Methylprednisolone (methylprednisolone): function, dosage, side effects, how to use

Uses of Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone)

What drug is Methylprednisolone (methylprednisolone)?

Methylprednisolone, or methylprednisolone, is a corticosteroid type drug that has a function to reduce symptoms of inflammation (which include swelling, pain) or relieve allergic reactions.

Methylprednisolone also has uses to treat other health problems, such as:

• arthritis
• blood disorders
• a severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic)
• certain types of cancer
• eye disease
• skin / kidney / intestinal / lung disease
• immune system disorders

The way methylprednisolone works is by lowering the immune system against several diseases. This drug can also be used in combination with other drugs to treat hormonal disorders.

How should you take methylprednisolone (methylprednisolone)?

Methylprednisolone is an oral medication. You can drink it at the same time as eating or drinking milk. Follow the dosage and doctor's instructions when taking it.

There are differences in dosage and drinking schedule for this drug. You may be required to take methylprednisolone in different sizes and doses.

Always pay attention to the dose prescribed for you and the size of the tablet to make sure you are getting the right dose.

Do not increase your dose without your doctor's knowledge. Increasing the dose does not guarantee the speed of the healing process. This can actually increase the risk of side effects.

If you are required to take this medication in a different dose every day, or if you are asked to take this medication only every few days, mark your calendar as a reminder. Consult your doctor or pharmacist with any questions.

Don't stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval. Some conditions can get worse, or you may experience withdrawal symptoms when treatment with methylprednisolone is suddenly stopped.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.

How to store this drug?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Do not store in the bathroom or on freezer.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your medicine.

Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of methylprednisolone (methylprednisolone) for adults?

The following is the recommended methylprednisolone dosage for adults:

Anti-inflammatory or immunosuppression (suppresses the body's resistance)

• oral (drink): initial dose 2-60 mg daily, divided into 1-4 different doses.
• injection (injection) intraarticular (methylprednisolone acetate): 4-10 mg (small joints); 10-40 mg (moderate joints); 20-80 mg (large joints). The dose is repeated every 1-5 weeks, depending on the patient's condition.
• intralesional injection (methylprednisolone acetate): 20-60 mg every 1-5 weeks, depending on the patient's condition.
• intramuscular injection (methylprednisolone acetate): 10-80 mg every 1-2 weeks.
• intravenous injection (methylprednisolone Na succinate): 10-500 mg daily.

Dermatitis

• intralesional injection: 20-60 mg daily, divided into 1-4 doses / injection.
• topical (topical): 1 time a day, no more than 12 weeks.

Severe acute asthma

• intravenous injection: 40 mg, repeated depending on the patient's condition.

Post-operative organ transplant abnormalities

• intravenous injection: 0.5-1 gram a day.

Allergy

For allergies, methylprednisolone is taken according to the following rules:

• day 1: 24 mg (8 mg before breakfast, 4 mg after lunch, 4 mg after dinner, and 8 mg before bed)
• day 2: 20 mg (4 mg before breakfast, 4 mg after lunch, 4 mg after dinner, and 8 mg before bed)
• day 3: 16 mg (4 mg each before breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and before bed)
• day 4: 12 mg (4 mg before breakfast, after lunch, and before bed)
• day 5: 8 mg (4 mg before breakfast and before bed)
• day 6: 4 mg before breakfast

What is the dosage of methylprednisolone (methylprednisolone) for children?

The following is the recommended methylprednisolone dosage for children:

Anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive

• oral (drink): 0.5-1.7 mg / kg, in divided doses every 6-12 hours.
• intramuscular and intravenous injection: 0.5-1.7 mg / kg, in divided doses every 6-12 hours.

Dermatitis

For dermatitis in children, use topical methylprednisolone once daily. Don't use it for more than 4 weeks.

Severe acute asthma

• intravenous injection: 1-4 mg / kg daily, repeated for 1-3 days.

Post-operative organ transplant abnormalities

• intravenous injection: 10-20 mg / kg daily, repeated no more than 3 days.

In what dosage is this drug available?

Suspension, Intramuscular: 40 mg / ml, 80 mg / ml.

Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) Side Effects

What side effects might occur due to methylprednisolone (methylprednisolone)?

Seek medical help immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction:

• itchy rash
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Stop treatment immediately contact your doctor if you experience serious side effects of methylprednisolone, such as:

• Problems with eyesight
• Swelling, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath
• Severe depression, different and unusual thoughts and behaviors, convulsions
• Bloody or black stool, coughing up blood
• Pancreatitis (unbearable pain in the upper abdomen and spreading to the back, nausea and vomiting, fast heartbeat)
• Low potassium (confusion, irregular heartbeat, severe thirst, frequent urination, uncomfortable legs, muscle weakness and a feeling of paralysis)
• Very high blood pressure (severe headache, blurry vision, ringing in the ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, convulsions)

The milder side effects of methylprednisolone usually include:

• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• Mood swings
• Acne, dry skin, thinning skin, bruising, and discoloration
• Wounds that don't heal
• Sweat production increases
• Headache, dizziness, the room feels spinning
• Nausea, stomach pain, bloating
• Changes in the shape and location of body fat (especially in the arms, legs, neck, face, breasts and waist)

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above.

If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using this drug?

Some things you need to pay attention to before taking methylprednisolone, include:

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to methylprednisolone.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what medicines you are currently taking, both prescription and nonprescription.
• If you have a yeast infection, do not use methylprednisolone before discussing it with your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or are breastfeeding. If you are taking methylprednisolone and become pregnant, call your doctor.
• If you are going to have surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor and dentist that you are being treated with methylprednisolone.
• If you have a history of stomach ulcers or have ever taken large doses of aspirin or other arthritis medications, limit your alcohol consumption while being treated for this drug. Methylprednisolone makes the stomach and intestines more susceptible to the irritating effects of alcohol, aspirin, and some arthritis medications. This effect increases the risk of stomach ulcers.

Is methylprednisolone safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using methylprednisolone for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

Methylprednisolone is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

It is not known whether methylprednisolone can be absorbed into breast milk or whether it harms the baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone)

What medicines might interact with this drug?

Interactions with other drugs can affect how the drug works and increase the risk of dangerous side effects.

Record all medicinal products you use (including prescription, non-prescription and herbal medicines) and share them with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's permission.

The following are drugs that have the potential to trigger interactions when taken with methylprednisolone:

• Aspirin (if taken daily or in large doses)
• Cyclosporine
• Insulin or oral diabetes medication
• Antifungal drugs (itraconazole, ketoconazole)
• HIV / AIDS drugs (efavirenz, nevirapine, ritonavir)
• Medicines for seizures (phenobarbital, phenytoin)
• Tuberculosis drugs (rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine)

Can food or alcohol interact with this drug?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur.

Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Cataract
• Congestive heart failure
• Cushing's syndrome (adrenal gland problem)
• Diabetes
• Eye infection
• Glaucoma
• Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Infection (for example due to bacteria, viruses, or fungi)
• Mood swings, including depression
• Myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness)
• Osteoporosis (weak bones)
• Gastric ulcers, either still active or only in the past
• Personality changes
• Stomach or intestinal problems
• Latent or inactive tuberculosis
• Yeast infection

Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of the drug methylprednisolone, take it as soon as you remember. If you remember to approach the next dose, just ignore the missed dose. Continue to take the medication on your schedule and do not double the dose.