my doctor had me on 800 mg of ibuprofen 3 times a day and this didnt fix anything. so he has told me i am now going to try prednisone. so i was wondering how much stronger prednisone is than ibuprofen? what would its mg dosage of ibuprofen be equal to? thanks!
2007-04-17 10:34:36 · 3 answers · asked by wade 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
prednisone is a steroidal anti-inflammatory.
ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory.
this is like comparing apples and oranges. prednisone is a very powerful drug, and its directions must be followed correctly to avoid a condition called cushing's disease, which can be caused by stopping use of the medication without weaning the patient off of it first. this is why the doctor tries other medications first.
2007-04-17 11:03:53 · answer #1 · answered by bad guppy 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You cannot compare them side by side. Going from ibuprofen to prednisone is "going to the next level" in anti-inflammatories. Prednisone suppresses the immune system.
Prednisone also means going to the next level in side effects. Side effects are more likely when prednisone is taken for a long period of time.
Side effects include retention of sodium (salt) and fluid, weight gain, high blood pressure, loss of potassium, headache and muscle weakness. Prednisone also causes puffiness of the face (moon face), growth of facial hair, thinning and easy bruising of the skin, impaired wound healing, glaucoma, cataracts, ulcers in the stomach and duodenum, worsening of diabetes, irregular menses, rounding of the upper back ("buffalo hump"), obesity, retardation of growth in children, convulsions, and psychiatric disturbances.
Of course, not everyone gets side effects, but you need to watch for them.
Many times, steroids are used to get a condition under control, and then the steroids are tapered and stopped.
Good luck to you - I hope the prednisone helps with what ails ya'!
2007-04-17 11:27:11 · answer #2 · answered by Pangolin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are both anti-inflammatory medications. The prednisone at it's normal dose is stronger than Ibuprofen at it's normal dose.
2007-04-17 11:05:09 · answer #3 · answered by Pahd 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IBURPROFEN AND PREDNISONE ARE TWO DIFFERENT DRUGS. IBURPORFEN IS FOR MUSCLES, PRENISONE IS A STEROID. I RECOMMEND READING THE LABEL AND TAKING IT AS DIRECTED.
2007-04-17 10:43:46 · answer #4 · answered by DawnBT 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