21 Unexpected Twists and Turns in the World of Prednisone

2. How Prednisone Works: The Inside Story

Prednisone doesn’t just mask symptoms—it actively changes how your body responds to inflammation. Once ingested, the liver converts prednisone into prednisolone, its active form. This powerful compound halts the release of inflammatory chemicals, reduces swelling, and helps suppress an overactive immune response. The medication has a short half-life of 2-3 hours, but its effects last much longer. Prednisone is eventually filtered by the kidneys and excreted in urine, but while it’s in your system, it reshapes how your body fights inflammation—sometimes with unexpected consequences.