Prednisolone

Steroid (oral)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Prednisolone is a steroid (oral) found in 11 medicines sold in India, such as Wysolone 10, Omnacortil 10, Wysolone 5. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Reduces inflammation and immune reactions in asthma, allergies, arthritis and many other conditions.

How it works

An oral steroid that strongly suppresses inflammation and the immune system; for asthma attacks, allergies, arthritis, autoimmune diseases and more.

How to take it

Take in the morning with food. Courses longer than 3 weeks must be tapered, not stopped suddenly. Carry a steroid card for long use.

Common side effects

  • Raised appetite and weight
  • Mood changes
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Raised blood sugar
  • Indigestion

Get medical help straight away if

  • Signs of infection
  • Severe stomach pain or black stools
  • High mood or confusion
  • Blurred vision

Be careful

Do not stop suddenly after long use. Raises blood sugar and can lower immunity.

Other medicines and interactions

NSAIDs raise ulcer risk. Raises sugar in diabetes. Rifampicin, phenytoin and carbamazepine weaken it. Avoid live vaccines on high doses.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Prednisolone is the preferred oral steroid in pregnancy when needed; safe while breastfeeding at usual doses.

Brands of Prednisolone (11)

Acticort-10Omnacortil 10Omnacortil 20Omnacortil 5Pe-Solon 10Predone 10Ridsolone 10Vikosolone-10Wysolone 10Wysolone 20Wysolone 5

Common questions

What is Prednisolone used for?

Reduces inflammation and immune reactions in asthma, allergies, arthritis and many other conditions.

How does Prednisolone work?

An oral steroid that strongly suppresses inflammation and the immune system; for asthma attacks, allergies, arthritis, autoimmune diseases and more.

How should I take Prednisolone?

Take in the morning with food. Courses longer than 3 weeks must be tapered, not stopped suddenly. Carry a steroid card for long use.

What are the side effects of Prednisolone?

Common: Raised appetite and weight, mood changes, trouble sleeping, raised blood sugar, indigestion. Get help straight away for: Signs of infection, severe stomach pain or black stools, high mood or confusion, blurred vision.

Does Prednisolone interact with other medicines?

NSAIDs raise ulcer risk. Raises sugar in diabetes. Rifampicin, phenytoin and carbamazepine weaken it. Avoid live vaccines on high doses.

Is Prednisolone safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Prednisolone is the preferred oral steroid in pregnancy when needed; safe while breastfeeding at usual doses.

Does Prednisolone need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Prednisolone?

Acticort-10, Omnacortil 10, Omnacortil 20, Omnacortil 5, Pe-Solon 10, Predone 10, Ridsolone 10, Vikosolone-10, Wysolone 10, Wysolone 20, Wysolone 5.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.