Solupred (prednisolone) is an oral corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and calms the immune system. It is prescribed for conditions such as asthma, allergies and autoimmune diseases. Short courses usually have temporary effects, while long-term use carries risks to bones, eyes, blood sugar and immunity. Do not stop it suddenly after a long course. Your doctor determines the dose and the tapering schedule.[1]
What is Solupred and why does a doctor prescribe it?
Solupred is the brand name for prednisolone, a corticosteroid, meaning an oral "cortisone" medication. These drugs resemble hormones produced by the adrenal glands to cope with the stress of illness and injury. They reduce inflammation and affect the immune system.[3] The medication is available as tablets in two strengths, 5 mg and 20 mg, as listed on the Solupred drug page in the ClinicsJo directory.
It is unrelated to the anabolic steroids that some people use to build muscle.[1] You can find the difference explained in the question on anabolic steroids versus cortisone. For a general introduction to this drug class, see What are corticosteroids?.
Conditions it is used for
- Allergies, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).[1]
- Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.[1]
- Skin conditions such as atopic eczema and urticaria (hives).[1]
- Preventing rejection of a transplanted organ, and treating primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease).[1]
- Some blood, eye, kidney and nervous system diseases, and sometimes symptoms of certain cancers.[2]
In chronic diseases, the medication helps control the condition but does not cure it. For this reason, it is recommended to continue taking it even when you feel better, until your doctor decides otherwise.[2]
How is Solupred taken? Timing, food and missed doses
The amount and duration of treatment vary depending on the type of medication and the reason it was prescribed. Your doctor may increase or decrease the dose depending on your symptoms.[1] For this reason, we only state here "the usual dose determined by your doctor or pharmacist" and do not give a general figure that suits everyone.
- Timing: Most people take it once in the morning after breakfast.[1] The drug guide states that taking it in the morning with food mimics the body's natural cortisol rhythm and reduces its effect on sleep and the stomach.
- Method: Swallow tablets whole with water without chewing or crushing. Effervescent tablets are dissolved in a glass of water. Liquid medications are measured with the cup or spoon provided.[1]
- Missed dose: Take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose, in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed one.[1]
- Overdose: One extra dose rarely causes a problem, but consult the pharmacist, especially if new symptoms appear.[1] If a person collapses, has a seizure, is difficult to wake, or has trouble breathing, call 911.
- Liquorice: Avoid real liquorice and foods containing it, as it increases the amount of medication in the body and the risk of side effects.[1]
Your doctor may advise a low-salt diet or a supplement such as calcium or potassium, and this must be followed carefully.[2] Do not give your medication to anyone else. We explained the reasons in using a prescription medication prescribed for another family member.
Short course or long-term treatment: what is the difference?
The rule that sums up this topic is "the lowest dose for the shortest duration." Steroids are powerful medications with side effects, including weakened bones and cataracts, which is why they are usually used for the shortest time possible.[3] The duration becomes clearly significant after about two weeks, as the likelihood of serious effects increases with high doses or use for more than two weeks.[1]
| Aspect | Short course (days) | Long-term treatment (weeks or months) |
|---|---|---|
| Examples | Acute asthma attack or severe allergy | Autoimmune diseases, or suppressed immunity after transplant[1] |
| Side effects | Increased appetite, insomnia, mood swings, and temporary rises in blood sugar and blood pressure, which usually resolve when the course ends | Moon face and weight gain, osteoporosis, newly developed diabetes and high blood pressure, cataracts and glaucoma, thinning skin and bruising, weakened immunity and muscle wasting |
| Stopping | Determined by your doctor based on the condition | Mandatory tapering for anyone whose course has exceeded 3 weeks, according to the drug guide |
| Monitoring | Symptom review | Regular checks of blood sugar, blood pressure and eyes, and calcium and vitamin D as directed by your doctor |
For broader details on the uses of corticosteroids and their safe discontinuation, see the article Corticosteroids: when to use them and how to stop safely?.
What are the side effects of oral cortisone?
Not everyone who takes the medication experiences side effects. The likelihood increases with higher doses and longer duration. These are the main areas patients ask about.
