Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Methylprednisolone vs. Prednisolone

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

Key takeaways

Methylprednisolone (Medrol) and prednisolone sodium phosphate (Pediapred) are both corticosteroids used to treat conditions related to an overactive immune system or inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. They work by reducing inflammation and calming the immune response. However, there are some differences between the two medications. Methylprednisolone is available in both oral and injectable forms, while prednisolone is only available as an oral solution or tablet. The typical starting dose for methylprednisolone ranges from 4 mg to 48 mg per day, whereas prednisolone's starting dose ranges from 5 mg to 60 mg per day. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects for both include trouble sleeping, mood changes, and stomach pain, and can also cause high blood sugar with long-term use. Both medications have a number of interactions, so be sure your prescriber and pharmacist have a complete list of your medications.

  • Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
    Prednisolone
  • Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
    Prednisolone

  • Summary of Methylprednisolone vs. Prednisolone

    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 prednisolone is a corticosteroid. It's taken by mouth to treat health conditions related to an overactive immune system or inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, in adults and children. Your healthcare team will determine your dose based on what medical condition you have. Some common short-term side effects of prednisolone include trouble sleeping and mood changes. And if you take this medication for a longer period of time, you're more likely to experience long-term side effects, like weight gain and weakened immune system. If you need to stop prednisolone, your healthcare team might need to taper down your dosage slowly to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

  • Indications of Methylprednisolone vs. Prednisolone

    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

    This medication is used for many different conditions. Generally, it's used for autoimmune disorders, conditions related to swelling, or cancer. 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 Methylprednisolone vs. Prednisolone

    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 well to treat many different conditions involving the immune system
    •Dose can be adjusted based on your response
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Available as a liquid that might be easier for children
    Cons
    •Can cause side effects like upset stomach, mood changes, and sleep problems
    •Long-term use can cause problems with skin, bone, and eye health.
    •Can raise your risk for infections
    •Need to taper your dose before stopping

  • Common Side Effects of Methylprednisolone vs. Prednisolone

    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 Methylprednisolone vs. Prednisolone

    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
    •Greater risk of infections
    •Changes in heart and kidney function
    •Bone problems with long-term use
    •Reduced adrenal gland function
    •Eye Problems
    •Mood and behavior changes
    •Stomach problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Methylprednisolone vs. Prednisolone

    Learn more about Methylprednisolone
    Learn more about Prednisolone

Compare other Eczema and Psoriasis drugs

Dexamethasone vs MethylprednisoloneHydrocortisone vs MethylprednisoloneMethylprednisolone vs PrednisoloneMethylprednisolone vs PrednisoneAlbuterol vs PrednisoneClobetasol vs HydrocortisoneDecadron vs HydrocortisoneDexamethasone vs PrednisoneFludrocortisone vs HydrocortisoneHumira vs PrednisoneImuran vs PrednisoneIndocin vs PrednisoneLidocaine vs HydrocortisoneLotemax vs PrednisoloneMannitol vs DexamethasoneMedrol vs CortefMedrol vs DexamethasoneMedrol vs FortestaMedrol vs MarinolMedrol vs Prednisolone AcetateMeloxicam vs PrednisoneNeptazene vs DexamethasonePrednisolone vs CrolomPrednisone vs AllopurinolPrednisone vs CimziaPrednisone vs EnbrelPrednisone vs PrednisolonePrednisone vs RemicadeTriamcinolone vs HydrocortisoneZofran vs Dexamethasone
View More

Browse medications

View All

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