Medrol (Methylprednisolone)

What Is Medrol

Medrol is a medication agent that has many uses such as in the prevention of various allergic conditions, asthma symptoms, rheumatic disorders, various skin, and eye infections, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

It is a corticosteroid and the generic substance in it that is Methylprednisolone works as an anti-inflammatory agent.

➥ Manufacturer

One of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world that are Pfizer is the manufacturer of the Methylprednisolone pills and also owns exclusive rights for distribution and marketing of the pills.

➥ Dosage

Medrol doses are available in many types and this is one major advantage for its list of patients. You can use the medicine in the regular pill form and is available in 4 mg, 8 mg, 16 mg

It is also available in the injectable suspension form and is found in three doses such as 4 mg/ml, 8 mg/ml, and 16 mg/ml.

It is also available as a powder form that is administered via injections. It has doses of 40 mg, 125 mg, 500 mg, 1g, and 2g.

➥ Availability

Being a well-known prescription medicine it is widely available in all online stores and pharmacy shops. Remember that this is a prescription pill and thus you have to use the pill only upon the recommendation of a doctor.

Uses

➥ Medical uses

1) How To Use Medrol Tablet

Using the Medrol tablet needs the affirmation and constant supervision of a doctor.  Remember that the doctor will determine what is the ideal dose for you in line with the type of disorder and its severity level and how much generic Methylprednisolone you can take in easily.

2) How Should I Take Medrol?

Ask the doctor what is the ideal form of taking Medrol.  The doctor may prescribe you taking the appropriate dose of a pill, or an injectable suspension, or the powder for injection too after evaluating your medical conditions and overall health.

➥ Non-Medical uses

As such no non-medical use of the Medrol has been affirmed so far.

Side Effects

• Fluid and Electrolyte Disturbances

Behavioral changes, nausea, and dry mouth can be some of the fluid disturbances of Methylprednisolone.

• Musculoskeletal

Pain in the arm, legs, and back, bone thinning, fluttering of the chest, irregular heartbeat, numbness, muscle pain, and weakness can be some of the musculoskeletal side effects.

• Gastrointestinal

Bloody or tarry stools, constipation, increased thirst, or urinating frequently are gastrointestinal problems with Methylprednisolone.

• Ophthalmic

Tunneling of vision, eye pain, blurred vision are some of the ophthalmic side effects.

• Metabolic

Upset stomach and diarrhea are the common metabolic side effects.

Drug Interactions

• Enzyme inducers

Some macrolide antibiotics can cause corticosteroid clearance.

• Oral contraceptives

Oral contraceptives contain estrogen that can decrease the metabolism of some corticosteroids.

• Anticoagulants

Anticoagulants like warfarin might contraindicate with Medrol.

• Ciclosporin, tacrolimus, sirolimus (Rapamycin)

The use of ciclosporin and a few other drugs can cause convulsions as a contraindication effect.

Indications

• Endocrine Disorders

Medrol can be used for various endocrine disorders such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia, thyroiditis, and hypercalcemia.

• Rheumatic Disorders

Rheumatic disorders in which Methylprednisolone can be used include rheumatoid arthritis, spondylitis, osteoarthritis, epicondylitis.

• Collagen Diseases

Some collagen disorders in which Medrol can play an effective curing role include systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis, and rheumatic carditis.

• Dermatologic Diseases

Various dermatological diseases in which Medrol can be effective are bullous dermatitis, erythema multiforme, seborrheic dermatitis, pemphigus, severe psoriasis.

• Allergic States

Several allergic cures include allergic rhinitis, serum sickness, contact dermatitis, bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis.

Precautions

Make sure to take this medicine only after consulting the doctor to prevent overdose. Avoid using alcohol or narcotic drugs as this can severely crop up excess hallucinations and headaches or even lead to passing out.

The drug might not be safe for intake during pregnancy. Thus it is better to wrok only as per the recommendations of the doctor.

Storage

Storage conditions suit better if the temperature is less than 30 degrees Celsius with less humidity.

FAQ

Q. Is Medrol a steroid?

Yes, Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid and it belongs from one family within the steroidal family. The use of this drug is generally limited to short time treatment only.

Q. Is Medrol a strong steroid?

You can say that if not strong then it surely is moderate to highly moderate strong. Methylprednisolone is a stronger steroid than prednisolone and many times stronger than cortisol a hormone that is found in our brain.

Q. Can I stop taking the Medrol suddenly?

Do not stop using the medicine suddenly. This can give way to various types of withdrawal symptoms such as hallucinations, headache, nausea, vomiting, etc.

Even when the disorder or the underlying problem is gone the medicine intake has to be gradually lowered over time to reduce the chances of withdrawal symptoms.

Q. Can I drink alcohol while taking Methylprednisolone?

Medrol is itself an asteroid. Taking alcohol with this can make you feel extremely drowsy, have hallucinations, sleepiness, headache, etc.

Q. Do I need to take Methylprednisolone with food?

Medrol can be taken with or without food. If you are having problems while taming Medrol on an empty stomach then have some meal before taking your daily pill. This way you will not suffer from stomach cramps or diarrhea.

Q. What is the best time of day to take Medrol?

You can have Medrol any time during the day as per the convenience of your schedule but do remember that a minimum time gap of 24 hours has to be maintained in between two successive pills.

Q. Does Medrol cause gain weight?

Yes, weight gain is among one of the possible side effects of taking Methylprednisolone for too long or not in the correct dose.

Q. What is the drug Medrol used for?

Medrol is used for a wide range of disorders such as severe allergic reactions, asthma symptoms, eye and skin disorders, rheumatic disorder, systemic lupus erythematosus.

Q. Is Medrol the same as prednisone?

No, the structural formula for Medrol is Methylprednisolone and this means that it has a methyl group attached to the prednisolone compound.