Blood sugar and blood pressure
Cortisone may raise blood sugar. A person with diabetes who checks their sugar at home is advised to test more often and inform their doctor if it rises.[2] Diabetes medications may need adjustment under medical supervision, as noted in the diabetes medications guide. Caution is also needed with high blood pressure and heart failure.[2]
Mood and sleep
Common effects include anxiety, mood swings, irritability, insomnia, increased appetite and weight gain, as well as headache, nausea and indigestion.[1] Occasionally, more severe changes may appear, such as low mood with suicidal thoughts, or extreme elevation of mood (mania or hypomania).[1] These symptoms are not a "personal weakness"; they are a known effect of the drug. Tell your doctor about them without embarrassment, and anyone with a previous psychiatric disorder must mention it before starting.[1]
Infection and immunity
The medication reduces the body's ability to fight infections and may mask their symptoms. For this reason, it is recommended to avoid sick people, wash your hands, avoid people with chickenpox or measles, and inform your doctor immediately if you come into contact with them.[2] Any fever, cough or sore throat during treatment warrants early medical review.[2]
Bones, skin and eyes
The medication may increase the risk of osteoporosis, so ask your doctor what can be done to prevent it.[2] Other effects include thinning skin, slow wound and bruise healing, acne, hair loss and changes in fat distribution.[2] The eyes may be affected by problems such as cataracts or glaucoma. In rare cases, central serous chorioretinopathy (CSR) occurs, which causes blurred vision or a dark spot at the center of vision.[1] If these changes occur severely alongside long-term use, read about Cushing's syndrome and body changes.
Can cortisone be stopped suddenly?
No. Do not stop the medication without consulting your doctor, because sudden discontinuation may cause withdrawal symptoms or worsen your condition.[1] The reason is that during long-term treatment the body reduces its natural production of cortisone, so if the medication stops suddenly, the body may not have enough of the hormone.[2]
Signs of adrenal insufficiency begin with severe fatigue, weakness, slowed movement, stomach upset, weight loss, changes in skin color, mouth sores and salt cravings.[2] They may also include vomiting, dizziness, fainting and mood changes.[1] The drug guide's data states that a course exceeding 3 weeks requires tapering when stopping, because sudden cessation may mean acute adrenal insufficiency with a drop in blood pressure.
How is tapering done?
- Your doctor will set a schedule that reduces the dose in stages. The length of the schedule varies depending on the disease and the previous duration.
- Do not shorten the schedule or skip between doses on your own, even if you feel better.
- Contact your doctor if fatigue, weakness or unusual symptoms appear while reducing the dose or after stopping.[2]
- Your doctor may need to change the dose during physical stress such as surgery, infection or a severe asthma attack.[2]
What is the steroid card concept?
In some countries, people who take steroids for a long period are given a blue steroid card and a red emergency card. Your doctor or pharmacist may recommend them based on your condition and treatment duration.[1] The drug guide recommends carrying a steroid card during long courses.
The idea is that any doctor treating you in an emergency or before surgery knows that you are taking cortisone, so they are not caught off guard by a drop in blood pressure or fatigue with an unexplained cause. If no official card has been issued to you, write the drug name, dose and start date on a sheet of paper or in your phone. Experts generally advise carrying a written list of all your medications and supplements to every medical visit.[2] Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the best format for this.
Who needs special caution? Interactions, pregnancy and vaccines
Tell your doctor before starting if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, epilepsy, an untreated infection or a history of psychiatric problems.[1] Peptic ulcer, tuberculosis (TB), osteoporosis, glaucoma, cataracts, liver and kidney disease, and thyroid disease are also listed as conditions your doctor must be informed about.[2] According to the drug guide, cortisone may activate latent tuberculosis, so it is tested for before long courses.
- Anti-inflammatory painkillers: such as ibuprofen and aspirin, which may interact with cortisone.[1] The risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding increases with them, so ask before taking any painkiller, and inform your doctor immediately about black stools (see also Decadron, from the same family).
- Other medications: Some antibiotics (such as erythromycin and rifampicin), diabetes medications and warfarin may interact with it.[1] You can find an explanation of the difference between an interaction and a side effect in this question.
- Vaccines: Do not take any vaccine before consulting your doctor.[2] Live vaccines are avoided during immunosuppressive doses according to the drug guide. For more: vaccine safety.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: It can be used during pregnancy when needed, but it has sometimes been associated with problems in the first 12 weeks and may affect fetal growth. Your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks with you.[1] It can be taken while breastfeeding after consulting your doctor.[1] For more, see corticosteroids in pregnancy.
Anyone who has previously had a reaction to a medication will find useful information on the drug allergy page. You may be told that an allergy to a steroid or to a substance in its formulation means you must inform your doctor before starting.[2]
Is Solupred safe for children?
Most adults and children can take prednisolone if prescribed by a doctor.[1] However, a child's dose is calculated "by weight and as prescribed by the doctor or as directed by the pharmacist," and it must not be guessed from the adult dose or another child's dose. It is preferable to use the measuring device supplied with the liquid medication.[1]
The medication may slow growth and development in children, so their doctor closely monitors their growth and discusses the risks with you.[2] If your child is exposed to someone with chickenpox or measles during treatment, inform the doctor immediately.[2] Keep medications out of reach of children, as many containers are not child-resistant.[2]
Do not stop your child's medication on your own after a long course; follow the doctor's schedule. Health centers and Maternal and Child Health Centers under the Ministry of Health in the governorates can support you with general follow-up of your child's growth, but the decision about the medication rests with the treating doctor.
