Difference between Prednisone and Prednisolone

Both Prednisone and Prednisolone are commonly used anti-inflammatory drugs which are steroidal and come under the category of “corticosteroids”. Doctors in every region of the world utilise these steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during organ transplants and also in different conditions of inflammatory responses. While performing organ transplants, these drugs play a vital role in making the new organ compatible to the body.

Sometimes it becomes confusing for many people to find the differences between Prednisone and Prednisolone because these drugs are generally used for the same purpose.

Looking into the conditions under which these drugs are used, one can easily identify the main differences between Prednisone and Prednisolone.

There are many differences between Prednisone and Prednisolone considering their functionality as well. Prednisone is generally considered as a pro-drug that is activated inside the liver of the patient while Prednisolone is itself an activated drug that does not require any sort of activation.

Prednisone is a strong drug which is prescribed to only those patients who have strong liver conditions. On the contrary, as Prednisolone does not need activation in liver, it can be given to all patients who even have weak liver conditions.

The molecular weights and functional groups of Prednisone and Prednisolone are different from each other as well. Prednisone is usually given orally to the patients while Prednisolone can be administered  in many ways including injections, orally or via application.

Instructions

  • 1

    Prednisone:

    Prednisone is a steroidal anti-inflammatory drug which is generally used in treating arthritis, skin conditions and allergy disorders. This is a steroid and doctors do not recommend it normally. It should be taken very carefully according to the prescription of the doctor because its excessive use can cause trouble for the patient.

    People having allergic disorders are normally treated with Prednisone which is quite effective in eliminating or reducing these disorders.

    Image courtesy: drsfostersmith.com

  • 2

    Prednisolone:

    Prednisolone is a steroid which is generally used by the patients having allergic disorders, arthritis or skin allergy. The Prednisolone dose should be monitored very carefully because its use can cause harm in certain conditions.

    The excessive use of Prednisolone can cause damage to the immune system of the patient. It is generally prescribed for those people who have weak liver.

    Image courtesy: drugline.org

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