{"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":"2026-08-13T16:17:57","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T20:17:57","slug":"prednisone-20-mg","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/prednisone-20-mg\/","title":{"rendered":"Prednisone 20 mg: Uses, dosage, and side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"

Those who\u2019ve just been prescribed prednisone<\/a> 20 mg may wonder what it is, what this dosage is used for, any possible side effects, and the cost of their prescription. Prednisone is a generic prescription medication in the group of drugs called oral corticosteroids<\/a>. It\u2019s used for a variety of conditions, including controlling inflammation in arthritis, blood disorders, cancer, eye problems, and certain immune system disorders. In this article, learn about what 20 mg prednisone is used for, whether it\u2019s considered a high dose, how to take it, what side effects to expect, and how much it costs.<\/p>\n

What is prednisone 20 mg used for?<\/h2>\n

Prednisone<\/a> 20 mg is used to treat a wide range of inflammatory and immune-related conditions<\/a>. It can be used for certain autoimmune issues, inflammation from infections, polyp reduction, sudden hearing loss, and acute facial paralysis, says Matt Hershcovitch<\/a>, MD, board-certified ear, nose, throat (ENT) specialist and founder of SoCal Breathe Free in Burbank, California. Prednisone is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis<\/a>, severe psoriasis<\/a>, ankylosing spondylitis<\/a>, ulcerative colitis<\/a>, and acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis<\/a>. It can also be prescribed off-label<\/a> for conditions such as a COVID-19<\/a> infection, giant cell arteritis, and kidney complications in people with lupus<\/a> (lupus nephritis).<\/p>\n

Prednisone is a generic glucocorticoid, a type of corticosteroid. The 20 mg dose of generic prednisone is an oral tablet taken by mouth, not an injection or topical form.<\/p>\n\t\t

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Is 20 mg of prednisone a high dose or a low dose?<\/h2>\n

20 mg of prednisone is considered a moderate dose for adults based on clinical guidelines from different medical associations. \u201cWhat is considered a high dose of prednisone<\/a> will depend on the specific use of the medication and duration of treatment,\u201d says Ayesha Bryant, MD, physician and clinical advisor at Alpas Wellness<\/a> in Maryland. For example, according to the American College of Rheumatology<\/a> (ACR) clinical guidelines, prednisone can be given at 0.5 mg\/kg body weight\/day (or less), up to a maximum of 40 mg\/day for lupus nephritis<\/a>. For off-label use for giant cell arteritis<\/a>, the ACR recommends prednisone between 10 and 80 mg per day, depending on whether low-, moderate-, or high-dose steroids are needed.<\/p>\n

Doses of 40 mg or higher per day are considered a high dose, while doses of 10 to 40 mg per day are considered moderate doses, and doses of 10 mg or less per day are low doses of prednisone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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\u00a0 \u00a0Prednisone dose ranges<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Dose category<\/b><\/td>\nDaily dose range<\/b><\/td>\nCommon uses at this dose<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Low dose<\/b><\/td>\n<10 mg\/day<\/td>\nRheumatoid arthritis, immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), Addison\u2019s disease, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Moderate dose<\/b><\/td>\n10\u201340 mg\/day<\/td>\nPsoriatic arthritis, myasthenia gravis, lupus nephritis, osteoarthritis, gout, Crohn\u2019s disease<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
High dose<\/b><\/td>\n\u226540 mg\/day<\/td>\nSevere allergic skin reactions, asthma (acute exacerbation), tuberculosis, proteinuria, ulcerative colitis<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Very high\/pulse dose<\/b><\/td>\n\u2265250 mg\/day<\/td>\nMultiple sclerosis (acute exacerbation)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

This is a general guideline, as doses may vary. Always follow the instructions for dosing given by your healthcare provider.<\/i><\/small><\/small><\/p>\n

How to take prednisone 20 mg<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re prescribed prednisone at 20 mg once daily, it\u2019s best to take it with breakfast. \u201cMorning with food is best,\u201d says Dr. Hershcovitch. Taking prednisone with food can help reduce gastrointestinal irritation, and taking it early on in the day mimics your body\u2019s natural cortisol cycles<\/a>. \u201cPrednisone gives a burst of energy,\u201d he shares. Healthcare providers often recommend taking prednisone before 9 a.m.<\/p>\n

Depending on your healthcare provider\u2019s specific instructions, you may need to take prednisone 20 mg more than once daily. In this case, your healthcare provider will recommend how to take your dose, whether all at once or spaced throughout the day. They may also recommend antacids or other medications to help prevent stomach ulcers while you are taking prednisone.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s recommended that people on prednisone lower their dietary salt intake and avoid alcohol. Prednisone also has a few drug interactions, so reviewing your medications and supplements with your healthcare provider or pharmacist can help identify them before you start your medication.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to follow your healthcare professional\u2019s instructions exactly. Prednisone dosing is individualized to the patient. Some people will require a tapering regimen (for example, when taking prednisone for longer periods of time or at higher doses), while others will not. If you have any concerns about your prednisone dose, how to take it, or possible side effects, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

How to take prednisone 20 mg for 5 days<\/h3>\n

A five-day course of prednisone 20 mg is a commonly prescribed short-term regimen for certain conditions. Also called a \u201cprednisone burst,\u201d healthcare providers may recommend prednisone 20 mg for five days in certain patients with Bell\u2019s palsy, gout, or an asthma exacerbation<\/a>. However, a prednisone burst may vary in dose and duration.<\/p>\n

To take prednisone 20 mg once daily for five days, start by taking your first dose with breakfast in the morning. Take one dose at the same time every day for five days. Follow your dosing instructions exactly.<\/p>\n

For a short course of prednisone 20 mg once daily for five days, it\u2019s typically not necessary to taper the dosage, but always follow your exact directions. You may still experience side effects.<\/p>\n

Prednisone 20 mg side effects<\/h2>\n

Some common side effects of prednisone 20 mg include:<\/p>\n