swelling, pain, or trouble breathing.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She says it\u2019s a common choice for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/asthma-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">treating asthma flare-ups<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, severe <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">allergic reactions<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (like <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hives<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), autoimmune conditions (such as lupus and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/rheumatoid-arthritis-symptoms\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rheumatoid arthritis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), skin conditions (like eczema), and gut inflammation related to Crohn\u2019s disease or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ulcerative colitis<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However, higher or lower doses of prednisone are often used for these and other conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/drtelx.com\/our-experts\/\">Dr. Martina Ambardjieva, MD<\/a>, a urologist with Dr Telx, adds, \u201cIn urology, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is commonly used as an immunosuppressant in patients who receive a kidney transplant or to reduce inflammation in various conditions, including certain <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">kidney diseases<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,\u201d she says. \u201cThe dose may vary depending on the severity of the condition being treated.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"is-20-mg-of-prednisone-a-low-dose\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is 20 mg of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> a low dose?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr. Clifford explains that 20 mg of prednisone would be considered a moderate dose. \u201cIt is stronger than what we would call low dose (usually under 10 mg) but not as high as the doses used in more aggressive treatments.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But as with anything, it depends. \u201cThe exact definition of \u2018low dose\u2019 can vary based on the individual\u2019s condition and the specific treatment plan prescribed by the healthcare provider,\u201d Dr. Ambardjieva says.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typical doses and lengths of treatment range greatly depending on the condition. The dose may also be based on weight, especially in children.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The good news about a 20 mg dose, adds Dr. Clifford, is that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are usually limited, especially if the prednisone is taken for a short period of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"how-does-20-mg-of-prednisone-make-you-feel\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How does 20 mg of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> make you feel?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While you may not experience major <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, some are still noticeable and may show up within a few days. Both doctors say that patients commonly experience restlessness, insomnia, an increased appetite, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mood swings<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Dr. Ambardjieva also adds stomach irritation and fluid retention.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consult with a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare professional<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before changing how you take a medication or if you experience concerning <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\t\t<div id=\"coupon-cta\" class=\"coupon-cta master-template\">\n\t\t\t<p id=\"headline\">Save up to 80% on Prednisone with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t<p id=\"subheadline\">Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"details-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"details\">\n\t\t\t\t\tPrednisone 20 mg (10 Tablets)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"address\">\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"api-response\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"coupon\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"logo\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.singlecare.com\/content\/images\/pharmacy\/logo-color-walmart-nbh-market.svg\" alt=\"Walmart Neighborhood Market\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"price\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-number\">\n\t\t\t\t\t$3.15<br\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-signup\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"info-icon\">i<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/prednisone#blog-cta\">signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"couponbtn\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/prednisone#blog-cta\">Get free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"coupon\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"logo\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.singlecare.com\/content\/images\/pharmacy\/logo-color-walmart.svg\" alt=\"Walmart Pharmacy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"price\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-number\">\n\t\t\t\t\t$3.15<br\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-signup\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"info-icon\">i<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/prednisone#blog-cta\">signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"couponbtn\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/prednisone#blog-cta\">Get free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/prednisone#blog-cta\" class=\"coupon-see-all-btn\">See Prednisone prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-long-can-you-take-20-mg-of-prednisone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long can you take 20 mg of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The length of time a person is on <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will depend, in part, on the condition it\u2019s treating. But for short-term issues\u2014like asthma attacks, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">allergic reactions<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and immune system flare-ups\u2014 the duration of treatment is often around five to seven days.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIn longer-term conditions, the dose might be tapered slowly over a few weeks or more, depending on the situation,\u201d Dr. Clifford says.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regardless, she continues, doctors prescribe <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the shortest possible time. \u201cIt can be used long-term if necessary, but that is generally a last resort.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That\u2019s because long-term use comes with a risk of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">serious side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as bone thinning, diabetes, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">immune system<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suppression, Dr. Ambardjieva says. Long-term use of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">corticosteroids<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or prescribing them in <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">high doses<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, can also lead to an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2024\/202020s013lbl.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">increased risk<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cataracts<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, according to the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FDA<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> label for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rayos<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">brand name<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-take-prednisone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to take <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best time to take a prednisone dose is with breakfast. \u201cIt\u2019s best to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">take prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the morning to mimic the body\u2019s natural cortisol rhythm,\u201d Dr. Ambardjieva explains. \u201cTaking it early can also help avoid insomnia.