Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid medication primarily used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. It is prescribed for a wide range of conditions including low corticosteroid levels, autoimmune diseases (such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis), allergic reactions, asthma, inflammatory bowel diseases (like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), certain cancers, and other inflammatory or immune-related disorders

. Prednisone works by replacing steroids normally produced by the body and by altering immune system activity to reduce swelling, redness, and immune responses. It is a prodrug converted in the liver to its active form, prednisolone, which then binds to glucocorticoid receptors to exert its effects

. Common side effects include weight gain, increased risk of infections, bone loss, muscle weakness, and mood changes. Because prednisone can suppress the body's natural steroid production, it must be tapered off gradually after long-term use to avoid withdrawal symptoms

. In summary, prednisone is a versatile corticosteroid drug used to treat inflammation and immune system disorders by mimicking and supplementing natural corticosteroids in the body.