methylprednisolone

(mĕth'əl-prĕd-nĭs'ə-lōn')
n.
A glucocorticoid used therapeutically primarily as an anti-inflammatory agent.

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Brand names: A-Methapred®, Cortimed™, Depmedalone™, Depo-Medrol®, Medralone®, Medrol®, Methacort™, Pri-Methylate™, Sano Drol™, Solu-Medrol®

Chemical formula:

Drug Forms:
• Methylprednisolone Oral tablet (below)
• Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate Solution for injection
• Methylprednisolone Acetate Suspension for injection

Espa�ol:
• Metilprednisolona, Tableta oral
• Metilprednisolona Succinato Sódico, Solución para inyección
• Acetato de metilprednisolona, Suspensión para inyección

Methylprednisolone Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

METHYLPREDNISOLONE (meth ill pred NISS oh lone) is a corticosteroid. It is commonly used to treat inflammation of the skin, joints, lungs, and other organs. Common conditions treated include asthma, allergies, and arthritis. It is also used for other conditions, such as blood disorders and diseases of the adrenal glands.
 
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•Cushing's syndrome
•diabetes
•glaucoma
•heart problems or disease
•high blood pressure
•infection such as herpes, measles, tuberculosis, or chickenpox
•kidney disease
•liver disease
•mental problems
•myasthenia gravis
•osteoporosis
•seizures
•stomach ulcer or intestine disease including colitis and diverticulitis
•thyroid problem
•an unusual or allergic reaction to lactose, methylprednisolone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a drink of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take it with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. If you are taking this medicine once a day, take it in the morning. Do not take more medicine than you are told to take. Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose may be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
•mifepristone
•radiopaque contrast agents

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
•tacrolimus
•vaccines
•warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you are taking this medicine for a long time, carry an identification card with your name and address, the type and dose of your medicine, and your doctor's name and address.

The medicine may increase your risk of getting an infection. Stay away from people who are sick. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are around anyone with measles or chickenpox.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you have taken this medicine within the last twelve months.

Ask your doctor or health care professional about your diet. You may need to lower the amount of salt you eat.

The medicine can increase your blood sugar. If you are a diabetic check with your doctor if you need help adjusting the dose of your diabetic medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
•eye pain, decreased or blurred vision, or bulging eyes
•fever, sore throat, sneezing, cough, or other signs of infection, wounds that will not heal
•increased thirst
•mental depression, mood swings, mistaken feelings of self importance or of being mistreated
•pain in hips, back, ribs, arms, shoulders, or legs
•swelling of the ankles, feet, hands
•trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•confusion, excitement, restlessness
•headache
•nausea, vomiting
•skin problems, acne, thin and shiny skin
•weight gain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 5/21/2004 10:31:00 AM

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

A corticosteroid used for treatment of inflammatory disorders (including rheumatic and bowel disease), and cerebral oedema (swelling of the brain). It is available, on prescription only, as tablets or a solution for injection.

Side effects, precautions, and interactions with other drugs:
see corticosteroids.

Proprietary preparations:
Depo-Medrone (depot injection into a muscle or a joint); Medrone (tablets); Solu-Medrone (injection); Depo-Medrone with Lidocaine (combined with lidocaine hydrochloride).

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A glucocorticoid with anti-inflammatory action similar to that of prednisolone. The acetate is often prepared in long-acting forms while the water-soluble, rapid-acting succinate is suitable for intravenous administration and is used in the treatment of shock.

• m.-21-dimethylaminoacetate — a long-acting glucocorticoid, used in the treatment of dermatoses and allergic conditions.

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