Drug Name

Medrol (Methylprednisolone)

Drug Uses

Medrol is a corticosteroid that is used to treat severe allergies, arthritis, asthma, certain blood disorders, and skin conditions.

How it is taken

Medrol can be taken by mouth with food to avoid an upset stomach.

The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Medrol is a corticosteroid that is used to modify the immune system according to the prevalence of various conditions and it also reduces inflammation.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Medrol then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Warnings/Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, you have a history of heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure), heart attack, high blood pressure, kidney problems, liver problems, diabetes, seizures, an underactive thyroid, adrenal gland problems, or any mental or mood problems, you have or have recently had a fungal, bacterial, viral, or other type of infection, herpes infection of the eye, chickenpox, measles, or shingles, you have HIV or tuberculosis (TB), or if you have ever had a positive TB skin test, you have any stomach problems (eg, ulcers), intestinal problems (eg, blockage, perforation, infection, unexplained diarrhea, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis), recent intestinal surgery, or inflammation of the esophagus, you have weak bones (eg, osteoporosis) or muscle problems (eg, myasthenia gravis), you have had any recent vaccinations (eg, smallpox).

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or you are presently taking mifepristone, you have a systemic fungal infection or you are scheduled to have a smallpox vaccine.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Medrol and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Medrol is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with Medrol and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking especially, anyone of the following.

Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), lithium, or rifampin because they reduce the efficiency of the drug.

Aprepitant, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, diltiazem, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or troleandomycin because it increases the chance of side effects like adrenal gland or nervous system problems.

Aspirin, live vaccines, mifepristone, or ritodrine, because their actions and the risk of their side effects may be increased by Medrol.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are acne, clumsiness, dizziness, facial flushing, feeling of whirling motion, general body discomfort, headache, increased appetite, increased sweating, nausea, nervousness, sleeplessness, upset stomach. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), black, tarry stools, changes in body fat, changes in menstrual periods, changes in skin color, chest pain, mental or mood changes (eg, depression), muscle pain, weakness, or wasting, seizures, severe nausea or vomiting, sudden severe dizziness or headache, swelling of feet or legs, symptoms of infection (eg, fever, chills, sore throat), tendon or bone pain, thinning of the skin, unusual bruising or bleeding, unusual skin sensation, unusual weight gain, vision changes or other eye problems, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.