Methylprednisolone



Depo-Medrol®; Medrol®; Solu-Medrol®







Methylprednisolone

(meth il pred NIS oh lone)

U.S. Brand Names
Depo-Medrol®; Medrol®; Solu-Medrol®
Canadian Brand Names
Depo-Medrol®; Medrol®; Methylprednisolone Acetate; Solu-Medrol®
Pharmacologic Category
Corticosteroid, Systemic
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to methylprednisolone or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have a severe infection.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to relieve allergy symptoms.
  • This medicine is used to treat Addison's disease.
  • This medicine is used to treat diseases where the anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressant properties are needed.
  • This medicine is used to treat a variety of skin rashes.
  • This medicine is used to treat spinal cord injuries.
How does it work?
  • Methylprednisolone replaces an important chemical produced in the body.
  • It blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing or preventing the body's reaction to the allergen.
  • It decreases the body's harmful response to diseases affecting the immune system.
How is it best taken?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
  • Directions may change; read label closely.
  • Take this medicine in the morning if taking once a day.
  • Take this medicine with food.
  • Take calcium and vitamin D as recommended by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Wear disease medical alert identification.
  • If you have been taking this medicine for several weeks, talk with healthcare provider before stopping. You may want to gradually withdraw this medicine.
  • Do not take antacids within 2 hours of this medicine.
  • If you have diabetes, talk with healthcare provider. This medicine can increase blood sugar.
  • If you have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have a weakened heart, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers that you use this medicine.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • High blood sugar. Can cause diabetes mellitus while on medicine, usually reverses when stopped.
  • Risk of infection. Avoid people with infections, colds, or flu.
  • Belly pain.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Weight gain.
  • Change in body fat distribution.
  • Weakened bones.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Skin changes (acne, stretch marks, slow healing, hair growth).
  • For females, vaginal yeast infection. Report itching or discharge.
  • Cataracts or glaucoma with long-term use.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood sugar as directed by healthcare provider.
  • If a child is using this medicine, monitor growth carefully.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
  • Feeling extremely tired, weak, or irritable; trembling; having a fast heartbeat, confusion, sweating, or dizziness if you missed a dose or recently stopped this medicine.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: