Methylprednisolone
About Methylprednisolone
Methylprednisolone is used to treat severe allergic reactions, endocrine disorders, skin diseases, gastrointestinal conditions, blood disorders, nervous system inflammation, eye diseases, respiratory conditions, kidney problems, and rheumatic disorders.
Methylprednisolone contains Methylprednisolone, a glucocorticoid, which works by reducing inflammation and calming an overactive immune system.
Take Methylprednisolone as advised by the doctor. In some cases, you may experience weight gain, indigestion, problems sleeping, restlessness, mild mood changes and sweating. 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 diabetes. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Uses of Methylprednisolone
• Allergic reactions: Methylprednisolone treats severe allergic reactions by reducing inflammation and immune system response.
• Asthma management: Methylprednisolone helps to manage asthma exacerbations by reducing airway inflammation.
• Autoimmune conditions: Methylprednisolone is involved in managing autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis by reducing the immune system's abnormal response.
• Skin disorders: Methylprednisolone treats skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis by reducing inflammation and itchiness.
• Organ transplantation: Methylprednisolone helps to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients by suppressing the immune system's response to the new organ.
• Cancer: Methylprednisolone may also be used in cancer treatment to manage symptoms or reduce inflammation caused by certain types of cancer or cancer treatments.
Medicinal Benefits
- Methylprednisolone reduces inflammation in the body.
- It suppresses an overactive immune system.
- It helps relieve pain, swelling, and redness.
- Methylprednisolone controls allergic and immune-related reactions.
- It provides relief in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
- It helps reduce joint inflammation and stiffness.
- Methylprednisolone improves breathing by decreasing airway inflammation.
- It helps calm severe immune responses.
- It supports symptom relief in serious and chronic illnesses.
Directions for Use
- Take Methylprednisolone with food as advised by the doctor.
- It is advised to take Methylprednisolone once daily; however, follow your doctor’s recommendation regarding the dosage and duration.
- Swallow Methylprednisolone as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Methylprednisolone
- Weight gain
- Indigestion
- Problems sleeping (insomnia)
- Feeling restless
- Sweating a lot
- Mild mood changes
Drug Warnings
- 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, 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.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines, as there may be an interaction.
- Medicine used to terminate pregnancy (Mifepristone)
• Potential effect: May decrease the effect of Methylprednisolone. - Diagnoistic agent (Iohexol)
• Potential effect: May increase the severity/risk of seizures. - Anticonvulsant (Vigabatrin)
• Potential effect: May increase the risk of vision problems. - Medicine used to treat arthritis (Etanercept)
• Potential effect: May increase the risk of serious infections. - Medicine used to treat multiple sclerosis (Cladribine)
• Potential effect: May increase the risk of serious infections. - Anti-HIV medicine (Saquinavir)
• Potential effect: May increase the blood levels of Methylprednisolone. - Antibacterial (Ofloxacin)
• Potential effect: May cause tendon problems.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have any of these conditions.
- Underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism)
- Stomach ulcer
- Tuberculosis
- Hyperadrenocorticism (presence of an excess of adrenocortical hormones)
- Myasthenia gravis (a disease that causes muscle weakness)
- Diabetes
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
cautionMethylprednisolone 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
Stay Hydrated:
- Drinking enough fluids helps soothe the throat and reduce cough irritation.
- Room-temperature liquids can ease a runny nose and sneezing.
Manage Acid Reflux:
- Avoid spicy, oily, fried, and acidic foods to reduce reflux-related cough.
Reduce Stress:
- Stress weakens the immune system and increases the risk of illness.
- Regular exercise helps improve immunity and overall health.
- Meditation and deep breathing help relax the mind and body.
- Progressive muscle relaxation can lower stress levels effectively.
Get Adequate Sleep:
- Sleeping 7–9 hours daily helps the body recover and stay protected from infections.
Avoid Allergens:
- Stay away from known allergens such as dust, pollen, and smoke.
- Avoid foods that are known to trigger your allergies.
Maintain Hygiene:
- Keeping good personal hygiene helps prevent infections.
- Maintaining clean surroundings reduces exposure to germs and allergens.
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.
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 by certain medications, acute and chronic conditions, exposure to foreign materials or irritants your body can’t eliminate easily.
FAQs
Methylprednisolone is used to treat a wide range of allergic reactions and inflammation in the body, including allergies, blood disorders, skin diseases, infections, and certain cancers, and to prevent 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.
Methylprednisolone works by preventing the release of substances that cause inflammation. It also suppresses the immune system and treats autoimmune conditions.
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.
Yes, Methylprednisolone is effective if taken as advised by the doctor for the prescribed duration.
Methylprednisolone starts working within a few hours of taking the medicine and you may notice its effects after a few days. Keep taking Methylprednisolone for the prescribed duration to treat your condition effectively.
If you miss a dose of Methylprednisolone take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time.
Yes, Methylprednisolone is safe if taken in the dose and duration prescribed by the doctor.
Methylprednisolone may cause side effects like 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.
