Definition

Noun: 1. A synthetic corticosteroid drug: Prednisone is a dehydrogenated analogue of the natural hormone cortisol. It is a potent medication used primarily for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects in the treatment of various conditions, including arthritis, allergic disorders, and autoimmune diseases.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor prescribed a short course of prednisone to reduce the severe inflammation.
  • Patients taking high doses of prednisone for a long time must be carefully monitored for side effects.
  • Prednisone is often used to suppress the immune system after an organ transplant.

Advanced Usage

• "To be on prednisone": to be undergoing treatment with this medication.
  • She has been on prednisone for her lupus for several months.
• "A prednisone taper": a treatment protocol where the dosage is gradually reduced.
  • To avoid adrenal insufficiency, the doctor started a slow prednisone taper.

Variants and Related Words

• Prednisolone (n): A very closely related active metabolite of prednisone, often used interchangeably in medical contexts.
  • The intravenous form of the medication is usually prednisolone.

Synonyms

• Corticosteroid: A general class of steroid hormones that includes prednisone.
• Glucocorticoid: A more specific term for this class of steroid hormones that regulate metabolism and immune function.

Notes on Meaning

The word prednisone refers specifically to this pharmaceutical compound. It is not used in a general or figurative sense. Its primary meanings are strictly medical, relating to its function as a: 1. Therapeutic Agent: A drug used to treat disease. 2. Immunosuppressant: A substance that reduces the activity of the body's immune system. 3. Anti-inflammatory: A substance that reduces inflammation.

Noun

1. a dehydrogenated analogue of cortisol (trade names Orasone or Deltasone or Liquid Pred or Meticorten); used as an anti-inflammatory drug in the treatment of arthritis and as an immunosuppressant