Prednisolone is a glucocorticoid that is prednisone in which the oxo group at position 11 has been reduced to the corresponding beta-hydroxy group. It is a drug metabolite of prednisone. It has a role as an adrenergic agent, an anti-inflammatory drug, an antineoplastic agent, an immunosuppressive agent, a drug metabolite, an environmental contaminant and a xenobiotic. It is a glucocorticoid, an 11beta-hydroxy steroid, a 21-hydroxy steroid, a 17alpha-hydroxy steroid, a 20-oxo steroid, a 3-oxo-Delta(1),Delta(4)-steroid, a primary alpha-hydroxy ketone and a tertiary alpha-hydroxy ketone. It derives from a Delta(1)-progesterone.