Methylprednisolone
About
Methylprednisolone belongs to the class of steroid or corticosteroid medicine. Corticosteroids and anabolic steroids are not the same. Methylprednisolone is one of the most commonly prescribed medicine treating various medical conditions such as allergies, joint inflammation (arthritis), breathing problems (e.g., asthma), certain blood disorders, collagen diseases (e.g., lupus), certain eye diseases (e.g., keratitis), cancer (e.g., leukaemia), endocrine problems (e.g., adrenocortical insufficiency), intestinal problems (e.g., ulcerative colitis), swelling due to certain conditions, or skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis). It relieves the release of substances that causes inflammation (redness and swelling) and allergies. Besides this, it also prescribes preventing organ rejection after a transplant.
Methylprednisolone contains Methylprednisolone. It plays a vital role in treating a wide range of allergic reactions and inflammation in the body, including allergies, blood disorders, skin diseases, infections, and certain cancers, and preventing organ rejection after a transplant. It also dampens the immune system, which may aid with autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system incorrectly attacks its tissues.
Methylprednisolone is taken as advised by the doctor. Your dose will depend on your condition and how you respond to the medicine. In some cases, you may experience weight gain, indigestion, problems sleeping (insomnia), restlessness, mild mood changes and sweating. Most of these side effects of Methylprednisolone do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Inform your doctor before starting Methylprednisolone if you are allergic to corticosteroids or Methylprednisolone, have had a recent heart attack, hypertension, stomach ulcer, epilepsy, diabetes, or epilepsy. Do not stop taking this medication without first consulting your doctor; you may need to gradually reduce the dose as directed by the doctor. If you plan to get pregnant or are already pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult your doctor to avoid any unwanted harm to the baby. And also, tell your doctor all the drugs you are taking to avoid any contra-indication. When using Methylprednisolone in children, exercise extreme caution.
Uses of Methylprednisolone
Medicinal Benefits
Methylprednisolone plays a vital role in treating a wide range of allergic reactions and inflammation in the body by blocking the production of certain chemical messengers known as ‘histamine,’ which is naturally involved in allergic reactions. Methylprednisolone is accepted to treat various medical conditions such as allergies, joint inflammation (arthritis), breathing problems (e.g., asthma), certain blood disorders, collagen diseases (e.g., lupus), certain eye diseases (e.g., keratitis), cancer (e.g., leukaemia), endocrine problems (e.g., adrenocortical insufficiency), intestinal problems (e.g., ulcerative colitis), swelling due to certain conditions, or skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis). It provides relief by preventing the release of substances that causes inflammation (redness and swelling) and allergies. Besides this, it also prescribes for preventing organ rejection after a transplant.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Methylprednisolone
- Weight gain
- Indigestion
- Problems sleeping (insomnia)
- Feeling restless
- Sweating a lot
- Mild mood changes
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Never encourage self-medication or suggest your medicine to someone else. You should not take Methylprednisolone if you are allergic to steroids, Methylprednisolone, or any components present in Methylprednisolone. Check with your doctor if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other prescribed or non-prescribed medicines. Let your doctor know if you are with an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), liver disease or kidney failure or have had seizures, myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness), tuberculosis or have ever been treated for tuberculosis, GI disorders, Heart disorders, Blood disorders (Had, have blood clots), mood swings or psychotic tendencies, adrenal gland disorders, scleroderma (systemic sclerosis, an autoimmune disease). Methylprednisolone can cause dizziness, visual problems, and weariness. If you have such symptoms, do not drive or operate machinery. When using Methylprednisolone, exercise extreme caution. Make sure that children and teenagers get their height checked by a doctor on a regular basis so that any changes in their growth can be detected early.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Methylprednisolone may interact with medicines used to treat tuberculosis (e.g. rifampicin, isoniazid), blood thinners (e.g. aspirin, warfarin), antiepilepsy drugs (e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), anticholinergics (e.g. amitriptyline), medicines used for myasthenia gravis (e.g. neostigmine), Antidiabetic medications (e.g. Insulin), HIV medications (e.g. cobicistat), sex hormones (e.g. estrogen), NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen), Diuretics (e.g. thiazides, furosemide, ethacrylic acid), medicines are used to treat lung diseases or asthma (e.g. theophylline, salbutamol, terbutaline, salmeterol, formoterol), and an antibiotic used for fungal infection (e.g. amphotericin B).
