Do you know about prednisone and methylprednisolone? These are two common corticosteroid medicines. They mimic the natural hormone cortisol, but they’re not the same. Knowing how they differ can help you and your doctor choose the best treatment for you.
Key Takeaways
- Prednisone and methylprednisolone are both corticosteroid medications used to treat various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
- Methylprednisolone is more potent than prednisone and is available in injectable forms, while prednisone is only available orally.
- The choice between the two depends on the specific condition being treated and the desired route of administration.
- Both medications can have similar side effects, including headache, dizziness, sleep problems, weight gain, and mood changes.
- Gradual withdrawal and tapering schedules are recommended to mitigate potential withdrawal symptoms from long-term use of these corticosteroids.
Drug Overview and Main Differences
Prednisone and methylprednisolone are synthetic corticosteroids or glucocorticoids. These hormones are made by the adrenal cortex. They help control the immune system and reduce inflammation. Even though they are similar, there are key differences between them.
Defining Prednisone and Methylprednisolone
Prednisone is a prednisolone derivative that needs liver processing to become active. It then binds to cellular membrane receptors to stop inflammatory proteins production. Methylprednisolone, however, is a direct derivative that can bind to these receptors without liver processing.
Available Forms and Routes of Administration
- Prednisone is mainly found as oral tablets in generic and branded (Rayos) forms. There’s also a 5 mg/5 mL oral solution under Prednisone Intensol.
- Methylprednisolone comes as oral tablets in various strengths. It’s also available as intravenous, intramuscular, and intra-articular injectable forms. Brands include Medrol, Solu-Medrol, and Depo-Medrol.
Methylprednisolone’s different administration routes make it easier for delivering high doses when needed. This is unlike prednisone, which is mainly given orally.
| Medication | Potency Compared to Cortisol | Available Forms |
|---|---|---|
| Prednisone | 4 times as potent | Oral tablets, liquid, concentrated solution |
| Methylprednisolone | 5 times as potent | Oral tablets, intravenous, intramuscular, and intra-articular injections |
Both medications come in branded and generic forms, with similar prices. The choice between them depends on the condition being treated and the preferred administration route.
Conditions Treated with Prednisone vs Methylprednisolone
Prednisone and methylprednisolone are used to treat many conditions. These include rheumatic disorders, asthma, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel diseases. It’s key to know how they work for different health issues.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Both methylprednisolone and prednisone help with rheumatic disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. But, the American College of Rheumatology advises against long-term use. They suggest using them short-term, like when starting a DMARD, to ease pain and inflammation.
Asthma
Inhaled corticosteroids are best for managing asthma long-term. But, methylprednisolone and prednisone are used for acute asthma attacks. A short course of 40-50 mg of prednisone daily for 5-7 days can help reduce airway inflammation.
Multiple Sclerosis
For acute exacerbations or relapses in multiple sclerosis, high-dose corticosteroids are used. This includes intravenous methylprednisolone followed by oral prednisone. It helps reduce inflammation and symptoms, but treatment varies based on the relapse’s severity and the individual’s health.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Corticosteroids like methylprednisolone or prednisone are used for flare-ups in inflammatory bowel diseases. They are often used with other treatments like aminosalicylates and immunosuppressants. However, long-term use of corticosteroids is not recommended due to side effects.
| Condition | Prednisone | Methylprednisolone |
|---|---|---|
| Rheumatoid Arthritis | Short-term use to alleviate pain and inflammation when starting DMARD treatment | Short-term use to alleviate pain and inflammation when starting DMARD treatment |
| Asthma | Short course of 40-50 mg daily for 5-7 days to reduce inflammation in acute exacerbations | Can be used for acute asthma exacerbations |
| Multiple Sclerosis | Oral prednisone used in a tapered-dose regimen after high-dose IV methylprednisolone for acute relapses | High-dose IV methylprednisolone used for acute exacerbations |
| Inflammatory Bowel Disease | Short-term use to alleviate symptoms during flare-ups, often in combination with other treatments | Short-term use to alleviate symptoms during flare-ups, often in combination with other treatments |
Efficacy: Prednisone versus Methylprednisolone
When comparing prednisone and methylprednisolone, a few things matter. Methylprednisolone is a bit stronger, but the right dose makes them work equally well for many issues.
Comparing Potency and Treatment Responses
Injectable methylprednisolone is great for treating arthritis by injecting it directly into joints. This can offer better symptom relief than taking prednisone by mouth. Also, intravenous methylprednisolone is slightly better for Graves’ ophthalmopathy, helping 88% of patients, while oral prednisone helps 63%.
