Medrol (Methylprednisolone)

        Medrol belongs to hormones that are produced naturally in our body, and necessary for many important bodily functions. Medrol is used to treat many different conditions such as allergic disorders (bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, drug-induced dermatitis, and contact and atopic dermatitis), skin conditions (dermatitis herpetiformis, pemphigus, severe psoriasis and severe seborrheic dermatitis), ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, or breathing disorders. Medrol is used to achieve prompt suppression of inflammation (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, acute gouty arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease).

        Dosage of Medrol varies among individuals and the diseases being treated. The initial dosage of Medrol may vary from 4 mg to 48 mg per day. The initial dose should be adjusted based on response. Medrol given in multiple doses throughout the day are more effective but also more toxic than the same total daily dose given once daily, or every other day.

        Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have untreated active fungal infections. Tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history. Tell especially of bleeding problems, history of blood clots, brittle bones, high blood pressure, certain heart problems, diabetes, certain eye diseases, kidney disease, current infections, severe liver disease, certain mental/mood conditions, seizures, stomach/intestinal problems, underactive thyroid gland, untreated mineral problems. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using Medrol or have taken it within the last 12 months.

        Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that needs alertness because Medrol may make you dizzy. Do not have immunizations, vaccinations, or skin tests while you are using this drug unless specifically directed by your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received the oral polio vaccine. Medrol may mask signs of infection or put you at greater risk of developing very serious infections. If you have stopped taking this drug within the past 12 months, you may need to start taking it again if your body is under severe stress. Consult your doctor for more details. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur: unusual weakness, sudden weight loss, dizziness. Avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles infection while taking this medication.

        People with systemic fungal infections and known hypersensitivity to components should not take Medrol. Also it should not be used for person who has chickenpox, has Cushing’s syndrome, has herpes simplex keratitis, has tuberculosis, has vaccinia (reaction to smallpox vaccine).

        Side effects of Medrol depend on dose, duration and frequency of administration. Short courses of Medrol are usually well-tolerated with few, mild side effects. Long term, high doses of Medrol may produce predictable and potentially serious side effects. Whenever possible, the lowest effective doses of Medrol should be used for the shortest length of time to minimize side effects. Alternate day dosing also can help reduce side effects. Side effects include fluid retention, weight gain, high blood pressure, potassium loss, headache, muscle weakness, puffiness of the face, hair growth on the face, thinning and easy bruising of the skin, glaucoma, cataracts, peptic ulceration, worsening of diabetes, irregular menses, growth retardation in children, convulsions, and psychic disturbances. Psychic disturbances may include depression, euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, and even psychotic behaviour. Also, it can be upset, headache, dizziness, menstrual period changes, or trouble sleeping. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

        Tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use. This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur (for example, live vaccines). For the interactions, the dose of Medrol may need to be lowered. Interaction of Troleandomycin can result in higher blood levels of methylprednisolone and a higher probability of side effects. When Medrol given together with Cyclosporin, the dose of both drugs may need to be reduced to avoid increased side effects. Cyclosporin may increase or decrease the effect of blood thinners. Phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin), and rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane) may cause lower blood levels and reduced effects. Therefore, the dose of Medrol may need to be increased if treatment with phenobarbital is begun. Medrol may increase the clearance of chronic high dose aspirin. Aspirin should be used cautiously in conjunction with Medrol in patients suffering from hypoprothrombinemia. If you are currently using any of the medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting this drug.

        If you are using this medication once daily and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

        If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control centre or emergency room immediately.

        Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.