Prednisone vs Prednisolone

[skipspmr]

Is the United States the only country where the medical providers overwhelmingly prescribe prednisone instead of prednisolone? What about Canada, Mexico, and South America? I don't see where there is any scientific or logical reason to prefer prednisone over prednisolone. Is there?

[HeronNS]

Prednisone is prescribed in Canada. Although I think prednisolone is used for animals and sometimes for pediatric doses. I too wonder why we are prescribed something which looks like it could cause more problems than prednisolone, because we have to convert the prednisone into prednisolone....

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Prednisolone is used in the UK. I imagine because they were able to negotiate a better deal for a massive volume than they could for prednisone and because the in-country manufacturers have concentrated on prednisolone. Then it becomes a traditional story. Here in northern Italy I have the choice of methyl prednisolone or prednisone in a form which is taken at night so it works by the morning to reduce morning stiffness.

However, scientifically speaking, prednisolone is felt to put less stress on the liver and works faster as it is the active substance. Prednisone doesn't work until it has passed through the liver.

[sondya]

I am on prednisone - in New Zealand.

[PaulinaCanada]

I have read that too, that prednisolone works quicker then prednisone , and the effects on the liver. In Canada it's prednisone and asked my GP what the difference was, he said there wasn't any ... so it is confusing