Skip to main content

Compare
Prednisone vs. Prednisolone

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

Key takeaways

Prednisone and methylprednisolone are both corticosteroids used to treat conditions related to an overactive immune system or inflammation. Prednisone, available under brand names like Rayos and Prednisone Intensol, is taken orally and comes in immediate-release tablets, delayed-release tablets, and an oral liquid. Methylprednisolone, known by brands such as Depo-Medrol, Medrol, and Solu-Medrol, can be taken orally or as an injection. One key difference is that Methylprednisolone is available as an injection, which can be administered in a hospital or at home by a nurse. Both medications can cause similar side effects like weight gain, mood changes, and sleep problems, but Methylprednisolone is also known to cause skin thinning and blurry vision. Additionally, while both medications require a prescription, they are available in lower-cost generic forms. It's important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions closely when taking either medication to avoid withdrawal symptoms and other risks.

Drug combination icon

See more from our pharmacists

What’S The Difference Between Prednisolone And Prednisone?

Prednisone

 

Get free coupons

Prednisolone

 

Get free coupons

Summary for Prednisone

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 for Prednisone

This medication is used for many different conditions. Generally, it's used for autoimmune problems, conditions related to swelling, or cancer. Some examples include:

Pros and Cons for Prednisone

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 for Prednisone

  • 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 for Prednisone

  • 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

Summary for Prednisolone

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 for Prednisolone

This medication is used for many different conditions. Generally, it's used for autoimmune disorders, conditions related to swelling, or cancer. Some examples include:

Pros and Cons for Prednisolone

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 for Prednisolone

  • 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 for Prednisolone

  • 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 Prednisone vs. Prednisolone

Price Card Drug Icon
Prednisone10 tablets / 20mg
$7.19$11.47
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate50 ml / 15mg/5ml
$12.25$27.02
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other Eczema and Psoriasis drugs

Albuterol vs. PrednisoneDexamethasone vs. PrednisoneHumira vs. PrednisoneImuran vs. PrednisoneIndocin vs. Prednisone
Meloxicam vs. PrednisoneMethylprednisolone vs. PrednisonePrednisone vs. AllopurinolPrednisone vs. CimziaPrednisone vs. EnbrelPrednisone vs. PrednisolonePrednisone vs. RemicadeIbuprofen vs. IndocinImuran vs. RemicadeIndocin vs. AllopurinolIndocin vs. CelebrexIndocin vs. ColcrysIndocin vs. FeldeneIndocin vs. MeloxicamIndocin vs. MobicIndocin vs. TylenolLotemax vs. PrednisoloneMeloxicam vs. IndocinMethylprednisolone vs. PrednisoloneNaproxen vs. IndocinOrencia vs. RemicadeOrtikos vs. RemicadePrednisolone vs. CrolomUloric vs. AllopurinolVoltaren vs. Indocin

Browse medications by letter

Show All

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