Some of the names for oral steroids are prednisone, prednisolone, and methylprednisolone. Some product names include Prelone Syrup, Pediapred Oral Solution, and Medrol. Oral steroids are strong medicines that are most often used for quick-relief of moderate to severe asthma episodes. If you have severe asthma, oral steroids may also be used as long-term control medications.
Oral steroids reduce swelling, inflammation, and mucus production in the airways.
They help control and prevent symptoms of asthma. Oral steroids DO speed recovery from a moderate to severe asthma episode and reduce the chance of a relapse. There are other medicines available which quickly open airways and are used for acute asthma attacks. Oral steroids can be taken as pills or syrup. Steroid medicine has a bitter taste.