When should you see a doctor, and when should you go to the emergency room?
See your doctor soon if you notice:
- Bothersome or persistent side effects. Do not stop the medication on your own; your doctor may give you ways to reduce them.[1]
- Fever, chills, cough, sore throat or any sign of infection.[2]
- Persistently high blood sugar, rapid weight gain, or swelling in the abdomen, feet or ankles.[2]
- Muscle weakness, visual disturbances or depression.[2]
- Severe fatigue, dizziness, vomiting or loss of appetite while reducing the dose or after stopping it.[1]
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you notice:
- Swelling of the throat, tongue or face, raised itchy rash, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, as this may be a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).[1]
- Seizures, or loss of contact with reality.[2]
- Thoughts of harming yourself.[1]
- Fainting or severe lethargy with persistent vomiting in someone who has recently stopped the medication.
In situations that require an ambulance, do not drive yourself. Bring your medication box and your list of medications with you.[1]
How do you find the right doctor to monitor cortisone treatment in Jordan?
The doctor who prescribes Solupred may practice in different specialties depending on the reason for treatment, such as internal medicine, endocrinology, rheumatology, pulmonology, dermatology and pediatrics. Search ClinicsJo by specialty and governorate, then read the doctor's or clinic's profile carefully.
- Make sure the specialty suits your condition: rheumatology for joint and immune diseases, endocrinology for monitoring blood sugar and the adrenal glands, or pediatrics for children.
- Review the experience, address and working hours, and use the contact or booking method if the profile provides one.
- Look for the governorate closest to you, since long-term cortisone monitoring requires frequent visits.
Questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist
- What is the reason for cortisone in my case, and how long is the expected duration of treatment?
- Will I need tapering when stopping, and what is its schedule?
- What tests will I need: blood sugar, blood pressure, eyes, bone density?
- Do I need calcium or vitamin D?
- Do my current medications interact with cortisone, including blood pressure and diabetes medications?
- What signs require contacting you or going to the emergency room?
If the treatment is an injection into a joint rather than tablets, it differs from oral treatment, and you can find it on the cortisone injections for joint pain page. If you are taking something similar, there is a prednisone page and an explanation of the term prednisolone.
Medications and their general prices in Jordan are regulated by the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA). Buy your medication from a licensed pharmacy, and do not take cortisone without a prescription and medical supervision.
Frequently asked questions
Is Solupred the same as cortisone?
Solupred is the brand name for prednisolone, which belongs to the corticosteroid family known as cortisone. It resembles hormones produced by the adrenal glands. It reduces inflammation and affects immunity. It is different from anabolic steroids, which are used to build muscle. Your doctor prescribes it based on the condition and the duration of treatment.
When should I take Solupred: in the morning or the evening?
Most people take it once in the morning after breakfast, as this reduces its effect on sleep and the stomach. However, it is best to follow your doctor's instructions and the enclosed leaflet, as they may set a different schedule based on your condition. If you are unsure, ask the pharmacist.
Does cortisone cause weight gain and high blood sugar?
Yes, it may increase appetite and weight and raise blood sugar, especially with high doses or long-term use. A person with diabetes should check their sugar more than usual and inform their doctor if it rises, as their medications may need adjustment. The effects usually disappear after short courses end.
Can I stop Solupred suddenly if I feel better?
Do not stop it on your own. After a long course, sudden discontinuation means the body may not have enough natural cortisone, so symptoms such as severe fatigue, dizziness and vomiting may appear, and your original condition may worsen. Your doctor will determine whether you need tapering and what the schedule should be.
What should I do if I forget a dose of Solupred?
Take the dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose, in which case skip the missed dose and continue at the usual time. Do not take two doses together to make up for it. If you are unsure what to do, contact your doctor or pharmacist, and it is best to ask about this from the start of treatment.
Can children and pregnant women take Solupred?
Your doctor may prescribe it for children and for pregnant women when needed. A child's dose is determined by weight and as prescribed by the doctor or as directed by the pharmacist, and the doctor monitors growth because the drug may slow it. During pregnancy, the doctor weighs the benefits against the risks. Inform your doctor of pregnancy or breastfeeding before starting.
Sources and references
- Prednisolone: a steroid that treats swelling (inflammation) and can calm the immune system — NHS (UK National Health Service). Accessed: 2026-10-26.
- Prednisolone: MedlinePlus Drug Information — MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine. Accessed: 2026-10-26.
- Steroids | Corticosteroids | Glucocorticoids — MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine. Accessed: 2026-10-26.