Study Findings on Effectiveness
But, for asthma exacerbations in kids, a study found no big difference between intravenous methylprednisolone and oral prednisone. They both helped with symptom relief, breathing, and oxygen levels. Oral prednisone might be cheaper and easier to take, making it a good choice.
Even though methylprednisolone is a bit stronger, both drugs can treat many conditions well. This is when healthcare experts adjust the dose right.
Cost and Insurance Coverage Comparison
Looking at the cost and insurance for prednisone and methylprednisolone, there are important things to note. Both drugs have generic versions, which are often cheaper than the brand names. For instance, a 6-day course of methylprednisolone Medrol Dosepak costs about $40. Using a coupon from SingleCare can help lower this cost even more.
Prednisone is usually covered by most insurance plans and Medicare, except for the brand-name Rayos tablets. The availability of generics and insurance coverage makes both drugs affordable for many patients.
| Medication | Typical Cost | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Prednisone (generic) | $4-$20 per month | Widely covered by commercial insurance and Medicare |
| Methylprednisolone (generic) | $40 for a 6-day course | Widely covered by commercial insurance and Medicare |
| Rayos (branded prednisone) | $300-$500 per month | May not be covered by all insurance plans |
In summary, the generic availability and insurance coverage make prednisone and methylprednisolone affordable choices. This is especially true when comparing them to the branded vs. generic pricing of some versions.
Conclusion
Methylprednisolone and prednisone are strong corticosteroid drugs. They help treat many inflammatory and immune issues. Even though they work in similar ways, they have some differences.
Recent guidelines suggest using these drugs for the shortest time and lowest dose. This is because long-term use can lead to serious side effects. These include higher risks of infections, blood clots, and bone fractures.
When used correctly, both methylprednisolone and prednisone can manage inflammation well. But, it’s important for doctors and patients to choose the best option together. They should consider the condition, how severe it is, and the patient’s health and risks. This way, they can pick the best treatment, taking into account cost, availability, and side effects.
FAQ
What are the key differences between prednisone and methylprednisolone?
Methylprednisolone is stronger than prednisone and comes in injectable forms. Prednisone is only taken by mouth. Methylprednisolone works directly on cells to stop inflammation. Prednisone needs to be changed by the liver into prednisolone first.
What conditions can prednisone and methylprednisolone be used to treat?
These medicines help with rheumatic disorders, asthma, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel diseases. But, doctors try to avoid using them for a long time because of side effects.
How do the effectiveness and cost compare between prednisone and methylprednisolone?
Both can work well when used right. Methylprednisolone given through a vein might work faster. But, taking prednisone by mouth can be cheaper. Both have generic versions, making them affordable with insurance.
What are the differences in the available forms and routes of administration for prednisone and methylprednisolone?
Methylprednisolone comes as tablets and injectables for different uses. Prednisone is mainly tablets, with a liquid solution too.
Source Links
- Prednisone vs Prednisolone: What’s the Difference? – https://www.buzzrx.com/blog/prednisone-vs-prednisolone-whats-the-difference
- A Different Look at Corticosteroids – https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/1998/0801/p443.html
- Methylprednisolone vs. prednisone: What’s the difference? – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323545
- Methylprednisolone vs. Prednisone – https://www.healthline.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/methylprednisolone-vs-prednisone
- Methylprednisolone vs. prednisone: What’s the difference? – https://www.singlecare.com/blog/methylprednisolone-vs-prednisone/
- A comparison of the effects of prednisolone and methylprednisolone on human lymphoblastoid cells – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1183769/
- What You Should Know About Rayos (Prednisone) and Medrol (Methylprednisolone) – https://www.verywellhealth.com/medrol-dose-pack-vs-prednisone-5096985
- Efficacy and safety of low dose oral prednisolone as compared to pulse intravenous methylprednisolone in managing moderate severe Graves’ orbitopathy: A randomized controlled trial – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4366772/
- Comparison of Methylprednisolone Plus Prednisolone with Prednisolone Alone as Initial Treatment in Adult-Onset Minimal Change Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4046739/
- Comparing Prednisone and Methylprednisolone: What Are the Differences? – https://cabinethealth.com/blogs/journal/comparing-prednisone-and-methylprednisolone-what-are-the-differences?srsltid=AfmBOor6JvAUHzDd5c8kjZRPcB_jT-peWovFYs_UOfWuwoBJLVw-lNSA
- Prednisolone vs. prednisone: Which is better? – https://www.singlecare.com/blog/prednisolone-vs-prednisone/
- Short term use of oral corticosteroids and related harms among adults in the United States: population based cohort study – https://www.bmj.com/content/357/bmj.j1415
