The key active ingredient in Medrol is methylprednisolone, which occurs as a white to practically white, odorless, crystalline powder. A synthetic glucocorticoid, methylprednisolone, like most every other adrenocortical steroid, is used for its anti-inflammatory properties—but the drug is not limited to only this effect. Glucocortoids can change metabolism and immune responses, and are useful when dealing with arthritis, bronchial inflammation, acute bronchitis and acute periods and long-term management of autoimmune diseases, among many others.
In in vitro fertilization, methylprednisolone may be prescribed after egg retrieval, to prevent the body from rejecting the embryos being transferred, right up to the time of implantation.
How to Use Medrol
Medrol is usually taken orally, but for patients that cannot take the drug by mouth or when there is a fast response needed, especially for patients with a severe medical condition, there is an injectable form of methylprednisolone available.
If you are taking Medrol orally, use as directed by a doctor, usually with food or milk. The dosage and length of treatment will be determined by a physician based on your medical condition, the medicines you are taking, and your overall response to the treatment. Do not increase or decrease the recommended dose originally prescribed by your doctor. Please remember that increasing your dose will not improve your health or the desired benefits, and you run the risk of increasing harmful side effects.
Long-term use of methylprednisolone can be associated with hyperglycemia, decreased resistance to infection, swelling of face, weight gain, congestive cardiac insufficiency, fluid and sodium retention, edema, hypertension, increased eye pressure, glaucoma, osteoporosis and psychosis, especially when used at high dosage.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect, or effects, such as: problems with vision; swelling, rapid weight gain; feeling short of breath; severe depression; bloody stool, or coughing up blood; or pancreatitis.
References
Medrol. (2010, October 4). Retrieved from www.rxlist.com: http://www.rxlist.com/medrol-drug.htm
Methylprednisolone. (2014, July 20 ). Retrieved from www.wikipedia.com: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methylprednisolone
