After taking prednisone, it may stay in your system for up to about 22 hours.

The half-life of prednisone is 3 to 4 hoursTrusted Source in an adult. Half-life describes the time it takes your body to get rid of half of a drug’s dose. For example, this means it may take up to 4 hours for your body to get rid of half a dose of prednisone.

Typically, it will take roughly 5 to 5.5 half-livesTrusted Source for the body to completely eliminate a drug from your system. So, prednisone may stay in your system for up to 22 hours. However, how quickly the body can eliminate a drug from the system can vary from person to person due to factors such as age and health.

Prednisone is a generic prescription drug. It belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It helps to reduce inflammation and can also calm down your immune system.

It has Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for treating many conditions. These can include allergies, blood disorders, skin diseases, respiratory conditions, and rheumatic diseases.

If you have questions about how long prednisone will stay in your system, consider consulting a doctor or pharmacist.

Medically reviewed by Alex Nguyen, PharmD, RPh, CPh

Alex Nguyen is a seasoned professional with a robust background in medical information, medical review, and pharmacovigilance. With a passion for patient education, Alex has undertaken projects for renowned pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, Genentech, Biogen, AbbVie, Takeda, and Agios Pharmaceuticals. Their expertise and contributions within the healthcare industry underscore a commitment to enhancing patient care and safety through comprehensive medical insights and educational initiatives.

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