Does it matter if I take it: 9 am / 1pm / 5pm / 9pm ??
Does it have to be spaced further apart? Its being given to reduce inflammation in colon due to microscopic collitis.
Prednisone is to be taken 2 tablets 4 times a day with food?
Question posted by bsure on 7 Aug 2013
Last updated on 9 November 2018 by jsb77
5 Answers
jsb77
9 Nov 2018
can I take prednisone 4 hours part
Jammy76
12 July 2014
I would imagine taking doses at equal times apart would allow for the drugs to work properly. As if you took a this drug with only say 4 hours to your next usual suppose dose it would mean for a while extra strain for your body to adjust, probably near to double the dose. So spacing them out equally would be beneficial and also you can remember when your next dose is or would be due. I would say a drug taken 4 times a day would benefit from 6 hours apart equally not 3-4 hours just to get them in before bed and not to disturb sleep. You should be taking better care of yourself so if it means to have nap in the day because of night waking medication. You must.
Anniebananie12
8 Aug 2013
Hi bsure!
I've been taking prednisone for over four years now. My dosage changes, up and down, depending on how bad my chronic hives are at the time. Regardless of how many milligrams I take, which can vary from 4mg a day to 30mg a day, I like to take mine in the morning. When I'm taking a dose of 10 mg or less, I take it all in the morning when I wake up. When taking more than 10mg, I'll take a greater dose in the morning and a smaller one at dinner time. The reason I do this is that prednisone gets me really wired up. It makes me feel like I drank too much coffee. This makes it almost impossible for me to sleep at night! My doctors have told me that that's fine, and it has worked for me for all these years.
Hope this helps!
Annie
endlessPred
8 Aug 2013
Hi Annie. I have been taking this for 8 years. When I get under fifteen i tend to flare. It has taken its toll on my stomach. Half helps a lot as it isn't so strong each time. I do forty often and as high as eighty. Lots of side effects after all this time. Getting revved up can also create anger and aggression. Are you taking anything for the mood changes? I have Xanax for feel panicky and an antidepressant.karen
Anniebananie12
8 Sep 2013
Hi Karen!
I'm finally getting to around to looking back through my emails and finding where people had commented to me and I have not answered. I apologize, as my husband and I were in Colorado for about a week and a half and I did not check my emails during that time. Yeah there's been times when I had to take 80 mg a day for the step down program, but that was only for a few days. At one point through the holidays (this was about three years ago), I was taking 30 or 40 mg every single day. I hated it, and the only good thing was that I got a lot of housework done! When I take more than say 20 mg, I get really wired up - I can't stop talking and I can't sit down! In a way it is nice, because these are the only times that I'm able to move around freely and feel "young" again. But then when I slow down on the dosage, I feel run down and may lie in my bed for days.
(Hi bought a sleep number bed a couple of years ago for this reason, and I love it!
Right now, I'm taking 15 mg a day, which is up from the 10 mg a day I've been trying to stay at. I break out in hives every single day of my life, and if I don't take the prednisone they drive me absolutely crazy they're so bad ! Let me know if you have anymore questions for me Karen!
Annie
endlessPred
9 Sep 2013
Hi. Prednisone is a life saver and a very bitter pill with strong effects. It does what it does. Side effects are part of staying alive. I do hope someday you can get one of those genetic designer drugs to replace it. Some day we all will. Just hang in there long enough. Thanks for responding and write me anytime. Karen
Anniebananie12
9 Sep 2013
True, Karen! One day they'll find something better to replace prednisone! Positive thinking is good. :)
I can so relate with you about taking the frickin' prednisone every day and it's awful side effects. A few years ago, when I first started taking it at continual high doses (30 mg per day for at least 3 months), my hair fell out by the handful! I thought I was going to go bald! Thank God it did not all fall out! But it has never come back even after I went for around 6 months only taking 5 mg per day! I also got the "moon face" and put on some weight (which I did lose most of that when my dose went down).
Anyway, I could go on and on but I'll save it for another time.
I'm going to bed now, but I'll catch you later. Thanks again, and have a good night!
Annie
Inactive
8 Aug 2013
Dear bsure - I have Crohns Disease and have been on varying doses of prednisone for be biggest part of this time. In my experience, when prescribed 4 x daily, it can be taken with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and at bedtime with a snack. I wouldn't worry about timing as far as being exact same every day, just not too far in between. Being that I have been on Prednisone so many yrs, I am suffering some of the long term side effects. I have steroid induced cataracts (will need surgery soon) and severe bone loss. I am 48 and live in the body of a 70 yr old - but at least I live. It takes a really long time to get the long term side effects, we all know the short term, increased appetite, weight gain, water retention, and in some, aggression. Sounds like you have a good schedule, do these coincide with your meals?? Prednisone on empty stomach or even just a little food can cause stomach upset.
Any inflammation i colon or small bowel can be debilitating. Been there many times. I wish you a quick recovery. Any chronic pain can be a life alternating experience. Was for me. If you have any question, or just need to unload, I am here for you, and I care... Be well as can be...
endlessPred
7 Aug 2013
It's looks good. I usually split a dose half at night and half in morning when on doses twenty and above. Most important part is to eat something substantial as this is hard on the stomach for some people. A light snack may not be enough. Plenty of water with each pill. If you do have increased stomach troubles, let your doctor know right away.
endlessPred
7 Aug 2013
Forgot to add. I have had an attack of ulcerative colitis. One can lose a lot of blood quickly. Hope you stay well.
Related topics
ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, immunosuppression, prednisone, inflammatory conditions, food, inflammation
Further information
- Prednisone uses and safety info
- Prednisone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Prednisone (detailed)
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