Prednisone pharmacokinetics and molecular data

Pharmacokinetics
Chemical information Clinical pharmacology

Chemical information
Chemically, prednisone is 17,21-dihydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,11,20-trione. Prednisone is a white to practically white, odorless, crystalline powder and has a molecular weight of 358.44. It melts at about 230°C with some decomposition. Prednisone is very slightly soluble in water; slightly soluble in alcohol, chloroform, dioxane, and methanol. Return to top

Clinical pharmacology
Naturally occurring glucocorticoids (hydrocortisone and cortisone), which also have salt-retaining properties, are used as replacement therapy in adrenocortical deficiency states. Their synthetic analogs, such as Prednisone, are primarily used for their potent anti-inflammatory effects in disorders of many organ systems. Glucocorticoids, such as Prednisone, cause profound and varied metabolic effects. In addition, they modify the body’s immune responses to diverse stimuli. Return to top