The difference between prednisone and methylprednisolone

Prednisone is an acetate ester, a drug that has a good therapeutic effect on various diseases caused by allergies and autoimmune problems. Methylprednisolone is a drug that has anti-inflammatory effects and is used to treat a variety of diseases such as tumors, blood diseases, and endocrine disorders. Both are adrenocortical hormone drugs. So, what are the differences between the two? We will provide you with a detailed analysis below!

Introduction to Prednisone

Its acetate is commonly used, which is a white or almost white crystalline powder; odorless and bitter. It is easily soluble in chloroform, slightly soluble in acetone, slightly soluble in ethanol or ethyl acetate, and insoluble in water.

Mainly used for allergic and autoimmune inflammatory diseases. It is suitable for connective tissue diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus, severe polymyositis, severe bronchial asthma, dermatomyositis, vasculitis and other allergic diseases, acute leukemia, malignant lymphoma and diseases suitable for other adrenal cortex hormone drugs.

Introduction to Methylprednisolone

Methylprednisolone is used for anti-inflammatory treatment and treatment of blood diseases, tumor shock, endocrine disorders, etc. It has a strong anti-inflammatory effect and a weak effect on sodium retention, and its effect is similar to that of prednisone. Methylprednisolone acetate suspension decomposes slowly, has a long-lasting effect, and can be injected intramuscularly or intra-articularly. Methylprednisolone sodium succinate is water-soluble and can be injected intramuscularly or dissolved in glucose solution for intravenous drip. The t1/2 is about 30 minutes, so when treating severe shock, the dose should be repeated after 4 hours.

Prednisolone indications: Adrenal cortical hormone drugs. Mainly used for allergic and inflammatory diseases. Because this product has a weak sodium retention effect, it is generally not used as a replacement therapy for adrenal cortex insufficiency. It is mainly used in organ transplantation to prevent rejection; it is also used as an emergency medicine for critical illnesses, such as cerebral edema, shock, severe allergic reactions, collagen diseases, rheumatism, leukemia, multiple neuritis, endocrine disorders, and acute laryngitis.

Difference between prednisone and methylprednisolone

Methylprednisolone and prednisone are both glucocorticoids. The dosage of one tablet of methylprednisolone is equivalent to that of prednisone. If six tablets of methylprednisolone are taken, six tablets of prednisone should also be taken. The difference between the two is that methylprednisolone has less effect on the liver. If liver function is abnormal and transaminase is high, it is recommended to take methylprednisolone.