Prednisone / Prednisolone

What is this medication for?

• Anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, antineoplastic (adjunct), replacement (hypoadrenocorticism)

How is it given?

Give exactly as your veterinarian prescribed — never change the dose or stop on your own unless your veterinarian has told you to.

What if I miss a dose?

• Give it as soon as you remember — unless it is almost time for the next dose (then skip the missed one; never double up).
• Call your clinic if you miss more than one dose in a row.

Side effects — what should I watch for?

Effects listed as common in this handout

• PU/PD/PP (Common even with short "burst" therapy)
• Diarrhea, PU/PD, weight gain (less overt Cushingoid signs than dogs) (Cats generally tolerate higher doses better)

Worth a phone call to your veterinarian

• stomach/intestinal ulceration, elevated liver enzymes, pancreatitis, muscle wasting, behavior change (With prolonged/high-dose use)

⚠️ Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic IMMEDIATELY if you notice

• Trouble breathing, collapse, seizures, severe vomiting or diarrhea, facial swelling, or pale gums

Before starting (or refilling), tell your veterinarian if your pet:

• has or has had: Systemic fungal infection (unless replacement in Addison's); known hypersensitivity
• has or has had: Active bacterial infection, corneal ulcer, diabetes, osteoporosis, CHF, renal insufficiency; do not stop abruptly after chronic use — taper

• is pregnant, nursing, or used for breeding
• is taking any other medications, supplements, or flea/tick products, including:
  • NSAIDs
  • Potassium-depleting diuretics (furosemide, thiazides)
  • Cyclosporine
  • Insulin
  • Ketoconazole
  • Live vaccines

Storage and handling

Room temperature, protect from light.

Good to know

• Use prednisolone, not prednisone, in cats and horses — poor hepatic conversion in these species makes prednisone less reliable.
• Core dosing principle: use the least potent form/dose for the shortest time that controls the disease; alternate-day dosing (once daily therapy achieved) minimizes HPA suppression.
• Chronic daily use beyond 1–2 weeks requires tapering, not abrupt discontinuation.