Medrol vs. Ritalin for Eczema and ADHD: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Methylprednisolone

(Medrol)

Methylphenidate

(Ritalin)

Summary for Medrol

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 for Medrol

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 for Medrol

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 for Medrol

Swelling
Muscle weakness
Stomach pain
Bloating
Increased appetite
Trouble sleeping
Weight gain
Dizziness

Warnings for Medrol

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

Summary for Ritalin

Prescription only

Methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin) is a stimulant medication that's used for treating attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness) in adults and children ages 6 years and older. It works by raising the levels of certain chemicals in your brain to keep you focused and awake. The dosage is typically 2 to 3 times per day because it's an immediate-release form of methylphenidate. Side effects of this medication include low appetite, nervousness, and trouble sleeping.

Indications for Ritalin

Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness)

Pros and Cons for Ritalin

Pros

First-choice medication to treat ADHD in adults and children.
Available as a lower-cost generic medication
Available as an oral tablet, chewable tablet, and liquid

Cons

Is a controlled substance because it has a risk of misuse and dependence
Shouldn't stop taking this medication suddenly without talking to your provider first because of greater risk for mood changes
Can negatively affect growth in children

Common Side Effects for Ritalin

Side effects might differ depending on the formulation. In general:

Headache
Anxiety
Trouble sleeping
Low appetite
Weight loss

Warnings for Ritalin

Misuse and dependence
Serious heart problems
Changes in behavior or thoughts
Prolonged and painful erection
Blood circulation problem (Raynaud's phenomenon)
Slowed growth in children
Serotonin syndrome
Drug interactions
Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets only

Prices with our coupons for Medrol vs. Ritalin

Methylprednisolone1 dose pack / 21 tablets of 4mg

$10.19$33.48

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Methylphenidate90 tablets / 10mg

$19.86$134.99

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Medrol vs. Ritalin

Methylprednisolone

Methylphenidate

Summary for Medrol

Indications for Medrol

Pros and Cons for Medrol

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Medrol

Warnings for Medrol

Summary for Ritalin

Indications for Ritalin

Pros and Cons for Ritalin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ritalin

Warnings for Ritalin

Prices with our coupons for Medrol vs. Ritalin

Compare other Eczema and ADHD drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Methylprednisolone

Methylphenidate

Summary for Medrol

Indications for Medrol

Pros and Cons for Medrol

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Medrol

Warnings for Medrol

Summary for Ritalin

Indications for Ritalin

Pros and Cons for Ritalin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ritalin

Warnings for Ritalin