Prednisone is a common synthetic corticosteroid medication that was initially synthesized in 1955. Upon ingestion of prednisone, it doesn’t elicit significant biological effects until converted via the liver to the pharmacologically active chemical “prednisolone.” Prednisone is used in management of inflammatory diseases for its immunosuppressant effects. It is a synthetic corticosteroid used in treatment of certain forms of cancer, and has significant side effects and care must be exercised in its usage. Prednisone is a prescription medication used most commonly to treat a variety of common diseases and conditions. Learn about side effects, drug interactions, dosages, warnings, and more. Prednisone is a glucocorticoid medication mostly used to suppress the immune system and decrease inflammation in conditions such as asthma, COPD, and rheumatologic diseases. It is also used to treat high blood calcium due to cancer and adrenal insufficiency along with other steroids. It is taken by mouth. The elimination half life of prednisone is around 3 to 4 hours. This is the time it takes for your body to reduce the plasma levels by half. It usually takes around 5.5 half lives for a drug to be completely eliminated from your system. User Reviews for Prednisone. Also known as: Rayos. The following information is NOT intended to endorse drugs or recommend therapy. While these reviews might be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care. In order to define the time taken for any medicine to leave your body, it is essential to clear the concept of half-life. Half-life is the time required by 50% of the drug to leave your body. I was given 3 50mg, pills of prednisone to be taken within 12 hours. As a preventative for an allergic reaction to iodine for a ct scan. After the last pill my breathing is tight, more coughing than usual and wheezing. Prednisone Generic Name for Steroids: Prednisone is the generic name of a prescription medication used as treatment of different conditions. It works mainly as corticosteroids or simple steroids. Prednisone (Sterapred) is a prescription corticosteroid, a man-made form of steroids that the body normally produces to fight illnesses and injuries.