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What is Methylprednisolone
 Methylprednisolone
is in a class of drugs called steroids. Methylprednisolone
reduces swelling and decreases the body's immune response.
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.
General medical information about Methylprednisolone
Do not stop taking Methylprednisolone suddenly if
you have been taking it for a few weeks. You may need a
gradual reduction in dosage before you stop taking this
medication.
Take Methylprednisolone with food or
milk to lessen stomach upset.
Carry some type of
medical identification that will let others know you are
taking Methylprednisolone in the case of an emergency.
Who should not take Methylprednisolone
Do not take Methylprednisolone if you have a serious
bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. Methylprednisolone
weakens the body's immune response and thus its ability
to fight infection.
Before taking this medication,
tell your doctor if you have:
- kidney disease,
-
liver disease,
- high blood pressure or heart disease,
- ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, or stomach
ulcers,
- hypothyroidism,
- a psychiatric
condition,
- osteoporosis,
- myasthenia gravis,
- diabetes mellitus, or
- any other medical
conditions.
You may not be able to take Methylprednisolone,
or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring
during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed
above.
Methylprednisolone is in the FDA pregnancy
category C. This means that it is not known whether Methylprednisolone
will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without
first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
Methylprednisolone passes into breast milk. Do not take
Methylprednisolone without first talking to your doctor
if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should take Methylprednisolone Take Methylprednisolone exactly as directed by your
doctor. Do not take more or less than is prescribed for
you. If you do not understand these directions, ask your
pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Take Methylprednisolone
with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
If you
are taking one dose daily, take that dose before 9 a.m.
if possible, to follow the body's natural cycle. If you
take more than one dose daily, space the doses evenly throughout
the day as directed by your doctor.
Do not stop taking
Methylprednisolone suddenly if you have been taking it for
a few weeks. You may need a gradual reduction in dosage
before you stop taking this medication.
Carry some
type of medical identification that will let others know
you are taking Methylprednisolone in the case of an accident.
Store Methylprednisolone at room temperature away
from moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: If you take one dose daily, take the missed dose
as soon as you remember. However, if you don't remember
until the next day, skip the dose you missed and take only
the regular daily dose.
If you take more than one
dose daily, you can either take the missed dose as soon
as you remember, or you can take two doses (the one you
missed plus your regularly scheduled dose) when it is time
for the next dose.
If you take one dose every other
day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then
go back to your regular every-other-day schedule.
What happens if you 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.
Avoid while taking Methylprednisolone Use alcohol cautiously. Together, alcohol and Methylprednisolone
can be damaging to the stomach.
Avoid sources of
infection. Wash the hands frequently and keep them away
from the mouth and eyes. The immune system may be weakened
while taking Methylprednisolone.
Do not receive any
immunizations during treatment with dexamethasone without
first talking to your doctor.
Possible side effects of Methylprednisolone If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Methylprednisolone and seek emergency
medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
-
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your
throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- increased blood pressure (severe headache or blurred
vision); or
- sudden weight gain (more than 5 pounds
in a day or two).
Other, less serious side effects
may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Methylprednisolone
and talk to your doctor if you experience
- insomnia;
- nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset;
- fatigue
or dizziness;
- muscle weakness or joint pain;
-
problems with diabetes control; or
- increased hunger
or thirst.
Other side effects that occur only rarely,
usually with high doses of Methylprednisolone, include
-
acne,
- increased hair growth,
- thinning
of the skin,
- cataracts,
- glaucoma,
-
osteoporosis,
- roundness of the face, and
-
changes in behavior.
Side effects other than those
listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any
side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Methylprednisolone
Do
not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications,
including herbal products, during treatment with Methylprednisolone
without first talking to your doctor. Many other medicines
can interact with Methylprednisolone resulting in side effects
or altered effectiveness of the medications. |
