How long does it take prednisone to get out of your system?
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on March 22, 2021.
I am having a few side effects and have stopped taking it and I want the side effects to go away!

Official Answer
by Drugs.comIt takes approximately 16.5 to 22 hours for Prednisone to be out of your system.
The elimination half life of prednisone is around 3 to 4 hours. This is the time it takes for your body to reduce the plasma levels by half.
It usually takes around 5.5 x half-life for a drug to be completely eliminated from your system.
This is (5.5 x 3) 16.5 hours to (5.5 x 4) 22 hours for Prednisone.
Other factors also need to be taken into account and include:
1. How much and how often you have taken the drug.
2. Your metabolic rate – a slower metabolism will increase the time a drug remains in your system.
3. Your age and health – older age and poor health will generally increase the time the drug stays in your system.
4. Body mass – generally the bigger you are the longer a drug will remain in your system.
Related Medical Questions
- Prednisone - if my prescription says take 6 pills on the first day do I take all 6 at once?
- How long does prednisone stay in your system?
- Prednisone vs Prednisolone - What's the difference?
- Methylprednisolone vs Prednisone - What's the difference between them?
- I just took 800 mg ibuprofen and 30 mg of prednisone. Is that going to be ok?
- What are the side effects of steroids?
- Is it safe to take ibuprofen right after taking prednisone?
- Why is prednisone prescribed with Zytiga?
- Is sunburn a side effect of prednisone? Should I avoid being in the sun while taking prednisone?
- Can you take Symbicort and prednisone together?
- Can you take Xanax if you are on prednisone?
- Are there any drug interactions between prednisone and Viagra?
- Is prednisone a steroid drug?
Drug Information
- Prednisone Information for Consumers
- Prednisone Information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details)
- Side Effects of Prednisone (detailed)
Related Support Groups
- Prednisone (286 questions, 987 members)