methylprednisolone + prednisone

Methylprednisolone and prednisone are synthetic glucocorticoids belonging to the corticosteroid class. Both drugs act as agonists of the glucocorticoid receptor, inhibiting pro-inflammatory signals and promoting anti-inflammatory effects. They are used to treat a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including arthritis, asthma, allergic reactions, lupus, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, glandular disorders, skin diseases, blood disorders, kidney disease, eye conditions, thyroid disorders (such as colitis), severe allergies and certain types of cancer[1][2][3][4][5][6]. Methylprednisolone is available in oral tablet form as well as injectable preparations for rapid or localized relief; it is slightly more potent than prednisone (4 mg methylprednisolone ≈ 5 mg prednisone)[3]. Prednisone is commonly prescribed in oral tablet or solution form and is metabolized in the liver to its active form prednisolone[6]. Both drugs suppress immune function by altering gene expression through binding to the glucocorticoid receptor; this leads to decreased vasodilation and capillary permeability along with reduced leukocyte migration[6]. High doses can cause immunosuppression by interfering with cellular energy metabolism[8].

Brand names

Depo-Medrol

Other names

none