How long does it take prednisone to get out of your system?
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on March 21, 2024.
I am having a few side effects and have stopped taking it and I want the side effects to go away!
It takes approximately 16.5 to 22 hours for Prednisone to be out of your system.
The elimination half life of prednisone is around 3 to 4 hours. This is the time it takes for your body to reduce the plasma levels by half.
It usually takes around 5.5 x half-life for a drug to be completely eliminated from your system.
This is (5.5 x 3) 16.5 hours to (5.5 x 4) 22 hours for Prednisone.
Other factors also need to be taken into account and include:
1. How much and how often you have taken the drug.
2. Your metabolic rate – a slower metabolism will increase the time a drug remains in your system.
3. Your age and health – older age and poor health will generally increase the time the drug stays in your system.
4. Body mass – generally the bigger you are the longer a drug will remain in your system.
Read next
What is considered a high dose of prednisone?
The starting dose of prednisone may be between 5 mg to 60 mg per day. A dose above 40 mg per day may be considered a high dose. However, everybody responds differently to prednisone, so what might be a high dose depends on the person and the condition. Continue reading
Is it OK to drink alcohol with Prednisone?
Although there is no direct drug interaction between prednisone and alcohol, mixing them together is not a good idea because some of the effects of alcohol and the side effects of prednisone are similar, so taking both at the same time can increase the risk of these side effects occurring. Continue reading
How long can you take prednisone safely?
There is no set limit on how long you can safely take prednisone. It depends on the dose of prednisone and the condition being treated. It may be prescribed short term or long term. The dosage will be adjusted or stopped based on your response or lack of response to the medication. Continue reading
Related medical questions
- What's a good prednisone taper schedule?
- Prednisone: What are 12 Things You Should Know?
- How long does it take for prednisone to work?
- Do I take all 6 prednisone pills at once on the first day?
- How long does prednisone stay in your system?
- Why does prednisone cause weight gain?
- What are the side effects of steroids?
- Methylprednisolone vs Prednisone - How do they compare?
- Does prednisone make you sleepy?
- Can prednisone raise blood pressure?
- Prednisone vs Prednisolone - What's the difference?
- Is it safe to take ibuprofen right after taking prednisone?
- Why is prednisone prescribed with Zytiga?
- Does prednisone cause a rapid heart rate?
- I just took ibuprofen and prednisone, is that ok?
- Can you take prednisone with Keytruda?
- Is sunburn a side effect of prednisone? Should I avoid being in the sun while taking prednisone?
- Can you take Xanax if you are on prednisone?
- Can you take Symbicort and prednisone together?
- Is prednisone a steroid drug?
- Are there any drug interactions between prednisone and Viagra?
Drug information
- Prednisone Information for Consumers
- Prednisone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Prednisone (detailed)
Related support groups
- Prednisone (329 questions, 1,081 members)