Prednisone And Alcohol Combination: Is It Safe?

If you are suffering from conditions like asthma, certain types of arthritis (rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis), eye conditions like keratitis, or severe skin conditions like psoriasis, then your doctor may prescribe prednisone. However, it is good to know everything about medicines and other things before using them. 

Thus, I will try to explain everything about prednisone to help you understand whether you should take it or not. When I used this medicine for my eye infection, it was quite effective, but I experienced a headache for a few hours after taking it. Even though not everyone suffers from the side effects of prednisone, it is always wise to consult with doctors before using it.

Prednisone For Cough: How To Use?

Prednisone is a glucocorticoid medication that helps control the immune system and reduce swelling in various health conditions. Thus, if you are suffering from conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or certain joint problems, then your doctor may prescribe it.

Also, it can be used for issues with high blood calcium due to cancer and problems with the adrenal glands. Moreover, you should know that prednisone is approved for use in both adults and children with various health conditions.

Prednisone is sometimes prescribed for persistent coughs, particularly when inflammation is a contributing factor. It can help reduce inflammation in the airways and alleviate symptoms. However, it’s essential to note that prednisone is a powerful corticosteroid with potential side effects.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and prescribed dosage. Do not self-prescribe or use prednisone without proper medical guidance, as it can have significant side effects and may not be appropriate for every individual or every type of cough.

Benefits Of Prednisone

Prednisone can be beneficial for many types of health conditions, whether mild or severe. Also, doctors can prescribe prednisone alone or with other medications to treat your specific conditions. Moreover, if your body doesn’t make natural corticosteroids (required for regular body functioning), then prednisone can be beneficial.

If you want to know the benefits of prednisone for various health conditions, then arthritis, severe allergies, lupus, asthma, COPD, specific endocrine conditions like congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and issues that affect your skin, eyes, kidneys, and stomach are some examples. Additionally, you should know that prednisone belongs to a group called corticosteroids. 

Also, it can manage corticosteroid levels by replacing the ones your body normally makes. Moreover, if you are suffering from swelling, redness, or issues with the immune system, prednisone can be very beneficial.

Uses Of Prednisone

Prednisone is a versatile medicine that does a lot of helpful things for our bodies. However, it is commonly used to treat issues where our immune system is not working as it should or when there is inflammation (swelling) in our body. For example, if someone has asthma, certain types of arthritis, rheumatic disorders, allergies, and digestive problems like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, then prednisone can be used to manage these conditions. 

Additionally, prednisone is used to treat multiple sclerosis, lupus, and certain types of headaches (migraine and cluster headaches). Moreover, it is also used to treat sudden hearing loss, and when our bodies have too much fluid (like in heart failure), prednisone can be used to assist other medicines in removing that extra fluid.

Precautions Of Prednisone

When you are taking prednisone, you have to visit your doctor at regular intervals. It will help you and your doctor figure out the efficacy and side effects according to your health condition. Also, your doctor may recommend blood or urine tests to analyze the efficacy of prednisone. Moreover, if you use it for a long time, then it may increase the risk of adrenal gland problems. 

Also, when you are taking prednisone and experience symptoms like dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or unusual tiredness, then you should immediately consult with your doctor. Additionally, if someone is suffering from conditions like chickenpox and you are living with him/her, then you should avoid it because prednisone raises the risk of infections.

Dosage Of Prednisone

The dosage of prednisone can vary in individuals according to their specific health conditions. Thus, I always recommend sharing your specific health condition with your doctor to know about dosages that can suit your body’s requirements.

However, doctors usually prescribe 5 to 60 mg per day to adults in the beginning, and they change the dosage according to its efficacy and the body’s requirements. Moreover, you must consult with a doctor when you want to know the dosage structure in children.

Prednisone Side Effects

Prednisone can cause short-term and long-term side effects in some people. Thus, you should know about all types of side effects of taking prednisone. So, high blood sugar levels, especially in people with diabetes, headaches, dizziness, acne, and feelings of sadness or anxiety, are some short-term side effects of taking prednisone. 

Additionally, if you take prednisone for a long time, then it can lead to conditions like Cushing’s syndrome (which involves symptoms like weight gain in the middle part of the body), glaucoma, cataracts, and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, you are at a higher risk of suffering from osteoporosis if you are taking prednisone for a long time.

Should I Avoid Alcohol When Taking Prednisone?

It is generally advisable to avoid alcohol while taking prednisone. Both prednisone and alcohol can have potential effects on the liver, and combining them may increase the risk of liver problems. Additionally, alcohol can enhance certain side effects of prednisone, such as dizziness, gastrointestinal issues, and an increased risk of stomach ulcers.

It’s important to follow the guidance provided by your healthcare provider and the instructions on your medication label. If you have any concerns or questions about consuming alcohol while taking prednisone, it’s best to consult with your healthcare professional for personalized advice based on your specific medical condition and the prescribed dosage of prednisone.

Sum Up

Prednisone is like a multitasking medicine that can help you to treat various health conditions. However, it is a prescription medication, and you should only take this if your doctor recommends it. Above, we have explained everything you should know about prednisone. Thus, understand the benefits, use, precautions, dosages, and side effects if you want to use prednisone. However, you must consult with a doctor if you want to give this medicine to children.

FAQs

Q1. Who Should Not Use Prednisone?

People who are suffering from fungal infections or eye infections or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult with their doctors before taking prednisone.

Q2. How Soon After Taking Prednisone Do You Feel Better?

When you take prednisone, you can experience its effects in a couple of hours, but it may take a few days to experience its full effects.

Q3. What Foods To Avoid While Taking Prednisone?

If you are taking prednisone, then you should avoid eating sugar-rich and processed foods such as cakes, chips, and bread.

Q4. How Long Do Side Effects Last?

Side effects of prednisone can vary in individuals as some can experience its side effects for a couple of hours, while in some people, they can last for a few days or weeks.

Q5. Is Prednisone Safe To Take?

Prednisone is an FDA-approved medicine and is safe for use, but those who are suffering from underlying health conditions or are allergic to prednisone should consult with their doctors before taking it.

References

• National Institute Of Health(2023) Prednisone Available online at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534809/
• Medline Plus(2020) Prednisone Available online at: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601102.html