What to avoid when taking prednisone 20 mg?

October 6, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Mayo Clinic, prednisone can cause side effects like high blood sugar and fluid retention, making careful management of diet and other medications essential for those on this treatment. Understanding what to avoid when taking prednisone is crucial for a safer and more effective treatment course.

Quick Summary

This guide provides critical information on substances to avoid with prednisone treatment. It covers dietary restrictions, drug interactions, and lifestyle considerations to help minimize side effects and ensure treatment efficacy.

Key Points

Avoid NSAIDs: Combining prednisone with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen dramatically increases the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.
Limit High-Sodium Foods: Reduce intake of salty and processed foods to manage fluid retention and high blood pressure caused by prednisone.
Monitor Blood Sugar: Limit high-sugar and simple carbohydrate foods, as prednisone can raise blood glucose levels, especially for those with diabetes.
Do Not Stop Abruptly: Never stop taking prednisone suddenly without consulting your doctor to avoid potentially dangerous adrenal insufficiency and withdrawal symptoms.
Avoid Alcohol and Live Vaccines: Both alcohol and prednisone can suppress the immune system. Live vaccines can be dangerous, so talk to your doctor about necessary precautions.
Take With Food: Always take prednisone with food or milk to minimize stomach irritation and upset.

Understanding Prednisone and Its Effects

Prednisone is a powerful corticosteroid medication widely prescribed to treat various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, such as arthritis, asthma, allergies, and ulcerative colitis. Like all steroids, it can have a significant impact on the body, including affecting blood sugar, blood pressure, and immune function. To achieve the therapeutic benefits while mitigating risks, patients must be aware of certain things to avoid.

Medications and Supplements to Avoid

Certain medications and supplements can have dangerous interactions with prednisone. Always inform your doctor and pharmacist about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking before starting prednisone.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Avoid combining prednisone with NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin due to an increased risk of gastrointestinal issues, including stomach ulcers and bleeding. Acetaminophen may be a safer alternative for pain relief if approved by your doctor.

Blood Thinners

Prednisone can affect anticoagulants like warfarin, potentially leading to increased bleeding or blood clots. Closer monitoring of blood clotting levels may be necessary.

Diabetes Medications

Prednisone can raise blood sugar, potentially counteracting diabetes medications. Dosage adjustments and closer blood sugar monitoring may be needed for individuals with diabetes.

Potassium-Depleting Diuretics

Using prednisone with diuretics like furosemide can increase the risk of low potassium levels. Your healthcare provider may monitor potassium and suggest dietary changes or supplements.

Live Vaccines

Prednisone's immunosuppressive effects make live vaccines unsafe. Discuss vaccination timing with your doctor. Inactivated vaccines are generally safe but may be less effective.

Dietary and Lifestyle Factors

Prednisone can affect nutrient processing and cause metabolic changes, making diet and lifestyle adjustments important.

High-Sodium and Processed Foods

Prednisone can cause sodium and fluid retention, potentially leading to weight gain and high blood pressure. Limiting high-sodium processed foods is recommended, and a low-salt diet is beneficial.

High-Sugar and Simple Carbohydrates

The medication can increase blood sugar, so it's important to limit sweets and simple carbohydrates. Focus on complex carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables.

High-Fat and High-Cholesterol Foods

Prednisone can increase cholesterol and fat accumulation, especially with long-term use. Avoiding fried foods, full-fat dairy, and excessive oils can help.

Alcohol and Caffeine

Both alcohol and prednisone can weaken the immune system and cause gastrointestinal issues and mood changes. Minimize alcohol consumption. Caffeine can worsen prednisone side effects like insomnia and anxiety.

Comparison Table: Dietary Avoidances with Prednisone


Type of Food/Drink	Why to Avoid with Prednisone	Health Impact
High-Sodium Processed Foods	Causes fluid retention and raises blood pressure.	Swelling, weight gain, hypertension.
High-Sugar Sweets & Carbs	Can cause spikes in blood sugar levels.	Increased risk of weight gain and diabetes.
High-Fat and Fried Foods	May increase cholesterol and lead to weight gain.	Elevated LDL cholesterol, fat redistribution.
Alcoholic Beverages	Weakens the immune system and irritates the stomach lining.	Increased risk of infection, ulcers, and mood issues.
Caffeine-rich Drinks	Worsens insomnia, jitters, and heartburn.	Sleep problems, anxiety, stomach upset.

The Dangers of Abruptly Stopping Prednisone

Stopping a prednisone course suddenly, especially after several weeks, can be dangerous. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to adrenal insufficiency with symptoms like fatigue, weakness, nausea, and low blood pressure. Always follow your doctor's instructions for tapering the dose.

Conclusion

Taking prednisone requires attention to potential drug interactions, diet, and lifestyle. Avoid NSAIDs, certain antibiotics, and live vaccines. Minimize high-sodium, high-sugar, and high-fat foods, and restrict alcohol and excessive caffeine to help manage side effects. Always follow your doctor's tapering schedule. For more information, consult your healthcare provider or the MedlinePlus drug information page.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is best to avoid or significantly reduce alcohol consumption while taking prednisone. Both substances suppress the immune system and can increase the risk of stomach irritation, mood swings, and elevated blood sugar.

Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin due to an increased risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding. Consult your doctor for safer pain management options like acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Prednisone can cause fluid retention, elevated blood sugar, and increased cholesterol. You should limit high-sodium, high-sugar, and high-fat foods. Focusing on a diet rich in potassium, calcium, and lean protein can help manage these effects.

No, you should never stop taking prednisone abruptly, especially after several weeks of use. A sudden stop can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms and adrenal insufficiency. Follow your doctor’s tapering schedule to gradually reduce the dosage.

Prednisone is an immunosuppressant, which means it weakens your immune system. This makes you more susceptible to infections and can mask their symptoms. It's important to avoid sick people, practice good hygiene, and report any signs of infection to your doctor immediately.

Yes, avoid live vaccines while on prednisone, particularly at higher doses, as your suppressed immune system may not be able to fight the weakened virus effectively. This includes vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella. Discuss all planned vaccinations with your doctor.

To help prevent weight gain, monitor your diet by reducing high-sodium and high-sugar foods, control portion sizes, and maintain a regular exercise routine if approved by your doctor. A high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet may also be beneficial.