Medrol Medication - Uses & Side Effects

METHYLPREDNISOLONE (Medrol®, Meprolone®) is a corticosteroid. It helps to reduce swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions and can be used to treat severe allergies, skin problems, asthma, arthritis and other conditions. Methylprednisolone is used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Generic methylprednisolone tablets are available.
Medrol, a corticosteroid drug, is used to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in a variety of disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, acute gouty arthritis, and severe cases of asthma. Medrol may be given to people to treat primary or secondary adrenal cortex insufficiency (inability of the adrenal gland to produce sufficient hormone).

Medrol Dosage

• The starting dose of Medrol tablets may vary from 4 milligrams to 48 milligrams per day, depending on the specific problem being treated.
• For a worsening of multiple sclerosis, the dosage is 160 milligrams a day for one week, then 64 milligrams every other day for a month.

Uses of Medrol

• Methylprednisolone is used to treat many different conditions. It is used to treat endocrine (hormonal) disorders when the body does not produce enough of its own steroids.
• It is also used to treat many immune and allergic disorders, such as arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, asthma, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease.
• Methylprednisolone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
• It is used in a variety of disorders such as skin diseases (psoriasis, hives), allergic conditions, asthma, respiratory conditions, cancer, blood disorders (anemia), digestive problems, eye disorders, and rheumatic disorders (arthritis, bursitis).
  

Side Effects of Medrol

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor immediately. Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe for you to continue taking Medrol. Side effects may include:

• Abdominal swelling
• allergic reactions
• bone fractures
• bruising
• congestive heart failure
• cataracts
• convulsions
• Cushingoid symptoms (moon face, weight gain
• high blood pressure
• emotional disturbances
• growth of facial hair in women)
• face redness
• fluid and salt retention
• headache
• high blood pressure
• increase in amounts of insulin or hypoglycemic medications needed
• muscle wasting and weakness

Warnings and precautions before taking Medrol:

• Large doses of Medrol may cause high blood pressure, salt and water retention, and potassium and calcium loss. It may be necessary to restrict your salt intake and take a potassium supplement.
• Long-term use of Medrol may cause cataracts, glaucoma (increased eye pressure), and eye infections.
• Medrol can alter the way your body responds to unusual stress. If you are injured, need surgery, or develop an acute illness, inform your doctor. Your dosage may need to be increased.
• Report any injuries or signs of infection (fever, sore throat, pain during urination, and muscle aches) that occur during treatment and within 12 months after treatment with this drug. Your dose may need to be adjusted or you may need to start taking the drug again.
• If you have diabetes, this drug may increase your blood sugar level. Test your urine for sugar (glucose) frequently and contact your doctor if sugar is present; your dose of diabetes medication and your diet may need to be changed.

Drug Interaction :- If Medrol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either drug could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Medrol with the following:

• Aspirin
  
• Barbiturates such as phenobarbital
  
• Blood thinners such as Coumadin
  
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
  
• Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
• Estrogen medications such as Premarin
  
• Insulin
  
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
  
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Indocin
  
• Oral diabetes drugs such as Glucotrol
  
• Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Overdose

• Seek emergency medical attention. A single large dose of this medication is unlikely to cause symptoms or death. An overdose is more likely to be caused by a chronic overdose--large doses taken over a period of time.
• Symptoms of an overdose include obesity (especially around the stomach); a round face; increased hair growth (especially around the face); acne; bruising; increased blood pressure; swollen hands, feet, or ankles (fluid retention); and sore or weak muscles.