What Is Considered a High Dose of Prednisone? Understanding Safe Usage & Risks

Prednisone is an FDA-approved prescription drug that helps treat allergies, inflammatory diseases, and immune system disorders. But, if you are wondering, What is considered a high dose of prednisone? The answer depends on the condition being treated and the overall health of a person. As everyone's body reacts differently, this quantity might be enough for one, while others might experience certain side effects.

To understand how much prednisone is considered a high dose, explore this blog. We'll also learn about the risk of taking it in excessive amounts.

What Is Considered A High Dose Of Prednisone?

According to the National Library of Medicine, 40 mg/day or more is considered a maximum prednisone dose. However, as everyone's body reacts differently, this amount can vary depending on the individual and condition being treated. The high dose is provided for a short period, for instance, to quickly manage severe symptoms of asthma & lupus and to treat an allergic reaction. The higher the dose of prednisone, the worse its side effects. Hence, a doctor prescribes this medicine with care.

What Are The Recommended Doses Of Prednisone?

Here are the prednisone prescription levels for adults and children:

In short, the appropriate dosages of Prednisone are:

• Low dose of Prednisone: less than 7.5 milligrams per day

• Average dose of Prednisone: between 7.5 milligrams-40 milligrams per day

High dose of Prednisone: 40 milligrams-60 milligrams per day

Potential Side Effects Of High-Dose Prednisone

When consumed in high doses and for prolonged periods, prednisone can lead to these side effects:

Short-term side effects:

If prednisone is recommended for a short duration, you can experience these common side effects which subside after some time:

• Appetite changes

• Indigestion 

• High blood sugar

• Fluid retention

• Sweating & hot flashes

• Mood changes

• Restlessness

• Sleep disturbance 

Long-term side effects:

In case you are prescribed prednisone for chronic diseases, you may experience:

• Weight gain

• Osteoporosis (weakening of bones)

• Cataracts and glaucoma

• High blood pressure

• Weakened immune system

• Heart disease 

Note: If you experience any symptoms, report them immediately to your doctor who can help reduce the dose or recommend other alternatives.

Do Women Have Different Prednisone Side Effects Than Men?

Though both women and men have similar side effects, women tend to experience some effects 10% more than men. Those side effects include:

• Weight gain 

• Fatigue 

• Depression 

• Mood changes

• Changed appearance

• Moon face 

• Hair loss

• Sleeplessness 

• Stomach issues

What Is A 5-Day Prednisone Dosage?

A 5-day prednisone dosage is generally prescribed by doctors for emergency cases like breathing problems, different types of pains, or rashes. It often starts at a 40 mg dose of Prednisone. 

This 5-day typical dosage taper is as follows:

This 5-day dosage taper of prednisone is generally specific but could be altered by your healthcare providers in several ways. Doctors may prescribe 10 mg doses instead of 20 mg. They can also advise to take 40 mg of medicine every day for 5 days and then ask to stop. However, they can sometimes recommend the tablet at 20 mg and reduce it by 5 mg daily. All of these are regular doses of Prednisone.

What Is The Lowest Dose Of Prednisone You Can Take?

According to the research, 5 or 10 mg is the lowest dose of Prednisone. It helps prevent inflammatory symptoms of early polyarticular rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, this lower medicine dosage is also known to slow down the bony damage of rheumatoid arthritis. Hence, it is the disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.

How To Take A Dose Of Prednisone?

Well, prednisone is consumed in a tablet or oral solution. You can use it in the following manner to ensure its effective and safe use:

• Take as prescribed by doctors: Always follow the prescribed dose by your doctor at the recommended time.

• Take with food or milk: Have it with food or milk to prevent ulcers and stomach irritation.

• Swallow whole: Never chew or crush the tablet unless suggested by the providers.

• Take in the morning: Have it in the morning to prevent insomnia (difficulty staying or falling asleep).

• Stay hydrated: Drink a lot of water to manage possible side effects.

• Taper slowly (if needed): Don't suddenly discontinue the medicine used to prevent the risk of improper functioning of the adrenal gland. Always follow a doctor’s plan to safely lower the dose.

• Monitor side effects: Keep a watch over the side effects and report them to a doctor.

Note: Safe use of prednisone can maximize its benefits and minimize its side effects. 

What To Do in Case of Missed Dose of Prednisone?

As soon as you remember it, take the missed dose immediately. However, avoid taking it close to your bedtime as it can make it difficult to sleep. If it's time to have the next tablet, do not have the missed one. Avoid double dosing whether you are taking prednisone for a short or longer period. 

What To Do If You Overdose on Prednisone?

If you have taken prednisone in excessive amounts and experience the symptoms of overdose, immediately see a doctor. Call 911 (an emergency number) or 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control Center) in case of severe symptoms.

Taking excessive amounts of prednisone can lead to:

• Tiredness or weakness

• Nervousness

• Heart rhythm changes

• Upset stomach

• High blood pressure

• Lower leg swelling

• Hallucinations or confusion

• Hearing changes

• Mood changes

Is 50 mg Of Prednisone A High Dose?

Yes, 50 mg of prednisone is a high dose. Doctors usually consider the severity of the symptoms while recommending the correct dosage. If the condition is severe or not fully responsive to low doses, 50mg of Prednisone may be advised. This high dosage can give a more effective anti-inflammatory effect by preventing inflammation and appropriately curing symptoms. 

Final Thoughts

So, what is considered a high dose of prednisone? 40 mg per day or more of prednisone is a high dose. However, this dose can vary depending on the individual and condition being treated. Taking it in excess amounts can lead to some side effects. Hence, always have it as prescribed and avoid overdosing. 

We hope you found this blog informative and got all the answers about this medication in detail.