Solumedrol: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Use

What is the function of SoluMedrol?

SoluMedrol, or Solu-Medrol, is a corticosteroid drug used to treat a number of conditions, such as:

• inflammation (swelling)
• severe allergies
• adrenal problems
• arthritis
• asthma
• blood or bone marrow problems
• eye or vision problems
• lupus
• skin condition
• kidney problems
• ulcerative colitis
• the appearance of symptoms of multiple sclerosis

This drug contains the active ingredient methylprednisone, which acts directly on the body's immune system to relieve swelling, redness, itching, and other allergic reactions.

How do you use SoluMedrol?

For injection form:

• A nurse or other trained health professional will provide this medicine. This medicine can be given through a needle placed in one of your veins or as an injection into a muscle.
• A nurse or other health worker will provide this medicine.
• Your doctor may give you several doses of this medicine until your condition improves and then switch to taking an oral medication that works the same way. If you have any questions about this, ask your doctor.

For drugs taken, follow the rules for taking SoluMedrol according to the instructions and prescription from your doctor.

Do not exceed your dose, reduce your dose, or stop medication without consulting your doctor.

How to store this drug?

Solu-Medrol medicine is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it.

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 SoluMedrol down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when the drug 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.

Dose

The following information cannot be used as a substitute for a doctor's prescription. You MUST consult your doctor or pharmacist before using SoluMedrol.

What is the SoluMedrol dosage for adults?

Consult your doctor for information on the dosage of SoluMedrol.

Recommended dosages in some cases are listed below:

For vitamin D deficiency:

• For capsules: One capsule contains 5000 international units (IU) once daily.
• For oral solution: One drop contains 1,000 international units (IU) once daily or 2 times per day.

What is the dosage of SoluMedrol for children?

Consult your doctor for information about the dosage of SoluMedrol.

Recommended dosages in some cases are listed below:

For vitamin D deficiency:

• For capsules: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• For oral solution: One drop contains 400 IU once daily.
• For wafers:
  - Children 6 years of age and older: One wafer contains 14,000 international units (IU) once a week for 6 weeks.
  - Children younger than 6 years of age: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

In what forms is SoluMedrol available?

Solu-Medrol is a drug that is available in powder form for solutions: 500 mg, 1000 mg.

Warning

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

What should I pay attention to before using SoluMedrol?

Before using SoluMedrol, tell your doctor if you have:

• Allergic reaction to SoluMedrol or other methylprednisolone drugs
• Allergic reactions to other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals
• Children
• Elderly
• Use for any other health conditions, drugs that have a risk of interaction with SoluMedrol are listed below

Is this drug safe for pregnant and lactating women?

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

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

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

Side effects

What are the possible side effects of SoluMedrol?

Like the use of other medicines, the use of SoluMedrol can cause several side effects. Most of the following side effects are rare and do not require additional treatment.

However, it is important that you consult your doctor if you have any problems after taking this medicine.

According to RxList, some of the side effects that can occur are listed below:

• Discoloration of the skin, dark spots
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizzy
• Bruising easily
• Weakened muscles
• Red, pink, purple, or brown flat spots or bumps on your skin
• No appetite
• Excessive sweating
• Sudden weight gain
• Seizures
• Swollen and round face
• The skin appears sunken or protrudes where the injection was given

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.

Drug Interactions

What medicines should not be taken at the same time as SoluMedrol?

SoluMedrol may interact with other drugs you are currently taking which may change how your drug works or increase your risk of serious side effects.

To avoid drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you use (including prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and tell your doctor and pharmacist.

For your safety, do not start, stop using, or change the dosage of any of these medicines without your doctor's approval, such as:

• aminoglutethimide
• carbamazepine
• cholestyramine
• cyclosporine
• digoxin
• isoniazid
• ketoconazole
• pancuronium
• phenobarbital
• phenytoin
• rifampin
• certain antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• diuretics or "water pills"
• blood thinners (such as warfarin),
• pain or arthritis medications (NSAIDs such as aspirin, celecoxib, ibuprofen),
• insulin or diabetes medications taken by mouth (such as glyburide, metformin)
• estrogen medications (including birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy)

Are there foods and drinks that should not be consumed when using SoluMedrol?

SoluMedrol may interact with food or alcohol and can change how the drug works or increase the risk of serious side effects.

Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this medication.

Are there certain health conditions you should avoid SoluMedrol on?

SoluMedrol may interact with your health condition. These interactions can worsen your health condition or change the way the drugs work.

It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all your current health conditions.

The following are drugs that may interact with SoluMedrol:

• Kidney illness
• liver disease
• heart disease
• diabetes
• stomach or intestinal problems
• adrenal gland problems (such as Cushing's syndrome)
• nerve disease or muscle disease (such as myasthenia gravis)
• thyroid problems
• chicken pox or measles exposition
• infections (such as an eye herpes infection or tuberculosis)

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 forget to take / take medicine?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.