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Compare Medrol vs. Pred Forte

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

Key takeaways

Methylprednisolone (Medrol) and prednisolone acetate (Pred Forte) are both corticosteroids, but they are used for different purposes and administered differently. Methylprednisolone is available as oral tablets and injections, and it treats a wide range of conditions involving the immune system, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and allergic reactions. On the other hand, prednisolone acetate is an eye drop used specifically to control inflammation and allergic reactions in the eye. While methylprednisolone can cause broad side effects like weight gain, high blood sugar, and mood changes, prednisolone acetate mainly causes local side effects such as burning or stinging of the eye and increased eye pressure. Methylprednisolone requires careful dose adjustments and monitoring for long-term use, whereas prednisolone acetate is typically used for shorter periods, with long-term use requiring regular eye exams. Both are prescription medications available in generic forms, making them more affordable.

  • Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
    Prednisolone (Pred Forte)
  • Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
    Prednisolone (Pred Forte)

  • Summary of Medrol vs. Pred Forte

    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

    Prednisolone (Pred Forte) is a steroid used in the eye. It works well to control allergic reactions and inflammation (swelling) in the eye.

  • Indications of Medrol vs. Pred Forte

    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
    •Eye injury
    •Swelling or allergies in the eye

  • Pros and Cons of Medrol vs. Pred Forte

    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
    •Works in the eye to relieve symptoms without having the side effects of oral steroids
    •Works quickly to relieve symptoms
    •Available in generic form
    Cons
    •Depending on the condition, you might have to use the eye drops up to 4 times a day
    •Long-term use will require your healthcare provider to monitor your eyes more regularly.
    •Contains sulfite, which is not good for those with allergies to sulfite

  • Common Side Effects of Medrol vs. Pred Forte

    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling
    •Muscle weakness
    •Stomach pain
    •Bloating
    •Increased appetite
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Weight gain
    •Dizziness
    Common Side Effects for
    •Burning, stinging
    •Feeling like there's something in your eye
    •Changes in taste

  • Warnings of Medrol vs. Pred Forte

    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
    •Eye Problems
    •Severe Allergic Reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Medrol vs. Pred Forte

    Learn more about Methylprednisolone
    Learn more about Prednisolone

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