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Prednisolone

Brand names: Orapred, Millipred, Pred Forte (eye drops)

Prednisolone is a steroid often used as a liquid for children with asthma flares, croup, and allergic reactions. Eye drops treat eye inflammation.

Brand namesOrapred, Millipred, Pred Forte (eye drops)
Type of medicineCorticosteroid (steroid)
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It works like prednisone and calms inflammation and the immune system.

What it's used for

  • Asthma flares
  • Croup
  • Severe allergic reactions and rashes
  • Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions
  • Eye inflammation (drops)

How to take it

  • Take it with food in the morning.
  • Measure liquids with the dosing device.
  • If taken longer than a couple of weeks, don't stop suddenly.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Increased appetite
  • Mood changes
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Upset stomach
Call 911Black or bloody stools or vomiting blood
Call your provider todayFever or signs of infection
Call your provider todaySevere mood changes
Call your provider todayEye pain or vision changes

Warnings

  • It lowers your ability to fight infection. Avoid people with chickenpox or measles.
  • Ask before live vaccines.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • NSAIDs raise the risk of stomach ulcers.
  • Diabetes medicines may need adjusting.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.