Methylprednisolone

Methylprednisolone is a steroid (cortisone hormone-like medicine) which prevents inflammatory reactions in the body.

It works on immune system and prevents:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Itching
• Allergic reactions

It is used to treat many different inflammatory conditions such as:

• Arthritis
• Lupus
• Psoriasis
• Ulcerative colitis
• Allergic disorders
• Gland (endocrine) disorders
• Conditions that affect the skin, eyes, lungs, stomach, nervous system, or blood cells.

It is available in the form of a tablet, only with your doctor’s prescription.

Before using Methylprednisolone, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.

Allergy

Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any food, preservatives, dyes, or had an allergic reaction when you used this drug before.

Children

It can affect growth in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Elderly

This medicine does not cause any different side effects or problem than it does in younger adults. However, it should be used with caution in an elderly patient.

Pregnancy

It is a category C drug. It can cause harm to an unborn baby. Discuss its benefits and potential risks if you are using it during pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies which prove that Methylprednisolone passes into breast milk. If you are using Methylprednisolone while nursing, discuss it with your doctor for possible risk factors.

Drug Interactions

Methylprednisolone may interact with other drugs. Your doctor should be informed of any other medicines which you are taking. He may want to change the dosage or drug. Some of them are listed below:

• Rotavirus Vaccine, Live
• Aldesleukin
• Bupropion
• Pixantrone
• Telaprevir
• Aspirin
• Atracurium
• Balofloxacin
• Besifloxacin
• Carbamazepine
• Nefazodone
• Norfloxacin

Other Medical Conditions

Several other conditions may reduce its effectiveness.

Make sure you inform your doctor of conditions such as:

• Congestive heart failure
• Cushing's syndrome (adrenal gland problem)
• Diabetes
• Eye infection, glaucoma, cataracts
• Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Infection (bacterial, virus, or fungus)
• Mood changes, including depression
• Myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness)
• Osteoporosis (weak bones)
• Personality changes
• Stomach or intestinal problems (peptic ulcer, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis)
• Tuberculosis, inactive: Use with caution.
• Fungal infections

Proper usage of Methylprednisolone requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders.

Dosage

It is different for different patients. It depends on medical conditions. Dosage mentioned below is an average dose. You must follow your doctor’s command.

Adults

4 to 48 milligrams (mg) per day.

Children

Children dose is determined by your doctor.

Missed dose 

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it almost a time for your next dose skips the missed dose and continue your daily schedule. Do not double the dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature. Keep it away from children.

Before using Methylprednisolone, there are some precautions you must take. Your doctor should check your daily progress at regular visits.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Methylprednisolone before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Use an effective form of birth control methods as Methylprednisolone can harm an unborn baby.

Your doctor must be informed of any new stress or anxiety in your life as he/she may want to alter your dose for a short time until you have this new stress.

It may cause adrenal gland problems if used for too long or in high doses.

Inform your doctor if you notice any:

• blurred vision,
• dizziness or fainting,
• a fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat,
• increased thirst or urination,
• irritability,
• unusual tiredness or weakness.

Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juices as it may alter methylprednisolone effects.

Steroid medication can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection.

Call your doctor if you have any signs of infection (fever, chills, body aches)

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections.

Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles

These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medication.

Do not receive any immunization (vaccination) while using Methylprednisolone especially live vaccines.

Live vaccines are:

• measles
• mumps
• rubella (MMR)
• rotavirus
• typhoid
• yellow fever
• varicella (chickenpox)
• zoster (shingles)
• nasal flu (influenza) vaccine

It may cause blurred vision, difficulty in reading, eye pain. Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any such symptoms as he/she may want you to check with an eye specialist.

It may cause changes in mood or depression. Discuss it with your doctor if you have any concerns regarding it.

It may cause thinning of bones (osteoporosis).

Inform your doctor if you notice any bone pain while using Methylprednisolone

It can affect the growth of your child. Discuss it with your doctor if you have any concerns regarding it.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Methylprednisolone. Some people may experience none or minor side effects.

Consult with your doctor if they become problematic or frequent:

More common are:

• Headache
• Mild muscle pain or weakness
• Stomach discomfort, bloating
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Blurred vision
• Decrease in the amount of urine.
• Dizziness
• Fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse.
• Mood changes
• Nervousness
• Noisy, rattling breathing
• Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs.
• Pounding in the ears
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling of the fingers, hands, feet, or lower legs.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.