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Is Prednisone Safe To Take For Severe Cold?

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Posted on Fri, 27 May 2016
Question: I went to emergency yesterday, Sunday, 20 March 2016. The doctor prescribed 50 mg prednisone for 7 days. He gave me 50 mg on that day and two nebulizer treatment. Today is supposed to be the second day for me to take the 2nd 50 mg, prednisone but I am afraid to take it. Because I know that prednisone is supposed to be tapered when taking. For example the doctor gave 50 mg on Sunday then I should take 40 mg today then 30 mg on the 3rd day and so on. Something might happen to me if I follow the instruction of the doctor from the emergency. Another thing he prescribed a benzonatate capsule, 100 mg, for which I am not taking because I a Q Tussin AF 100/5ML Syrup. Please advice me on what to do.
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
tapering mainly for a prolonged course

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

It is understandable to be concerned but it is not tapered all of the time.

Steroids are mainly tapered when they are used for a prolonged period o time. The tapering is to allow the body to get back into the rhythm of releasing steroids on its own.

The body normally makes steroids as well, when they are given from the outside for a long time, the body's production may decrease. The medication is tapered to slowly allow the level made inside the body to increase preventing withdrawal side effects.
This is for persons such as patients with lupus or rheumatoid arthritis who may spend weeks on steroid therapy.

When steroids are given for a short period of time, tapering is not absolutely necessary. Some persons may do it but it is not absolutely required.

You can use the medication safely, it is not expected that there would be significant decrease in your body steroids production after one week.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Is Prednisone Safe To Take For Severe Cold?

Brief Answer: tapering mainly for a prolonged course Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic It is understandable to be concerned but it is not tapered all of the time. Steroids are mainly tapered when they are used for a prolonged period o time. The tapering is to allow the body to get back into the rhythm of releasing steroids on its own. The body normally makes steroids as well, when they are given from the outside for a long time, the body's production may decrease. The medication is tapered to slowly allow the level made inside the body to increase preventing withdrawal side effects. This is for persons such as patients with lupus or rheumatoid arthritis who may spend weeks on steroid therapy. When steroids are given for a short period of time, tapering is not absolutely necessary. Some persons may do it but it is not absolutely required. You can use the medication safely, it is not expected that there would be significant decrease in your body steroids production after one week. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions