Medrol (Methylprednisolone): Uses, Side Effects, Precautions and Drug Interaction

Methylprednisolone is used to treat a wide range of conditions, such as blood disorders, severe allergic reactions, cancers, immune system abnormalities, eye problems, renal disease, intestinal and lung diseases, and skin and kidney diseases.

It decreases inflammation, discomfort, and allergic reactions by reducing the way your immune system responds to specific infections.

How to Use a Tablet of Medrol?

Take this medication orally as directed by your doctor, usually after a meal. Observe your dose instructions carefully. The treatment course's dosage and duration will be decided based on your medical condition and reaction to treatment. This medication has multiple dosing schedules. 

If your dose varies or you take this medication every other day, setting a reminder on your calendar might be useful. Avoid taking more of this medication than is advised or exceeding the specified dosage. Your health won't improve any quicker, and the likelihood of negative side effects will increase.

Never stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor. Abruptly stopping this medicine could worsen some illnesses. If you stop using this medication suddenly, you could experience withdrawal symptoms, which include weakness, weight loss, nausea, headaches, painful muscles, exhaustion, and disorientation. 

Withdrawal is more common if you have taken high dosages of methylprednisolone over a lengthy period of time. Notify your doctor or pharmacy as soon as possible if you feel withdrawal. See the precautions section as well.

Also Read: Bronchial Asthma Treatment - NEET PG Pharmacology

Side Effects Of Medrol

Acne, heartburn, headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, and increased perspiration are all possible side effects. If any of these side effects continue or become worse, contact your pharmacist or physician immediately.

Remember that this medication was prescribed by your doctor because they think you will benefit from it more than you will experience unpleasant side effects. Numerous users of this medication report no notable side effects.

This medication may cause your blood sugar to increase, which could worsen or cause diabetes. Notify your doctor right away if you experience any signs of raised blood sugar, such as excessive thirst or urination. If you presently have diabetes, make sure you check your blood sugar often as directed by your doctor.

Your physician may need to make changes to your diabetic medication, exercise routine, or nutrition.

Your ability to fight infections may be hampered by this medication. This could make an illness you already have worse or raise your risk of getting a serious (though rarely fatal) infection. Do not hesitate to call your doctor right away if you suffer any infection-related symptoms, including a persistent sore throat, fever, chills, coughing, or white spots in your mouth.

Your doctor should be notified immediately of any unusual weight gain, changes in menstruation, bone/joint pain, easy bruising/bleeding, muscle weakness/pain, puffy face, slow wound healing, swelling of the ankles, feet, and hands. Seek immediate medical treatment if you have any extremely serious side effects, such as seizures.

An extremely hazardous adverse reaction could very rarely result from this medicine. However, you should see a doctor straight away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, trouble breathing, severe vertigo, itching, or swelling, particularly in the neck, tongue, or face.

This is not a complete list of all possible negative consequences. If you have any negative effects that are not listed here, consult your doctor or chemist.

Also Read: Anti-Cancer Drugs - NEET PG Pharmacology

Precautions Of Medrol

If you have any allergies, including those to prednisone, let your doctor or chemist know before using methylprednisolone. This product contains inactive substances that may cause allergic reactions or other problems. See your chemist for more details.

Before taking this medication, disclose to your doctor or chemist everything you know about your health, paying close attention to any bleeding problems, blood clots, brittle bones (osteoporosis), diabetes, eye conditions (cataracts, glaucoma, herpes infection of the eye), heart issues (recent heart attack, heart failure), high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, mental/emotional conditions (such as psychosis, depression, Vertigo) may be brought on by this drug. 

Vertigo can be exacerbated by alcohol and marijuana (cannabis). Steer clear of driving, operating machinery, and other tasks requiring alertness until you can do them safely. If you use cannabis, also known as marijuana, consult your doctor.

This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Regular alcohol consumption may raise your risk of stomach bleeding when using this medicine. Avoid consuming too much alcohol. Consult your chemist or doctor for more details.

Methylprednisolone may make infections worse or make them more susceptible to occur. Steer clear of anyone who are infected with any contagious diseases (such the chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, or flu). Consult your physician for more details or if you believe you may have contracted an infection.

Inform your healthcare practitioner that you are taking methylprednisolone before getting any immunisations, vaccinations, or skin testing. Avoid interacting with somebody who has just received a live immunisation (such a nasal flu injection).

Before any kind of surgery, let your dentist or doctor know about everything you use, including over-the-counter, prescription, and herbal drugs.

Notify your physician or dentist if you are taking this medication or have taken it within the last 12 months before any major surgeries, emergency treatment, or accidents. 

If you start losing weight or feel unexpectedly or severely fatigued, let your doctor know right immediately. If you want to use this medication for a lengthy length of time, carry a medical ID bracelet or caution card that makes it apparent that you are taking this medication. Also take a look at the section about medical alerts.

Older people may be more susceptible to this medication's side effects, especially those pertaining to bone loss/pain, stomach/intestinal bleeding, and mental/mood issues (including disorientation).

Long-term use of this medication may cause a child's growth to be slowed down. Consult the pharmacist or doctor for more details. Make frequent trips to the doctor to have your child's height and growth measured.

During pregnancy, this medication should only be taken when absolutely necessary. In rare cases, it could harm a child's development. Consult your physician about the benefits and drawbacks. Babies born to long-term users of this medication may have hormonal problems. Get in touch with your doctor as soon as possible if your baby shows symptoms such as severe diarrhoea, persistent nausea or vomiting, or weakness.

Even if this medication ends up in breast milk, it is unlikely to damage a nursing baby. Consult your physician before to nursing.

Also Read: Drugs Used in Acute and Chronic Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Drug Interaction Of Medrol

Medication interactions may cause serious adverse effects or change how your drugs work. This guide does not cover all possible interactions between medications. Make a list of everything you take, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicines, and provide it to your doctor and chemist. See your doctor before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of any medicine.

The effectiveness of methylprednisolone may be affected by other medications that affect how easily your body excretes the drug. Examples include, among other things, ritonavir, steroids, St. John's wort, cyclosporine, oestrogens, azole antifungals (like ketoconazole), HIV protease inhibitors (like darunavir), macrolide antibiotics (like erythromycin), and some drugs used to treat seizures (like phenytoin and phenobarbital).

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests, such as skin testing, which could lead to inaccurate test findings. Make sure the people working in the lab and your doctors know that you take this drug.

Also Read:

Important topics in Pharmacology for NEET-PG

Autacoids- An Overview

Download the PrepLadder app now and unlock a 24-hour FREE trial of premium high-yield content. Access Video Lectures, digital notes, QBank, and Mock Tests for FREE to ace your NEET PG preparation. Elevate your study experience and gear up for success. Start your journey with PrepLadder today!