Methyl Prednisolone
Indications
Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid (steroid) medicine used to calm inflammation and overactive immune reactions. Uses include severe allergic reactions, flare-ups of asthma and COPD, rheumatoid arthritis and other joint inflammation, lupus and other autoimmune diseases, severe skin conditions, inflammatory bowel disease, some kidney and blood disorders, relapses of multiple sclerosis, and prevention of rejection after an organ transplant. Injections are used for severe or urgent cases and for injection into joints.
How It Works
It works like cortisol, a hormone made by the adrenal glands. It reduces the chemicals that cause swelling, redness and pain, and calms the immune system.
Dosage and Administration
Tablets: the dose depends on the condition and is given as prescribed, commonly between 4 and 48 mg a day for adults, often started higher and then reduced. Take with or after food, usually as a single dose in the morning. Injections are given by a doctor or nurse, as prescribed. If you have taken it for more than about 3 weeks, or at high doses, do not stop suddenly; the doctor will lower the dose step by step.
Interactions
- Painkillers such as Ibuprofen, Diclofenac and Aspirin increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.
- Water tablets such as Furosemide and Hydrochlorothiazide can lower potassium further.
- It raises blood sugar, so diabetes medicines and Insulin may need adjusting.
- Rifampicin, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin and Phenobarbital weaken its effect; Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Clarithromycin and some HIV medicines strengthen it.
- It can change the effect of Warfarin.
- Live vaccines should not be given while on high doses.
Contraindications
Allergy to methylprednisolone, a serious fungal infection spread through the body that is not being treated, and live vaccines during treatment with immune-suppressing doses.
Side Effects
Short courses: increased appetite, mood changes, trouble sleeping, stomach upset, raised blood sugar and fluid retention. Long-term use: weight gain and a rounded face, high blood pressure, thinning bones, muscle weakness, thin skin and easy bruising, cataract or glaucoma, more infections, and reduced natural steroid production by the body.
Get urgent medical help for black or bloody stools or vomiting blood, severe stomach pain, fever or other signs of a serious infection, sudden vision changes, severe mood changes or confused thinking, very high blood sugar (great thirst, passing a lot of urine), or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Use in pregnancy only if the doctor feels the benefit outweighs the risk; long-term high doses may affect the baby's growth. Small amounts pass into breast milk; normal doses are usually compatible with breastfeeding, but tell the doctor.
Precautions and Warnings
- Tell the doctor if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, a stomach ulcer, tuberculosis, osteoporosis, glaucoma, liver disease, epilepsy or a history of depression.
- Avoid contact with people who have chickenpox, shingles or measles, and see a doctor if you are exposed.
- Carry a steroid card or tell any doctor or dentist that you take a steroid.
- Children on long-term treatment need their growth checked.
Overdose
A single large dose rarely causes serious harm. Taking too much over a long time causes the long-term side effects above. Seek medical advice, and do not stop a long course suddenly.
Therapeutic Class
Glucocorticoid (corticosteroid).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Injections are stored and prepared by hospital or clinic staff.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Methyl Prednisolone