Methylprednisolone

Methylprednisolone is a drug to relieve inflammation in various conditions, including arthritis, intestinal inflammation, asthma, psoriasis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. This drug can also be used in the treatment of severe allergic reactions.

Methylprednisolone or methylprednisolone works by preventing the body from releasing chemical compounds that trigger inflammation. That way, symptoms of inflammation, such as pain and swelling, will gradually subside.

Methylprednisolone can also be used to prevent rejection reactions from the body after organ transplantation. This drug has an immunosuppressive effect that works by suppressing the body's immune system response. That way, the body's rejection reaction to the newly transplanted organ can be prevented.

Brand names of methylprednisolone: ​​Carmeson, Comedrol, Cormetison, Cortesa, Depo Medrol, Hexilon, Intidrol, Lameson, Lexcomet, Medixon, Methylprednisolone, Methylon, Metrison, Meticon, Novestrol, Phadilon, Prednox, Thimelon, Urbason, Vadrol, Yalon

What is Methylprednisolone

Warnings Before Using Methylprednisolone

Methylprednisolone can only be used according to a doctor's prescription. There are several things that need to be considered before using this medicine, among others:

• Do not use methylprednisolone if you are allergic to this drug or the drug prednisone. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
• Tell your doctor if you are experiencing a fungal infection . Methylprednisolone should not be used in this condition.
• Tell your doctor if you suffer from diabetes , hypertension, kidney disease, liver disease, herpes , heart disease, osteoporosis , cataracts, glaucoma , thyroid disease, or TB .
• Tell your doctor if you are suffering from intestinal inflammation , gastric ulcer, multiple sclerosis , blood clotting disorders, myasthenia gravis , depression, psychosis , or seizures.
• Tell your doctor if you plan to have vaccinations during treatment with methylprednisolone.
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages after using methylprednisolone because it can increase the risk of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
• Immediately report to the doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction , serious side effects, or overdose after using methylprednisolone.

Dosage and Administration of Methylprednisolone

Methylprednisolone is available in tablet form of 4 mg, 8 mg, and 16 mg. In addition, this drug is also available in injectable form. Methylprednisolone injection consists of methylprednisolone sodium succinate and methylprednisolone acetate.

The dose of methylprednisolone will be determined by the doctor according to the condition, the form of the drug, and the patient's age. In general, the following is the dose of methylprednisolone grouped based on the form of the drug and the purpose of its use:

Tablet form

Purpose: Overcome inflammation in certain conditions, such as lupus or multiple sclerosis

• Adults: 2–60 mg per day, divided into 1–4 administrations, depending on the type of disease being treated.
• Children: Methylprednisolone sodium succinate 0.5–1.7 mg/kgBW per day. Medicines are given every 6-12 hours.

Purpose: Alleviate allergic reactions

• Adults: 4–24 mg per day divided into 1–4 divided doses.

Form of injection through a vein (IV/intravenous)

Purpose: Relieve inflammation

• Adults: Methylprednisolone sodium succinate 10–500 mg per day. Doses of <250 mg are given by injection for at least 5 minutes. Meanwhile, doses >250 mg are given by slow injection for at least 30 minutes.
• Children: 0.5–1.7 mg/kgBW per day.

Purpose: Relieve severe asthma or asthmatic status

• Adults: Methylprednisolone sodium succinate 40 mg. The dose can be repeated depending on the response of the patient's body.
• Children: Methylprednisolone sodium succinate 1–4 mg/kgBB per day, for 1–3 days.

Purpose: Preventing the body's rejection reaction after organ transplantation

• Adults: Methylprednisolone sodium succinate 500–1000 mg per day. The dose can be repeated until the patient's condition is stable, usually no more than 3 days.
• Children: Methylprednisolone sodium succinate 10–20 mg/kgBB per day, for 1–3 days. The maximum dose is 1000 mg per day.

Form of injection through the muscle (IM/intramuscular)

Purpose: Relieve inflammation

• Adults: Methylprednisolone sodium succinate 10–80 mg per day, or methylprednisolone acetate 10–80 mg, every 1–2 weeks.
• Children: Methylprednisolone sodium succinate 0,5–1,7/kgBB per day.

Form of injection directly into the joint (intra-articular)

Purpose: Relieve inflammation

• Adults: Methylprednisolone acetate 4–80 mg. The dose can be repeated every 1-5 weeks depending on the patient's response to treatment.

Form of direct injection on the lesion or painful location (intralesional)

Purpose: Overcome inflammation

• Adults: Methylprednisolone acetate 20–60 mg, every 1–5 weeks depending on the patient's response to treatment.

Purpose: Overcome dermatosis (inflammation of the skin) that responds to corticosteroids

• Adults: Methylprednisolone acetate 20–60 mg, 1–4 times. Interdose administration intervals depend on the type of lesion and the duration of recovery from the first injection.

How to Use Methylprednisolone Correctly

Follow the doctor 's recommendations and read the instructions for use on the package before using methylprednisolone.

Injectable methylprednisolone will be given directly by a doctor or medical staff under the supervision of a doctor. This medicine can be given by injection into blood vessels, joints, muscles, or directly into the affected skin area.

For methylprednisolone tablets, it is best to consume it with food or milk to prevent heartburn . Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water or milk.

If you forget to take a methylprednisolone tablet, it is recommended to take it immediately so you remember and pause with the next consumption schedule not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.

Do not stop treatment without first consulting a doctor. The doctor will lower the dose gradually to prevent symptoms from worsening.

Store methylprednisolone tablets in a closed container in a cool room. Do not store it in a damp place or exposed to direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.

Interactions of Methylprednisolone with Other Drugs

The use of methylprednisolone with other drugs can cause some drug interaction effects, such as:

• Increased risk of seizures if used with  ciclosporin
• Increased risk of hypokalemia  if used with amphotericin B  or  diuretics
• Increased risk of arrhythmia  if used with digoxin
• Increased risk of digestive disorders if used with aspirin or nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs
• Increased risk of methylprednisolone side effects if used with ketoconazole , erythromycin , and estrogen , including birth control pills
• Increased risk of side effects from warfarin drugs
• Decreased effectiveness of methylprednisolone if used with cholestyramine , rifampicin , and barbiturates
• Decreased effectiveness of isoniazid  and antidiabetic drugs
• Decreased effectiveness of live vaccines, such as influenza vaccine or BCG vaccine

Side Effects and Dangers of Methylprednisolone

The side effects that appear as a result of the use of methylprednisolone depends on the type of drug. A number of common side effects are:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Turn
• Headache
• Bloated stomach
• Heartburn or heartburn
• Muscle pain
• Decreased appetite
• Difficulty sleeping
• Increased blood sugar levels
• Easy to get infected
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Acne appears
• Swelling in the hands or ankles due to fluid accumulation
• Emotional and mood disorders, such as irritability.

Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not subside or actually get worse. Go to the doctor immediately in the event of a drug allergic reaction or more serious side effects, such as:

• Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision, pain in the eyes or narrowing of the field of vision ( tunnel vision )
• Dry , red, thinning, scaly, or easily bruised skin
• Low potassium levels can be marked by symptoms such as an irregular heartbeat, the body feels weak, or muscle cramps
• Heart rhythm disorders
• Severe depression or behavioral disorders
• Vomiting blood or bloody stools
• Swollen legs, sudden weight gain, or shortness of breath\
• Convulsions