Drug-Food Interactions: Methylprednisolone severely interacts with grapefruit and rich protein foods. Hence it should not be taken with Methylprednisolone.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Methylprednisolone should be taken care of if you have an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), have or had a recent vaccination, infections, stomach ulcer, ulcerative colitis (GI perforation), prematurity problems, tuberculosis, hyperadrenocorticism (presence of an excess of adrenocortical hormones), hyperlipidemia (high levels of fats in the blood), liver disease or kidney failure, myasthenia gravis (a disease that causes muscle weakness), diabetes, and other heart diseases.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionNo interaction was found. However, it is advisable not to take or limit alcohol as a precautionary measure.
Pregnancy
safe if prescribedMethylprednisolone is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless clearly necessary. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect or planning pregnancy. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Methylprednisolone.
Breast Feeding
cautionMethylprednisolone is considered safe to be used during breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving this injection. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Methylprednisolone.
Driving
unsafeMethylprednisolone has no or insignificant effect on one's ability to drive or operate machinery. In rare cases, Methylprednisolone may cause blurred vision or other visual disturbances. If you experience these symptoms, do not drive or operate machinery until you are alert.
Liver
cautionTell your doctor before receiving the Methylprednisolone if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Methylprednisolone.
Kidney
cautionTell your doctor before receiving the Methylprednisolone if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Methylprednisolone.
Children
cautionGenerally, Methylprednisolone is not recommended for children as it affects growth; take it only if prescribed. If it has to be given, then the dose must be adjusted and recommended by a child specialist only.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Staying hydrated is vital for those with a cough or cold. Drinking liquids at room temperature can alleviate cough, runny nose, and sneezing.
- The main cause of a cough is acid reflux. One of the easiest ways to treat this condition and reduce the cough that accompanies it is to avoid foods that can cause acid reflux.
- The immune system is affected by stress and raises the risk of being sick. An individual can exercise regularly, meditate, do deep breathing, and try progressive muscle relaxation techniques to relieve stress.
- Try to sleep 7-9 hours each night to stay fit and safe.
- It is advised to avoid contacting known allergens (allergy-causing agents) such as pollen, dust, etc., and specific food items are known to cause allergies to you.
- Maintain personal hygiene and keep your surroundings clean.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Allergy: Allergy is an immune system response to foreign elements typically not harmful to your body. These foreign elements are known as 'allergens'. Allergic condition varies from person to person. Some might be allergic to certain foods and seasonal allergies like hay fever. While others might be allergic to pollen or pet dander. One of the symptoms of allergy is cough. Coughing occurs as a reflex action in the throat when mucus or any other foreign irritant is in it.
Inflammation: It is a response generated by damage to living tissues. This response is a defence mechanism to protect the body from injury, infection, or disease. The symptoms of inflammation include redness, pain, swelling, heat, or loss of function. Inflammation can be caused due to certain medications, acute and chronic conditions, exposure to foreign materials or irritants your body can’t eliminate easily.
FAQs
Methylprednisolone plays a vital role in treating a wide range of allergic reactions and inflammation in the body, including allergies, blood disorders, skin diseases, infections, and certain cancers, and in preventing organ rejection after a transplant. It also dampens the immune system, which may aid autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system incorrectly attacks its tissues.
Depending upon the severity of your medical condition, your doctor may prescribe it to you daily for a specific duration. However, do not take it endlessly on your own without a doctor's advice.
Your symptoms may improve before the problem is completely cured. But, completing the full course of treatment would be suggested even if you feel better.
While taking Methylprednisolone, do not receive a 'live' vaccine (including measles, mumps, polio, chickenpox) as the vaccine may not work, and you may develop the disease again.
Yes, the Methylprednisolone is known to cause an upset stomach. So, please take Methylprednisolone with a meal to avoid an upset stomach.
No, it is a prescribed drug given by a physician to prevent specific medical conditions. Taking it on your own can cause unwanted side effects.
