Methylprednisolone

What it’s used for

Methylprednisolone tablets are indicated in the following conditions: 1. Endocrine Disorders Primary or secondary adrenocortical insufficiency (hydrocortisone or cortisone is the first choice; synthetic analogs may be used in conjunction with mineralocorticoids where applicable; in infancy mineralocorticoid supplementation is of particular importance).

How to take it

The initial dosage of methylprednisolone tablets may vary from 4 mg to 48 mg of methylprednisolone 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.

Important warnings

In patients on corticosteroid therapy subjected to unusual stress, increased dosage of rapidly acting corticosteroids before, during, and after the stressful situation is indicated. Corticosteroids may mask some signs of infection, and new infections may appear during their use.

Common side effects

Fluid and Electrolyte Disturbances Sodium retention Congestive heart failure in susceptible patients Hypertension Fluid retention Potassium loss Hypokalemic alkalosis Musculoskeletal Muscle weakness Loss of muscle mass Steroid myopathy Osteoporosis Tendon rupture, particularly of the Achilles tendon Vertebral compression fractures Aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads Pathologic fracture of long bones Gastrointestinal Peptic ulcer with possible perforation and hemorrhage Pancreatitis Abdominal distention Ulcerative esophagitis Increases in alanine transaminase (ALT, SGPT), aspartate transaminase (AST, SGOT), and alkaline phosphatase have been observed following corticosteroid treatment. These changes are usually small, not associated with any clinical syndrome and are reversible upon discontinuation.

Interactions

The pharmacokinetic interactions listed below are potentially clinically important.

Forms & strengths

0.01 MG Topical Gel · 2000 MG Injection · 20 MG/ML Injectable Suspension · 40 MG/ML Injectable Suspension · 80 MG/ML Injectable Suspension · 125 MG Injection · 500 MG Injection · 1000 MG Injection · 2 MG Oral Tablet · 32 MG Oral Tablet · 8 MG Oral Tablet · 100 MG Oral Tablet · 4 MG Oral Tablet · 40 MG Injection · 62.5 MG/ML Injectable Solution · 16 MG Oral Tablet

Questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist

• Is this the right medicine for my condition, and how long should I take it?
• What side effects should I watch for, and which need urgent attention?
• Does this interact with my other medicines, supplements, or alcohol?
• What should I do if I miss a dose or take too much?