prednisone and antibiotic use for copd, how often

Posted by lizjlb @lizjlb, Oct 7, 2025

Is it really necessary for both? I hate prednisone and the dosage is for a long time. Does anyone just take the antibiotic only? Prednisone keeps me from sleeping for one thing. Also, do you start them both or alone at first sign of a cold or wait till you get phylum and coughing. Seems like move start with sinus and then eventually turn into phylum.

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crystalena | @crystalena | Jun 23 12:14pm

In reply to @anabelflaherty "I take them both and believe both are necessary." + (show)

@anabelflaherty I cannot tolerate antibiotics . I have tendencies for C Diff attacks . In the last 18 years , I have taken 3 tablets of Bactrim. For a uti. - it worked for that . But I had blisters on my body because of the Sulfa. No other antibiotics have I tried . I know the future holds some tough decisions . I am 80 , 4 ltrs 24/7 - Have never had an exacerbation . Have never used a rescue inhaler . I have a DNR order and a refusal of any respirator use in place . Bless you all , Crystalina

jerdonus | @jerdonus | Jun 24 7:41am

In reply to @haveaheadache "I have both COPD and Scleroderma. I was given a Symbacort inhaler while in the hospital..." + (show)

@haveaheadache Been on Spiriva for about 6 months-works fine but affects my voice.

jerdonus | @jerdonus | Jun 24 7:43am

Prednisone is a lifesaver-unfortunately there are side effects-I take some sleep aids like night time Tylenol dtc.

tia8marie | @tia8marie | Jun 25 1:42pm

I take the antibiotic 3X a week. They took me off prednisone! So far, so good !!

jerdonus | @jerdonus | Jul 25 8:44am

Has anyone been prescribed 5-10mg daily long term?

mummers59 | @mummers59 | Jul 26 7:02am

The reason you're getting prednisone is to reduce the inflammation in your lungs from the infection. Think about it. Everytime you get an infection in your lung or lungs you will have inflammation. The only way to reduce the inflammation is prednisone.
Believe me I have been there more times than I want to remember. Take the antibiotic, prednisone and do your nebulizer and you'll be feeling better soon. If you're not feeling significantly better by the time you finish the antibiotic call your doctor so you can be seen right away.

tjphillipp | @tjphillipp | Jul 27 8:00am

In reply to @jerdonus "Has anyone been prescribed 5-10mg daily long term?" + (show)

@jerdonus yes and I’m hearing it causes high cortisol than can cause breathing problems and heart arrhythmias like PVC’s and PAC’s

rmdmichigan | @rmdmichigan | Jul 27 9:03am

In reply to @mummers59 "The reason you're getting prednisone is to reduce the inflammation in your lungs from the infection...." + (show)

@mummers59 This is my 4th bout with antibiotics and prednisone since April
I ended up in the hospital for one night in April. I don't know what happened all of a sudden; my breathing got worse. This last medication: antibiotics for 10 days and prednisone for 40 days, 3 5mg for 10 days, then 2 a day for 10 days, then 1 a day for 10 days and 1/2 for 10 days. Right after I went to 2 a day my congestion came back. It is not down in my lungs it is above my breast. I have, like, a croupy cough that sounds dry. I also have middle lobe syndrome. Which my pulmonary said I need to get a second opinion.

mummers59 | @mummers59 | Jul 31 4:12am

I know exactly what you're talking about. I do the same thing. I was in the hospital for eight days and on prednisone for quite a while.
I'm finally going to see my Pulmonary doctor August 5. It's long overdue and I'm sure I will get a lot of flack from my doctor.

sieglinde | @sieglinde | Aug 2 6:17pm

In reply to @jerdonus "Prednisone is a lifesaver-unfortunately there are side effects-I take some sleep aids like night time Tylenol..." + (show)

@jerdonus ,I can't tolerate Tylenol p.m.
I feel drowsy the next morning, but 5mg Melatonin and a book ,reading with a small light in bed , makes me sleepy and helps me to sleep through the night ...most of the time