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Compare Medrol vs. Marinol

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

Key takeaways

Methylprednisolone (Medrol) and dronabinol (Marinol) amedications that can treat chemotherapy induced nausea, but they have some important differences. Methylprednisolone is a steroid that helps reduce inflammation and is used for a wide range of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and allergic reactions. Dronabinol, on the other hand, is a cannabinoid used to treat nausea and vomiting from cancer medications and to stimulate appetite in people living with HIV. Methylprednisolone is available as oral tablets and injections, while dronabinol is available as oral capsules. Methylprednisolone is not a controlled substance, but dronabinol is a Schedule III controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependence. Common side effects of methylprednisolone include weight gain, stomach pain, and trouble sleeping, whereas dronabinol can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and stomach pain. Both medications have a number of interactions, so be sure your prescriber and pharmacist have a complete list of your medications.

Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
Dronabinol (Marinol)
Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
Dronabinol (Marinol)
Summary of Medrol vs. Marinol
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 Cannabinoid
Prescription only
Dronabinol capsules, also known by the brand name Marinol, help treat nausea and vomiting from certain cancer medications (chemotherapy). It's also approved as an appetite stimulant for adults with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This medication is taken by mouth. The dosage depends on why you're taking it. Some side effects are dizziness, sleepiness, and stomach pain. Dronabinol (Marinol) is a type of cannabinoid. It has a potential risk of misuse, dependence, and addiction, so it's considered a controlled substance.
Indications of Medrol vs. Marinol
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

•Low appetite and weight loss in adults with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

•Nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy in adults who've already tried other options
Pros and Cons of Medrol vs. Marinol
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 Cannabinoid
Pros

•Taken by mouth

•Dosage can be adjusted by your prescriber, if needed

•Works well to improve appetite in adults who have AIDS

•Can help with nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy when other options don't work well

Cons

•Has a risk of misuse, dependence, and addiction

•Is a controlled substance, so there's special rules to follow to get it filled at the pharmacy

•Can make it hard to think clearly

•Must keep capsules in the refrigerator
Common Side Effects of Medrol vs. Marinol
Common Side Effects for

•Swelling

•Muscle weakness

•Stomach pain

•Bloating

•Increased appetite

•Trouble sleeping

•Weight gain

•Dizziness

Common Side Effects for

•Dizziness (up to 10%)

•Sleepiness (up to 10%)

•Euphoria (e.g., feeling "high," easy laughing, happiness; up to 10%)

•Paranoia (intense anxiety or fearful thoughts; up to 10%)

•Abnormal thinking (up to 10%)

•Stomach pain (up to 10%)

•Nausea (up to 10%)

•Vomiting (up to 10%)
Warnings of Medrol vs. Marinol
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

•Worsening mental health problems

•Dizziness, sleepiness, and trouble thinking

•Changes in blood pressure and heart rate

•Seizures

•Risk of misuse, dependence, and addiction

•Worsening nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
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Compare Medrol vs. Marinol

Key takeaways

Summary of Medrol vs. Marinol

Indications of Medrol vs. Marinol

Pros and Cons of Medrol vs. Marinol

Common Side Effects of Medrol vs. Marinol

Warnings of Medrol vs. Marinol

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