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Compare Methylprednisolone vs. Prednisone

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

Key takeaways

Methylprednisolone (Medrol) and Prednisone (Rayos, Prednisone Intensol) are both corticosteroids used to treat conditions related to an overactive immune system or inflammation. Methylprednisolone is available in both oral and injectable forms, while prednisone is only available in oral forms, including tablets and liquid. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. Both medications can cause similar side effects like stomach irritation, mood changes, and sleep problems, but may also cause bone and eye problems with long-term use. To avoid sleep problems, it’s best to take the medications in the morning. The delayed-release form of prednisone (Rayos) may be taken before bed, as it releases the medication 4 hours after ingestion. Both medications require careful monitoring and should not be stopped abruptly to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
Prednisone
Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
Prednisone

Summary of Methylprednisolone vs. Prednisone

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

Prednisone is an oral corticosteroid. It's taken by mouth by adults and children to treat health conditions related to an overactive immune system or inflammation, such as allergies and certain skin conditions. Your healthcare team will determine your dose based on what medical condition you have. Some of the common short-term side effects of prednisone include stomach irritation and mood changes. And if you take this medication for a month or longer, you're more likely to experience long-term side effects, like weight gain and weakened immune system.

Indications of Methylprednisolone vs. Prednisone

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 problems, conditions related to swelling, or cancer. Some examples include:

•Allergies or allergic reactions
•Skin conditions
•Conditions affecting certain hormones (e.g., low adrenal hormones)
•Eye conditions
•Lung conditions
•Gut conditions (e.g., ulcerative colitis)
•Conditions related to blood cells
•Certain cancers (e.g., leukemia
•Nervous system conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis)
•Joint conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
•Lupus

Pros and Cons of Methylprednisolone vs. Prednisone

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
•Available as a liquid, which is a good option for people who have difficulty swallowing pills
•Available as a lower-cost generic
•Dose can be adjusted based on your response to the medication
Cons
•Can cause side effects like upset stomach, mood changes, and sleep problems
•Need to taper your dose before stopping (if you took it for more than a couple of weeks)
•Might raise your risk for infections, bone weakening, and skin problems if used long term
•Can slow growth in children if they take it for a long period of time

Common Side Effects of Methylprednisolone vs. Prednisone

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)
•Stomach bloating
•Muscle weakness
•Headache
•Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
•Changes in your mood
•Larger appetite (possibly leading to weight gain)
•Higher blood sugar

Warnings of Methylprednisolone vs. Prednisone

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
•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

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