It is never advisable to take prednisone on an empty stomach. It is often taken in the morning, after breakfast and before 9 a.m. If your kid needs to take prednisone more than once a day, make sure he or she eats first. The best time to take it is right after a meal, because that way your body will be fed and will therefore be able to use the medication properly. If you take it without eating, it will just slow down its effectiveness. Prednisone should be taken with food or liquid to prevent severe stomach problems. The most common side effects of this drug include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, increased thirst, changes in color of urine or feces, depression, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, rash, itchiness, pain around eyes, change in sexual function, decreased muscle strength, weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Some people may experience these side effects not only from taking this drug but also from having surgery, especially abdominal surgery. The symptoms of inflammation vary depending on what part of the body is affected. Symptoms associated with inflammation of the joints include pain, stiffness, and loss of movement. This is called rheumatoid arthritis. Back pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, and cough are all signs of inflammation in the lungs.