Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Hydrocortisone vs. Methylprednisolone

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Hydrocortisone (Locoid, Pandel) and methylprednisolone (Medrol) are both corticosteroids used to treat conditions related to inflammation and an overactive immune system. However, they differ in their forms and specific uses. Hydrocortisone is a topical medication available over-the-counter and by prescription, used for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It comes in creams, ointments, lotions, and solutions. Methylprednisolone, on the other hand, is an oral and injectable medication available only by prescription, used for a wider range of conditions, including joint issues, lupus, and allergic reactions. While hydrocortisone is applied directly to the skin, methylprednisolone is taken by mouth or injected, and it can affect the whole body. Side effects of hydrocortisone are mostly skin-related, like burning and itching, whereas methylprednisolone can cause systemic effects such as weight gain, mood changes, and high blood sugar. Both medications can lead to adrenal suppression if used long-term, but methylprednisolone requires careful monitoring for more serious systemic side effects.

  • Topical hydrocortisone
    Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
  • Topical hydrocortisone
    Methylprednisolone (Medrol)

  • Summary of Hydrocortisone vs. Methylprednisolone

    Summary for Corticosteroid

    Topical hydrocortisone is a steroid medication used to treat different skin conditions, such as eczema. It's available in many different formulations, including cream, ointment, lotion, and solution. Some strengths are found over the counter (e.g., hydrocortisone 1%), while you need a prescription for others (e.g., hydrocortisone 2.5%). In general, most people experience few to no side effects while using topical hydrocortisone as directed. Rarely, topical hydrocortisone might cause topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). Watch out for skin rashes and irritations that get worse after stopping this medication.

    Summary for Corticosteroid
    Prescription only

    Methylprednisolone (Medrol) is a steroid medication used to treat different medical conditions with an overactive immune system. It's typically available by prescription as tablets. And it sometimes comes in a dose pack, which helps you organize the tablets into specific days and times. If you use methylprednisolone (Medrol) for a long time, it might cause certain side effects, such as weight gain, skin thinning, and high blood sugar.

  • Indications of Hydrocortisone vs. Methylprednisolone

    Indications for

    Short-term relief of skin irritations (e.g., itching) due to:

    •Skin inflammation
    •Skin rashes
    •Eczema
    •Psoriasis
    •Insect bites
    •Poison ivy or oak
    •Skin allergies
    •Dry scalp
    •Genital or rectal irritation
    Indications for

    Methylprednisolone (Medrol) is used for many different medical conditions, including:

    •Conditions affecting certain hormones (e.g., low adrenal hormones)
    •Joint conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
    •Lupus
    •Skin conditions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
    •Allergic reactions
    •Eye inflammation
    •Lung problems
    •Conditions related to blood cells
    •Cancer of blood cells (e.g., leukemia)
    •Gut conditions (e.g., ulcerative colitis)
    •Multiple sclerosis

  • Pros and Cons of Hydrocortisone vs. Methylprednisolone

    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    •Available over the counter
    •Many formulations to choose from, such as ointment, cream, and solution
    Cons
    •Short-term use only, otherwise it might cause skin thinning and high blood sugar
    •Applied multiple times a day
    •Might affect your body's ability to fight off infections
    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    •Works well to treat many different conditions involving the immune system
    •Also available in an easy-to-follow dose pack that organizes tablets into specific days and times
    Cons
    •Long-term use might weaken your bones and cause high blood sugar
    •Can cause side effects like upset stomach, mood changes, and sleep problems
    •Need to slowly lower your dose if you take it for a long time

  • Common Side Effects of Hydrocortisone vs. Methylprednisolone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Burning
    •Itching
    •Skin irritation
    •Dry skin
    •Inflamed hair follicles
    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling
    •Muscle weakness
    •Stomach pain
    •Bloating
    •Increased appetite
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Weight gain
    •Dizziness

  • Warnings of Hydrocortisone vs. Methylprednisolone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Hormone problems and withdrawal
    •High blood sugar
    •New or worsened skin infection
    •Skin problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •New or worsened infection
    •Mood and behavior changes
    •Reduced adrenal gland function
    •Changes in heart and kidney function
    •Stomach problems
    •Bone problems with long-term use
    •Eye problems with long-term use
    •High blood sugar

  • Prices with our coupons for Hydrocortisone vs. Methylprednisolone

    Learn more about Topical hydrocortisone
    Learn more about Methylprednisolone

Compare other Eczema and Psoriasis drugs

Clobetasol vs HydrocortisoneDecadron vs HydrocortisoneFludrocortisone vs HydrocortisoneHydrocortisone vs MethylprednisoloneLidocaine vs HydrocortisoneTriamcinolone vs HydrocortisoneBenzocaine vs LidocaineCapsaicin vs LidocaineClobetasol vs TriamcinoloneDexamethasone vs MethylprednisoloneDibucaine vs LidocaineDiclofenac Epolamine vs LidocaineDiclofenac vs LidocaineElavil vs LidocaineFludrocortisone vs ProamatineLamictal vs LidocaineLidocaine vs CortisoneLidocaine vs DesipramineLidocaine vs MentholLidocaine vs Methyl SalicylateLidocaine vs NeurontinLidocaine vs TegretolLyrica vs LidocaineMethylprednisolone vs PrednisoloneMethylprednisolone vs PrednisonePamelor vs LidocainePhenol vs LidocainePramoxine Hcl vs LidocainePramoxine vs LidocaineTrolamine Salicylate vs Lidocaine
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.