It is a variant of prednisolone, methylated at carbon 6 of the B ring.

Like most adrenocortical steroids, methylprednisolone is typically used for its anti-inflammatory effects. However, glucocorticoids have a wide range of effects, including changes to metabolism and immune responses. The list of medical conditions for which methylprednisolone is prescribed is rather long, and is similar to other corticosteroids such as prednisolone. Common uses include arthritis therapy and short-term treatment of bronchial inflammation or acute bronchitis due to various respiratory diseases. It is used both in the treatment of acute periods and long-term management of autoimmune diseases, most notably systemic lupus erythematosus. Also for use as a treatment for multiple sclerosis.

Methylprednisolone is also prescribed for nonpenetrating spinal cord injuries. It has been shown that a dose of 30 mg/kg IV followed by IV drip at 5.4 mg/kg/hr for 23 hours improves sensory and motor recovery if given within eight hours of the injury.^{[citation needed]}

It is also used for vestibular neuritis.^[2]

It is also used for COPD and asthma to decrease bronchiole inflamation and wheezing.