Dexamethasone vs. Methylprednisolone — What's the Difference?

Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid medication used to treat rheumatic problems, a number of skin diseases, severe allergies, asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, croup, brain swelling, eye pain following eye surgery, superior vena cava syndrome (a complication of some forms of cancer), and along with antibiotics in tuberculosis. In adrenocortical insufficiency, it may be used in combination with a mineralocorticoid medication such as fludrocortisone.

Methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol, Medrol, Solu-Medrol) is a synthetic glucocorticoid, primarily prescribed for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. It is either used at low doses for chronic illnesses or used concomitantly at high doses during acute flares.

A synthetic glucocorticoid, C22H29FO5, used in the treatment of insufficient adrenocortical function, a variety of inflammatory disorders such as arthritis and ulcerative colitis, and certain types of cancer.

A glucocorticoid used therapeutically primarily as an anti-inflammatory agent.

A synthetic member of the glucocorticoid-class of steroid hormones, having the chemical formula C₂₂H₂₉FO₅, and used especially as an anti-inflammatory agent.

(pharmaceutical drug) A synthetic glucocorticoid, C₂₂H₃₀O₅, used chiefly in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.

A corticosteroid drug used to treat allergies or inflammation.

A corticosteroid drug (trade names Decadron or Dexamethasone Intensol or Dexone or Hexadrol or Oradexon) used to treat allergies or inflammation