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regarding the \u201cwith breakfast\u201d piece, she says taking this medication with food can help reduce stomach irritation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What you eat matters somewhat, too. Patients who <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">take prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/things-to-avoid-while-taking-prednisone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">want to avoid<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> alcohol and high-sodium foods. Conversely, some of the best foods to eat while on <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">steroids<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include foods rich in <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">calcium<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, vitamin D, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">potassium<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and protein. More specifically, that entails broccoli, dairy products, salmon, nuts, eggs, bananas, oranges, and baked potatoes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019s <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">drug interactions<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NSAIDs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (such as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), immunosuppressants, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">live vaccines<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, diabetes medicines, blood thinners (such as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">warfarin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), diuretics, some antibiotics, medications for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fungal infections<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (such as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ketoconazole<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">phenytoin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rifampin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/drugs\/20469-prednisone-tablets\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">let your doctor know if you have<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">glaucoma<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hypertension<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">high blood pressure<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">kidney disease<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, an infection (such as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">herpes<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chickenpox<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">myasthenia gravis<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">osteoporosis<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">thyroid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> disease, are pregnant or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">breastfeeding<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or have any other medical condition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you miss a<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> dose<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, take it as soon as you remember. If it\u2019s almost time for your next dose, skip the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">missed dose<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and take the next dose as scheduled. When putting the medication away, ensure the space is <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">room temperature<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"prednisone-vs-prednisolone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> vs. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisolone<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/prednisolone-vs-prednisone\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisolone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are similar but have a few general differences, shown in the table below.<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\">\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"header-row\">\n<td><\/td>\n<td><b>Prednisone<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Prednisolone<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Form<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ophthalmic drops, injectable solution, oral solution, suspension, oral, and orally disintegrating tablets<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral tablet, oral solution<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Standard dosage<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Varies by condition<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Varies by condition<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Length of treatment<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Three to 10 days, though sometimes longer<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Five days to several weeks or longer<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, the two forms metabolize differently. \u201cThe key difference is that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has to be converted by the liver into its active form, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisolone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,\u201d Dr. Clifford says. \u201cSo if someone has liver problems, doctors may prescribe <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisolone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> directly. Otherwise, 20 mg of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is generally considered equivalent in strength to 20 mg of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisolone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in healthy individuals.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Dr. Ambardjieva\u2019s experience, patients with liver issues typically prefer <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisolone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for that reason, and it works just as well. \u201cEfficacy is similar between the two, but some patients may respond better to one than the other,\u201d she adds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corticosteroids like <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> affect the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">adrenal glands<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which are responsible for producing cortisol.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIf you <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">take prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for a long time and stop it suddenly, your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">adrenal glands<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> might not bounce back right away,\u201d Dr. Clifford adds. \u201cThat is why it is important to taper off gradually.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Prednisone is a prescription drug in the corticosteroid drug class. While it can\u2019t be bought over the counter, a healthcare provider can prescribe it. Prednisone treats inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and various other conditions. Patients may also take a brand-name version, such as Deltasone, Predone, Sterapred, or Sterapred DS. Prednisone tablets and delayed-release tablets, in particular, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":137,"featured_media":632222,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[20955],"coauthors":[21001],"class_list":["post-632221","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-inflammation","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Prednisone 20 mg: Uses, side effects, and safety<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Prednisone 20 mg is a moderate-dose steroid used short-term to treat inflammation from asthma, allergies, autoimmune diseases, and other immune-related conditions.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, 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