Question 1

my doctor has me on a prednisone (20 mg) schedule of 3-3-2-2-1-1. is this a standard-sufficient dosage when recovering from a bout of bronchitis?

Accepted Answer

Rx asthma/bronchitis: For the treatment of presumed acute asthmatic bronchitis it is customary to use a short course of a corticosteroid such as Prednisone to reduce airway inflammation and hence brocho reactivity.  Longer dosage regimens increase the risk of hypothalamic/pituitary/adrenal suppression, hence the rapid treatment regimen.

Question 2

dx.. w/bronchitis in a clinic. rx: 20mg prednisone (3,3,2,2,1,1,.5,.5 taper). i am very sensitive to this would it be okay to decrease the dosage?

Accepted Answer

Yes, also...: That is an uncommon treatment for bronchitis and a high dose. I am guessing there you have asthma with it or can think of no good reason for it. Prednisone helps asthma but suppresses immunity. Reduce to 1 and then 1/2. I advise pelargonium sidoides, sold as Umcka, a herb proven to help bronchitis. Also take NAC, 1200 mg 2x/day to loosen mucous and boost immunity and a good multivitamin.

Question 3

pros & cons of prednisone for bronchitis? (i have asthma)

Accepted Answer

+ and -: Bronchitis can trigger an asthma exacerbation, necessitating prednisone, assuming you are already on inhaled steroids and bronchodilators. The cons are side effects, short term acid reflux, increased appetite, long term are too many to list. But if you must have it, it helps you breathe and stop the asthma in its tracks.

Question 4

should prednisone always work on someone with acute bronchitis?

Accepted Answer

Acute bronchitis: Prednisone is a very powerful steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The usual acute bronchitis, should be treated with hydration, antibiotics if bacterial, inhaled bronchodialator and possibly steroid. Prednisone is an over kill unless symptoms indicate severe airway inflammation. Prednisone will definitely improve inflammation but not the underlying infection.

Question 5

had two 5 day bursts of prednisone, 40mgs daily, only 5 wks apart, both times for bronchitis. will my adrenals crash, since these bursts were close?

Accepted Answer

Prednisone: Depends on your general health: You should be ok, but be sure to follow your MD's directions &amp; let us know if you have any withdrawal symptoms: (weakness, fatigue, decreased appetite, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain) can mimic many other medical problems

Question 6

my dr prescribed 10 prednisone pills in 20mg, and told me to take 2 per day for 5 days for bronchitis. is tapering needed? if yes, how much tapering?

Accepted Answer

No need for tapering: Corticosteroids taken in the doses of 40 mg for 5 days does not interfere with your hypothalamic-adrenal axis ( haa). Haa is the term that denotes how the hypothalamus ( a part of the brain ) controls the adrenal gland. Adrenal glands produce corticosteroids in the body. Prednisone which is a corticosteroid taken in the above fashion does not interfere with the production and does not tapering.

Question 7

my dr prescribed 10 prednisone pills in 20mg, and told me to take 2 per day for 5 days for bronchitis. is it safe to take it for 5 days as prescribed?

Accepted Answer

Prednisone: Yes used frequently common format in emergency department. Short duration taper not required.

Question 8

ok being treated with prednisone for bronchitis, problem is after taking the 2 tabs this am as instructed my bp ( controlled with rx) is running 145-156/80-90 is this ok next 5 days or should i stop them not sure of what to do n can't see dr soon?

Accepted Answer

: The dose of the medication may be adjusted, or an inhaled steroid substituted. Your BP should be monitored, decrease salt intake, and stay well hydrated. Short courses are usually not associated with long term side effects of the medication. Avoid smoke exposure and keep vaccinations up to date.

Question 9

i was prescribed zpak, prednisone, and acetaminophen/codeine syrup for bronchitis. should this be helpful?

Accepted Answer

Medications: The ZPak is a good broad spectrum antibiotic and Prednisone will treat inflammation, particularly if you had wheezing on exam. 
The cough syrup combined with Tylenol (acetaminophen) can help with fever and cough. I usually advise using Tylenol (acetaminophen) only for fever and a cough preparation only if you need it to sleep. 
Most bronchial infections though are viral and not treated with antibiotics.

Question 10

can prednisone cause night sweats . i am taking 20 mg for bronchitis?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Yes sweating is one of the side effects.

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Doctor answers about:

Prednisone dosage for bronchitis

A member asked:

My doctor has me on a prednisone (20 mg) schedule of 3-3-2-2-1-1. is this a standard-sufficient dosage when recovering from a bout of bronchitis?

A member asked:

Dx.. w/bronchitis in a clinic. rx: 20mg prednisone (3,3,2,2,1,1,.5,.5 taper). i am very sensitive to this would it be okay to decrease the dosage?

A member asked:

Pros & cons of prednisone for bronchitis? (i have asthma)

A member asked:

Should prednisone always work on someone with acute bronchitis?

A member asked:

Had two 5 day bursts of prednisone, 40mgs daily, only 5 wks apart, both times for bronchitis. will my adrenals crash, since these bursts were close?

A member asked:

My dr prescribed 10 prednisone pills in 20mg, and told me to take 2 per day for 5 days for bronchitis. is tapering needed? if yes, how much tapering?

A member asked:

My dr prescribed 10 prednisone pills in 20mg, and told me to take 2 per day for 5 days for bronchitis. is it safe to take it for 5 days as prescribed?

A member asked:

Ok being treated with prednisone for bronchitis, problem is after taking the 2 tabs this am as instructed my bp ( controlled with rx) is running 145-156/80-90 is this ok next 5 days or should i stop them not sure of what to do n can't see dr soon?

A member asked:

I was prescribed zpak, prednisone, and acetaminophen/codeine syrup for bronchitis. should this be helpful?

A member asked:

Can prednisone cause night sweats . i am taking 20 mg for bronchitis?

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