Prednisolone
An oral steroid. 40–50 mg daily for 5 days in asthma; 30 mg in COPD; 1–2 mg/kg in children. Higher doses for GCA.
Common brands in Pakistan: Deltacortril. Brand availability changes; check with your pharmacy.
On this page
Uses
- Asthma and COPD exacerbations, croup (if dexamethasone unavailable).
- Gout (when NSAIDs and colchicine unsuitable), severe urticaria.
- Giant cell arteritis, polymyalgia, inflammatory conditions.
Adult dose
| Indication | Dose |
|---|---|
| Asthma attack | 40–50 mg once daily for at least 5 days |
| COPD flare | 30 mg once daily for 5 days |
| Acute gout | 30–35 mg once daily for 5 days |
| GCA without visual symptoms | 40–60 mg once daily, then taper (specialist) |
Children's dose
1–2 mg/kg once daily (max 40 mg) for 3 days in asthma.
Cautions
- Take in the morning with food.
- Short courses (under 3 weeks) can usually be stopped without tapering.
- Raises blood sugar; worsens infections; mood changes.
- Long courses: bone protection, stomach protection, tapering.
Frequently asked questions
What is the prednisolone dose for an asthma attack?
40–50 mg once daily for at least 5 days in adults, and 1–2 mg/kg (max 40 mg) for 3 days in children.
Used in these guides
Sources
Doses on this page are typical doses from the sources above. Always confirm with a current drug reference, the product leaflet and your hospital protocol, especially in children, pregnancy and kidney or liver disease.
For FCPS Part 1
Revising for FCPS Part 1? Prednisolone is covered in our textbook chapter Asthma drugs and antihistamines, with practice MCQs.