If prednisone is not working for you, your doctor might prescribe an alternative medication. Depending on which medical condition your prednisone is treating, your doctor will provide alternatives to prednisone, especially if its side effects have an extremely adverse effect on you.
Potential Alternatives to Prednisone
For Asthma
Alternative medications for asthma include but are not limited to:
- Inhaled corticosteroids: generally have less severe side effects and act as anti-inflammatory agents that open up your airways
- Leukotriene modifiers: block leukotrienes, which are chemicals in your immune system that can cause asthma
- Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs): taken in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid to open airways and reduce swelling
- Theophylline: treats mild asthma symptoms to reduce lungs’ reaction to irritable substances
- Combination inhalers: combination of corticosteroids and LABAs
- Ipratropium: can treat bronchitis and asthma attacks
Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.
