Is it normal for your body temperature to drop while taking Prednisone?

Question

I went to an Ear, Nose and throat specialist yesterday and was told that I have severe tonsilitis (or strep, they're not sure yet), to the point of necrosis, and a warning that I need to have my tonsils removed SOON! So she gave me an antibiotic shot and sent me home with prescriptions for Augmentin and Prednisone. My temp was running between 99.1 and 102.3 before starting the Prednisone, now it is staying between 97.1 and 98.1. Is this normal? I'll call the doctor when her office opens, I was just wondering if anyone her had any similar things hapen. Also, has anyone here had their tonsils removed as an adult? Was it bad?

Answer 1

The antibiotic is working. That is why your temperature has dropped. Your temp is now normal. When you get a shot of any type of antibiotic it starts to work right away to stop the infection. The Prednisone is to cut back on the swelling not the infection.

The drop in your temp is fine, it just means that the shot they gave you is working.

Answer 2

I've been on prednisone for the same reason even had tonsils removed. unfortunately my doc wasn't helpful, I never had strep throat I have something else which in turn the prednisone made worse by causing more inflammation (but that's another story). But yes prednisone can cause your temp to lower since fever is cause by the body's immune system responding to something and prednisone lowers that response by repressing the immune system, in turn reducing the fever. Also if the Augmentin is killing the infection as well that too can reduce the fever. But I would say get a second opinion or at least have your doc CONFIRM by test that its strep throat before having your tonsils removed. I never did and the surgery made my throat even worse and now docs can't find out what is wrong. But yea for me having my tonsils removed was very painful. But I hear if all goes well it normally gets better in 2 weeks.

Answer 3

Actually, Prednisone can and most likely did help lower your body temperature, especially in the first hours... The antibiotic takes some time before actually calming down the fever (can be up to 48 hours, although the injection you received probably sped things up a bit).
The prednisone, on the other hand, will quickly reduce the immune system response and acts as an anti-inflammatory: it will calm down the fever quickly but doesn't have any actual effect on the bacteria. Prednisone will also make the discomfort in your throat more bearable thanks to the anti-inflammatory action.

Nick L.
pharmacist

Answer 4

Sounds more like the augmentenn is kicking in and working on the infection. The infection it`s self will cause elevated temps so hopefully the meds are doing their job. Prednisone is odd though, that is usually prescribed with lung issues and jjust for your info, it can cause weight gain if taken on a regular basis. I mean real weight gain. But hey,, sometimes we have no other option. As far as the tonsils, mine are still in but I`ve known plenty who have under gone the procedure, it`s usually one night in the hospital, some may do it out patient now, it has a tender feeling for a few days afterwards so they will encourage ice cream to cool the throat and sooth it for a few days, but after that you should be absolutely fine. Don`t be fearful of the procedure it isnt a tough one.
Jim,
Have a Blessed Day

Answer 5

I have taken prednisone several times and had some of these side effects, never the drop in temp but here are the official side effects.
So I think is not the prednisone, I think its the fever going down because you are getting better, is the way your body fights the infection.
* headache
* dizziness
* difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
* inappropriate happiness
* extreme changes in mood
* changes in personality
* bulging eyes
* acne
* thin, fragile skin
* red or purple blotches or lines under the skin
* slowed healing of cuts and bruises
* increased hair growth
* changes in the way fat is spread around the body
* extreme tiredness
* weak muscles
* irregular or absent menstrual periods
* decreased sexual desire
* heartburn
* increased sweating

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

* vision problems
* eye pain, redness, or tearing
* sore throat, fever, chills, cough, or other signs of infection
* seizures
* depression
* loss of contact with reality
* confusion
* muscle twitching or tightening
* shaking of the hands that you cannot control
* numbness, burning, or tingling in the face, arms, legs, feet, or hands
* upset stomach
* vomiting
* lightheadedness
* irregular heartbeat
* sudden weight gain
* shortness of breath, especially during the night
* dry, hacking cough
* swelling or pain in the stomach
* swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
* difficulty breathing or swallowing
* rash
* hives
* itching

Answer 6

It not the prednisone....it's the antibiotic shot that is fighting the infection and bringing your fever down. Your temperature now is normal for many people.

Answer 7

Yes, prednisone suppresses the inflammatory response. The augmentin will take care of it, though.
Tonsillectomy for an adult is not a pleasant experience.