Prednisone is a prescription corticosteroid (steroid) used to reduce inflammation, suppress an overactive immune system, and treat endocrine and metabolic disorders. Detailed Prednisone dosage information for adults and children. Includes dosages for Osteoarthritis, Asthma - Maintenance, Rheumatoid Arthritis and more; plus renal, liver and dialysis adjustments. Prednisone is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works to treat patients with low levels of corticosteroids by replacing steroids that are normally produced naturally by the body. Overview: Prednisone is used to treat a variety of inflammatory, autoimmune, and hormonal conditions. It works by suppressing the body’s immune response and reducing inflammation. Common side. Prednisone is a glucocorticoid medication mostly used to suppress the immune system and decrease inflammation in conditions such as asthma, COPD, and rheumatologic diseases. [3] Prednisone is a corticosteroid (cortisone-like medicine or steroid). It works on the immune system to help relieve swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. Corticosteroid medicines include cortisone, hydrocortisone and prednisone, among others. They help treat rashes, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma and several other conditions. But corticosteroids also may have serious side effects. Prednisone is used to reduce inflammation and calm down an overactive immune system. It has predominantly glucocorticoid activity and low mineralocorticoid activity, which means it affects the immune response and inflammation rather than affecting the body's balance of electrolytes and water. Prednisone is a steroid medication that treats a wide range of health conditions including asthma, allergic reactions, arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Learn about the side effects of prednisone, from common to rare, for consumers and healthcare professionals.