What is Methylprednisolone?
Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid medication that works by preventing the release of substances in the body that trigger inflammation. This medication is used to treat allergies, inflammation, and harmful immune reactions, such as arthritis, rheumatism, urticaria, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and eczema. Methylprednisolone functions by suppressing the immune system so the body does not release chemicals that cause inflammation.
Methylprednisolone reduces the substances that trigger inflammation in the body, thereby improving inflammation, pain, and swelling. Additionally, this drug also suppresses an overactive immune system.
Methylprednisolone is a prescription-only medication and is available in tablet and injectable forms. It should not be used for extended periods.
Trade Names of Methylprednisolone
Methylprednisolone is available in tablet, suspension or syrup, and injectable forms. Here are some recommended tablet formulations of Methylprednisolone:
Tablets: Methylprednisolone, Xilon, Camelon, Lameson, Medrol, Intidrol, Medixon, Mesol, Toras, Sanexon, Prednicort, Urbason
Injectable Suspensions: Sanexon, Solu-Medrol, Medixon, Hexilon, Depo Medrol
Dosage and Usage Instructions for Methylprednisolone
The dosage of methylprednisolone prescribed by a doctor can vary based on the condition being treated, the severity of the disease, and the patient's response to the medication. In children, the dosage is adjusted according to body weight (BW).
Generally, the dosage of methylprednisolone based on the form of the medication and its intended use is:
Tablet or Suspension Form:
Purpose: To relieve inflammation and allergic reactions
- Adults: 4–48 mg per day. In severe acute conditions, higher doses up to 100 mg per day may be administered.
- Children: 0.5–1.7 mg/kg BW per day, divided into 2 doses.
Injectable Forms
The dosage of injectable methylprednisolone is determined by a doctor based on the patient's condition. Here are the methods and purposes of administering methylprednisolone:
- Intramuscular Injection: Used for inflammatory and autoimmune conditions as well as severe asthma.
- Intravenous Injection: Used to treat inflammation, multiple sclerosis, severe asthma, and to prevent organ rejection after transplantation.
- Intra-articular Injection: Targeted for conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or severe bursitis.
- Local Injection: Administered directly into the affected area for conditions like keloids, alopecia areata, skin lupus symptoms, lichen planus, skin psoriasis, lichen simplex, and granuloma annulare.
Storage Instructions
Store methylprednisolone at room temperature. Keep it out of the reach of children and avoid exposure to direct sunlight or moisture.
How to Use Methylprednisolone
- Read the instructions provided by your doctor before use.
- Take methylprednisolone after meals.
- Avoid chewing, splitting, or crushing the tablets; swallow them whole.
- Ensure to follow the prescribed dosage exactly; do not reduce or increase it.
- Continue taking the medication until it is finished or according to the doctor's prescription.
- Injectable forms should only be administered by a healthcare professional.
- Try to take the medication at the same time each day.
Interactions with Other Medications
Using methylprednisolone with other drugs can cause interactions such as:
- Increased risk of seizures when used with ciclosporin.
- Increased risk of hypokalemia when used with amphotericin B or diuretics.
- Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding when used with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Increased risk of muscle disorders when high doses of methylprednisolone are used with muscle relaxants.
- Increased risk of side effects when used with tacrolimus, cyclophosphamide, ketoconazole, or cimetidine.
- Increased risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulants like warfarin.
- Reduced levels and effectiveness of methylprednisolone when used with rifampicin, phenobarbital, or phenytoin.
- Reduced effectiveness of anticholinesterase drugs like pyridostigmine in treating myasthenia gravis.
- Reduced effectiveness of isoniazid, aspirin, pancuronium, or vecuronium.
- Reduced effectiveness of live vaccines, such as influenza or BCG vaccines.
Benefits of Methylprednisolone
The primary benefit of methylprednisolone is to address inflammation. Additionally, this medication is effective in managing various conditions, including:
1. Endocrine Disorders
Endocrine disorders occur when the endocrine glands in the body do not function normally. Examples include primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency.
2. Rheumatic Disorders
Rheumatic disorders are a group of medical conditions that affect the joints, muscles, bones, and surrounding soft tissues. Symptoms often include inflammation, pain, stiffness, and movement difficulties.
3. Collagen Diseases
Collagen diseases are autoimmune disorders that affect connective tissue, involving collagen as a key component. Examples include lupus and systemic dermatomyositis.
4. Skin Diseases
Skin diseases are conditions that affect the health and appearance of the skin. Examples include psoriasis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
5. Eye Problems
Eye problems are medical conditions that affect the health and function of the eyes. These can range from common vision issues to serious conditions requiring medical intervention.
6. Digestive Problems
Digestive problems are medical conditions that impact the health and function of organs in the digestive system, such as the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and related organs.
7. Respiratory Issues
Respiratory issues are medical conditions that affect a person's ability to breathe properly. Examples include lung damage from beryllium poisoning or Loeffler’s syndrome.
Side Effects and Risks of Methylprednisolone
Possible side effects of methylprednisolone include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Bloating
- Stomach pain or heartburn
- Muscle pain
- Difficulty sleeping
- Increased blood sugar levels
- Increased susceptibility to infections
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Acne
- Swelling in hands or feet due to fluid retention
Consult a doctor if these side effects persist or worsen. Seek medical attention immediately if serious allergic reactions or severe side effects occur, such as:
- Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision, eye pain, or tunnel vision
- Dry, red, thinning, scaly skin, or easy bruising
- Low potassium levels (hypokalemia), which may be indicated by irregular heartbeat, weakness, or leg cramps
- Mood swings, severe depression, or unusual thoughts or behavior
- Vomiting blood, coffee ground-like vomit, or bloody stools
- Swelling of the legs, rapid weight gain, or shortness of breath
- Seizures
- Rapid, slow, or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Moon face, which is facial swelling making the face appear rounder
- Infection symptoms such as fever, chills, persistent sores, or cough
Long-term use of corticosteroids in children can affect growth and development. Therefore, children should be closely monitored while using this medication.
Contraindications for Methylprednisolone
Contraindications are conditions, diseases, or situations that make it inadvisable for a person to undergo certain treatments.
Individuals with the following conditions should avoid using methylprednisolone:
- Active Tuberculosis If not being treated.
- Herpes Simplex Infection of the Eyes.
- Inactive Tuberculosis.
- Fungal Infections.
- Intestinal Infections Caused by Strongyloides Roundworms.
- Low Thyroid Hormone Levels.
- Diabetes.
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