Methylprednisolone
 
What is Methylprednisolone and why is it prescribed?
Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid drug used to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in a variety of disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, acute gouty arthritis, and severe cases of asthma. Methylprednisolone may be given to people to treat primary or secondary adrenal cortex insufficiency. It is also given to help treat the following disorders: Severe allergic conditions, Blood disorders (leukemia and various anemias), Certain cancers, Skin diseases, Connective tissue diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, Digestive tract diseases such as ulcerative colitis, High serum levels of calcium associated with cancer, Fluid retention due to nephrotic syndrome, Various eye diseases, Lung diseases such as tuberculosis, and Worsening of multiple sclerosis. Methylprednisolone lowers your resistance to infections and can make them harder to treat. Methylprednisolone may also mask some of the signs of an infection, making it difficult for your doctor to diagnose the actual problem.

How should you take Methylprednisolone?
Follow your doctors directions for taking Methylprednisolone. It can be taken every day or every other day, depending on the condition being treated. Do not abruptly stop taking Methylprednisolone without checking with your doctor. If you have been using Methylprednisolone for a long time, the dose should be reduced gradually. Methylprednisolone may cause upset stomach. Take Methylprednisolone with meals or snacks. If you miss a dose and you take your dose once a day, take it as soon as you remember. Then go back to your regular schedule. If you don't remember until the next day, skip the one you missed. Do not take two doses at once. If you take it several times a day, take it as soon as you remember. Then go back to your regular schedule. If you don't remember until your next dose, double the dose you take. If you take your dose every other day, and you remember it the same morning, take it as soon as you remember and go back to your regular schedule. If you don't remember until the afternoon, do not take it until the following morning, then skip a day and go back to your regular schedule. Store Methylprednisolone at room temperature.

Are there any Methylprednisolone side effects?
Methylprednisolone side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Methylprednisolone side effects may include abdominal swelling, allergic reactions, bone fractures, bruising, congestive heart failure, cataracts, convulsions, Cushingoid symptoms, face redness, fluid and salt retention, headache, high blood pressure, increased eye pressure, increased sweating, increase in amounts of insulin or hypoglycemic medications needed, inflammation of the pancreas, irregular menstruation, muscle wasting and weakness, osteoporosis, poor healing of wounds, protruding eyes, stomach ulcer, suppression of growth in children, symptoms of diabetes, thin, fragile skin, tiny red or purplish spots on the skin, and vertigo.

What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Methylprednisolone?
If Methylprednisolone is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Methylprednisolone with Aspirin, Barbiturates (such as phenobarbital), Blood thinners (such as Coumadin), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral), Estrogen medications (such as Premarin), Insulin, Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (such as Indocin), Oral diabetes drugs (such as Glucotrol), Phenytoin (Dilantin), Rifampin (Rifadin), Troleandomycin (Tao), or Water pills (such as Lasix and HydroDIURIL).

Are there any special warnings about Methylprednisolone?
The 24-milligram Methylprednisolone tablet contains FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine), which has caused allergic reactions (including asthma) in some people. Although this is rare, it is more common in people who are sensitive to aspirin. Methylprednisolone can alter the way your body responds to unusual stress. If you are injured, need surgery, or develop an acute illness, inform your doctor. Your dosage may need to be increased. You should avoid immunization shots with live or live, attenuated vaccines while taking high doses of Methylprednisolone, because Methylprednisolone can suppress the immune system. Immunization with killed or inactivated vaccines is safe, but may have diminished effect. Long-term use of Methylprednisolone may cause cataracts, glaucoma, and eye infections. Large doses of Methylprednisolone may cause high blood pressure, salt and water retention, and potassium and calcium loss. It may be necessary to restrict your salt intake and take a potassium supplement. Methylprednisolone may reactivate dormant cases of tuberculosis. If you have inactive tuberculosis and must take Methylprednisolone for an extended period of time, your doctor will prescribe anti-TB medication as well. Methylprednisolone should be used cautiously if you have an underactive thyroid, liver cirrhosis, or herpes simplex (virus) infection of the eye. This medication may aggravate existing emotional problems or cause new ones. You may experience euphoria and difficulty sleeping, mood swings, or mental problems. If you have any changes in mood, contact your doctor. People taking corticosteroids, such as Methylprednisolone, have developed Kaposi's sarcoma, a form of cancer. Methylprednisolone should also be taken with caution if you have any of the following conditions: Diverticulitis or other inflammatory conditions of the intestine, High blood pressure, Certain kidney diseases, Active or dormant peptic ulcer, Myasthenia gravis, Osteoporosis, Threadworm, or Ulcerative colitis with impending danger of infection. Long-term use of Methylprednisolone can slow the growth and development of infants and children. Use aspirin cautiously with Methylprednisolone if you have a blood-clotting disorder. Avoid exposure to chickenpox and measles.
 

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