From the Guidelines
The best time to take prednisone is in the morning with food. Taking prednisone early in the day, typically with breakfast, helps mimic your body's natural cortisol rhythm, which is highest in the morning and lowest at night 1. This timing can reduce side effects like insomnia that may occur if taken later in the day. Always take prednisone with food or milk to minimize stomach irritation.
Some key points to consider when taking prednisone include:
- Taking the medication as a single daily dose, as recommended by studies such as 1 and 1
- Following the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider regarding dosage and timing
- Never stopping prednisone suddenly, as it requires a gradual tapering schedule determined by your healthcare provider
- If you miss a dose, taking it as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for your next dose
It's essential to note that prednisone works by suppressing inflammation and immune responses in the body, and proper timing helps maximize its effectiveness while minimizing potential side effects. The recommended dosage and timing may vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the individual patient's needs, as outlined in guidelines such as 1, 1, 1, 1, and 1. However, the most recent and highest quality study, 1, supports taking prednisone in the morning with food.
From the FDA Drug Label
The maximal activity of the adrenal cortex is between 2 am and 8 am, and it is minimal between 4 pm and midnight. Exogenous corticosteroids suppress adrenocorticoid activity the least when given at the time of maximal activity (am) for single dose administration Therefore, it is recommended that prednisone be administered in the morning prior to 9 am
The best time to take prednisone is in the morning, prior to 9 am, to minimize suppression of adrenocorticoid activity 2.
- Morning administration is recommended to coincide with the body's natural cortisol production cycle.
- Single dose administration should be taken in the morning, while multiple dose therapy should be evenly distributed in evenly spaced intervals throughout the day.
From the Research
Best Time to Take Prednisone
The best time to take prednisone is a topic of interest for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other conditions.
- Research suggests that taking prednisone at night may be more effective in reducing morning stiffness compared to taking it in the morning 3.
- A study published in 1964 indicated that 5 mg of prednisolone at night was preferred to 5 mg of prednisone in the morning 4.
- Another study found that modified-release prednisone or prednisolone taken at bedtime led to lower morning stiffness and IL-6 levels compared to usual morning prednisone 4.
- The American College of Rheumatology recommends that prednisone be taken in the morning, as it can help to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms throughout the day, however this information is not present in the provided studies.
Dosage and Timing
- The dosage of prednisone can also impact its effectiveness and side effects.
- Studies have shown that low doses of prednisone (less than 10 mg/day) can be effective in managing RA symptoms and slowing disease progression 5, 4, 6.
- Taking prednisone in divided doses, such as 5 mg twice a day, may also be beneficial in reducing side effects and improving efficacy 5.
- It is essential to follow the prescribed dosage and timing of prednisone, as well as to monitor for potential side effects and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Individual Variability
- It's worth noting that individual variability plays a significant role in the response to prednisone, and what works best for one person may not work for another.
- Factors such as disease severity, concomitant medications, and lifestyle habits can influence the effectiveness and side effects of prednisone.
- Healthcare providers should work closely with patients to determine the best dosage and timing of prednisone for their specific needs and circumstances.