prednisone

noun

pred·​ni·​sone ˈpred-nə-ˌsōn 

also

-ˌzōn 

: a glucocorticoid C₂₁H₂₆O₅ that is a dehydrogenated analog of cortisone and is used as an anti-inflammatory agent, as an antineoplastic agent, and as an immunosuppressant

Examples of prednisone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

How to treat alopecia areata and other autoimmune disorders Corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone and prednisone, are commonly prescribed (topically, orally, or through injections) to both alleviate inflammation and curb the autoimmune response. —Krissy Brady, SELF, 5 Mar. 2024

Medications such as prednisone are not used as first-line treatment but they may be prescribed in severe cases of widespread hair loss, as in the case of alopecia totalis or universalis.7 Taking a short course of oral steroids for about six weeks can regrow hair. —Heather L. Brannon, Md, Verywell Health, 27 Jan. 2024

By then, Schulte’s vertebrae, weakened by prednisone, had started cracking. —Tribune News Service, Hartford Courant, 3 Jan. 2024

Historically, lupus has been treated with medicines that broadly suppress the immune system, such as steroids like prednisone. —Markham Heid, TIME, 27 Dec. 2023

Doctors can identify the disease by a blood test, and corticosteroids such as prednisone may be prescribed. —Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 14 Dec. 2023

Research has shown that prednisone can decrease bone density within weeks of starting the drug, increasing the risk of fractures. —Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2023

One patient took prednisone, a powerful steroid, for 89 days after a Walgreens pharmacist in Santa Clara confused the drug with Prilosec, the heartburn drug that had actually been prescribed, according to a citation issued in June 2022. —Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2023

Anti-inflammatory drugs, including NSAIDs like ibuprofen as well as steroids like prednisone, are often used at first to get symptoms under control while the DMARDs start working, which may take weeks or months. —Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 3 Feb. 2023

Word History

Etymology

probably from pregnane (C₂₁H₃₆) + diene (compound containing two double bonds) + cortisone

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

prednisone

noun

pred·​ni·​sone

ˈpred-nə-ˌsōn also -ˌzōn

: a glucocorticoid C₂₁H₂₆O₅ that is a dehydrogenated analog of cortisone and is used as an anti-inflammatory agent, as an antineoplastic agent, and as an immunosuppressant