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Compare Medrol vs. Cortef

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

Key takeaways

Methylprednisolone (Medrol) and hydrocortisone (Cortef) are both corticosteroids used to treat conditions involving an overactive immune system, but they have some differences. Both medications are available as both oral tablets and injections, while hydrocortisone is available as oral tablets and a separate injection form called Solu-Cortef. Methylprednisolone is a stronger corticosteroid compared to hydrocortisone, which is considered a low-strength corticosteroid. Both medications can cause similar side effects like high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and mood changes. Methylprednisolone is available in a dose pack to help you organize your doses, while hydrocortisone does not have this feature. Both medications should be taken with food to avoid stomach upset and in the morning to prevent trouble sleeping.

Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
Hydrocortisone (Cortef)
Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
Hydrocortisone (Cortef)
Summary of Medrol vs. Cortef
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.
Summary for Corticosteroid
Prescription only
Oral hydrocortisone (Cortef) is a corticosteroid. It's taken by adults and children to treat health conditions related to inflammation or an overactive immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis and certain skin conditions. Hydrocortisone (Cortef) comes as a tablet that you take by mouth daily, though dosing can also differ depending on your condition. There's a separate intravenous or IV form called Solu-Cortef. Some side effects of hydrocortisone (Cortef) include adrenal insufficiency and weight gain. Hydrocortisone (Cortef) is available as both a brand-name and generic medication.
Indications of Medrol vs. Cortef
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

Indications for
Hydrocortisone (Cortef) is used for many different conditions. Generally, it's used for autoimmune or inflammatory conditions. Some examples include:

•Allergies or allergic reactions

•Joint conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)

•Skin conditions (e.g. psoriasis)

•Conditions affecting certain hormones (e.g., low adrenal hormones)

•Gut conditions (e.g., ulcerative colitis)

•Conditions related to red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets

•Certain cancers (e.g., leukemia)

•Nervous system conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis)

•Eye conditions

•Lung conditions

•Kidney conditions

•Lupus erythematosus
Pros and Cons of Medrol vs. Cortef
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

Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
Pros

•Taken by mouth

•Not as strong as other corticosteroids, making it less likely to cause side effects

•Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

•Stopping suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, like tiredness and dizziness

•Can cause weight gain

•Long-term use in children can cause stunted growth
Common Side Effects of Medrol vs. Cortef
Common Side Effects for

•Swelling

•Muscle weakness

•Stomach pain

•Bloating

•Increased appetite

•Trouble sleeping

•Weight gain

•Dizziness

Common Side Effects for

•Swelling (e.g., puffiness in the face, hands, or feet)

•High blood pressure

•High blood sugar

•Muscle weakness

•Stomach pain

•Insomnia (trouble sleeping)

•Changes in your mood

•Headache

•Acne

•Weight gain and greater appetite
Warnings of Medrol vs. Cortef
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

Common Side Effects for

•Reduced adrenal gland function

•Greater risk of infections

•Eye problems

•Behavior changes

•Bone problems with long-term use

•Stomach problems

•Changes in heart and kidney function
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Compare Medrol vs. Cortef

Key takeaways

Summary of Medrol vs. Cortef

Indications of Medrol vs. Cortef

Pros and Cons of Medrol vs. Cortef

Common Side Effects of Medrol vs. Cortef

Warnings of Medrol vs. Cortef

Prices with our coupons for Medrol vs. Cortef

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