Medrol

Generic Name: Methylprednisolone

US Brand Name: Melpred

Other Brand/Trade Names: Methylprednisolone is marketed under many trade names around the world, including: Depo-Medrol, Esametone, Hexilon, Medrate, Medrol, Methylprednisolon.

Uses

Methylprednisolone 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.

Active Ingredients: Methylprednisolone

Inactive Ingredients: Calcium Stearate, Corn Starch, Lactose Mineral, Oil Sorbic, Acid Sucrose.

Dosage and Forms

Methylprednisolone is available in two forms, such as tablets and injection powder for reconstitution. In our store we sell Methylprednisolone tablets only.

The initial dosage of Methylprednisolone tablets may vary from 4 to 48 mg per day depending on the specific disease entity being treated. In situations of less severity lower doses will generally suffice while in selected patients higher initial doses may be required.

An overdose of Methylprednisolone is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms. Long-term use of high steroid doses can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat, increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

Contraindications and Precautions

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to Methylprednisolone, or if you have a fungal infection anywhere in your body.

Before taking Methylprednisolone tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and about all other medicines you are using. There are many other diseases that can be affected by steroid use, and many other medicines that can interact with steroids.

Your steroid medication needs may change if you have any unusual stress such as a serious illness, fever or infection, or if you have surgery or a medical emergency. Tell your doctor about any such situation that affects you during treatment.

Side Effects

Side effects may include: abdominal swelling, allergic reactions, bone fractures, bruising, congestive heart failure, cataracts, convulsions, face redness, fluid and salt retention, headache, high blood pressure, increased eye pressure, increased sweating, increase in amounts of insulin or hypoglycemic medications needed, inflammation of the pancreas, irregular menstruation, muscle wasting and weakness, osteoporosis, poor healing of wounds, protruding eyes, stomach ulcer, suppression of growth in children, symptoms of diabetes.

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 Methylprednisolone.

Interactions

Before you take this drug, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially of: aspirin, arthritis medication, anticoagulants (blood thinners), diuretics ("water pills"), estrogen (e.g., birth control pills), phenytoin, rifampin, phenobarbital, macrolide (e.g., erythromycin), ketoconazole, drugs used for diabetes. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor approval.