prednisone
Quick Summary
Prednisone is a glucocorticoid medication that is a dehydrogenated analog of cortisone. It is used as an anti-inflammatory agent, an antineoplastic agent, and an immunosuppressant. Prednisone is chemically similar to cortisol, a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a crucial role in stress response, immune function, and metabolic regulation. Cortisol itself is a potent anti-inflammatory agent and is used to treat various conditions, including dermatitis, arthritis, and adrenal gland diseases. While cortisone was one of the first anti-inflammatory steroids used therapeutically, prednisone and other related compounds have largely replaced it due to fewer undesirable side effects.123
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