Prednisone for multiple sclerosis
Last updated Sept. 15, 2025, by Marisa Wexler, MS
Fact-checked by Inês Martins, PhD
What is prednisone for MS?
Prednisone is an oral glucocorticoid that is approved to manage acute relapses — times when symptoms suddenly worsen or new ones appear — in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Available in the form of oral tablets or solutions, prednisone is used to reduce the severity of symptoms during an MS relapse and speed recovery, though it does not alter the long-term progression of the disease.
Glucocorticoids such as prednisone work by mimicking the activity of the stress hormone cortisol. By activating cortisol receptors, these medicines can reduce the activity of immune cells and prevent them from reaching the brain and spinal cord, helping to ease the inflammatory responses that drive MS relapses.
Prednisone is approved for MS under the brand name Prednisone Intensol, and several generic formulations are also available. The active form of prednisone, called prednisolone, is available for treating acute exacerbations in MS under several brand name and generic formulations.
Therapy snapshot
| Brand name: | Prednisone Intensol |
| Chemical name: | Prednisone |
| Usage: | Used to ease symptoms and speed recovery during acute MS relapses |
| Administration: | Oral tablets and solution formulations |
Who with MS can take prednisone?
Prednisone is approved in the U.S. to treat acute exacerbations of MS.
The medication is contraindicated for people with:
- a known hypersensitivity — meaning they develop serious immune responses, including allergic reactions — to any of its components
- a systemic, or body-wide, fungal infection.
The medication can be used in people of all ages, though it can slow a child’s growth if taken for long periods of time. As such, children treated with prednisone require careful monitoring and treatment planning.
How is prednisone administered in MS?
No standard glucocorticoid regimen is used to manage MS relapses. Dosing is tailored based on the patient’s situation, and some trial and error may be needed to find a dose that is high enough to manage symptoms but is as low as possible to avoid safety risks.
Generally, relapse treatment generally involves administering high-dose corticosteroids over three to five days. This is most commonly done with intravenous, or into-the-vein, infusions of methylprednisolone, but high doses of oral prednisone may be used if intravenous therapy cannot be administered.
After the high-dose treatment, patients are then usually given oral corticosteroids at gradually lower doses. This “tapering off” is recommended to prevent withdrawal symptoms associated with suddenly stopping corticosteroids.
According to the prescribing information for Prednisone Intensol, a daily dose of 200 mg prednisone for one week, followed by 80 mg every other day for one month, has been shown to be effective for controlling MS relapses.
Prednisone side effects
Common side effects of prednisone include:
- swelling and fluid retention
- increased blood pressure
- changes in mood and behavior
- increased appetite and weight gain
- headache and dizziness.
Prednisone may cause other safety issues, which may require additional monitoring. These include:
- increased risk of infections
- higher risk of certain cancers with prolonged use
- increased risk of heart and gut problems in people with specific underlying conditions
- decreased bone density and osteoporosis
- behavior changes and mental health problems
- increased pressure in the eye.
Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
FAQs about prednisone
Prednisone is a glucocorticoid that is used to manage relapses, or times when new symptoms suddenly appear or older ones worsen, in people with multiple sclerosis. It works by reducing the inflammation that drives relapses, thus helping to alleviate symptoms and shortening the duration of relapses. Prednisone, however, does not alter the long-term progression of the disease.
Prednisone may cause harm to a developing fetus and should only be taken during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. These should be discussed in detail between patients and their healthcare providers when deciding if prednisone could be an option.
Alcohol is not known to directly interact with prednisone. However, prednisone and alcohol can cause similar effects on the body, so alcohol may increase the chances of experiencing certain side effects from the medication. Patients receiving prednisone should ask their healthcare team about safe alcohol consumption during treatment.
It is difficult to predict when and if people with multiple sclerosis will respond to treatment with prednisone. However, most people experience initial improvements within several days to weeks, with continued improvement being observed for up to six months in some cases.
An increase in appetite and weight gain are common side effects of prednisone treatment. Though less common, thinning of hair on the scalp is also a potential side effect of treatment with prednisone. Patients should talk with their doctor about any side effects they experience while on treatment.
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