General Information on Medrol
Medrol, chemically known as Methylprednisolone, is basically a steroid named Gluocorticoid, used cautiously for the treatment of allergic disorders, skin problems, arthritis, breathing troubles, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, lupus and many other diseases. Being a steroid Methylprednisolone can contain certain inactive ingredients, which can be at the root of some allergic reactions as well as can accelerate some pre-existing infections in your body. Therefore, you should buy Medrol only if you are prescribed it by your doctor.
Medrol is categorized as adrenocortical steroid, which can be promptly taken in from the gastrointestinal tract. The medication for oral consumption is available as Medrol 2 mg, Medrol 4 mg, Medrol 8 mg, Medrol 16 mg or Medrol 32 mg respectively. It must be kept at room temperature avoiding moisture and heat.
Side effects of Medrol
Medrol always causes a number of severe as well as less adverse side effects. The most important thing you must know before you buy Medrol is that steroid takes a toll on your immune system making your body more prone to infections. You must consult your doctor immediately if you ever develop the following allergic symptoms :
- Hives, skin inflammation and rashes
- Swelling of face, throat, lips or tongue
- Breathing problem
There are some major side effects of the drug Medrol. Give a quick call to your doctor if any of the following problems arise:
- Extreme high blood pressure
- Intolerable headache
- Chest pain, uneven and faster heartbeats
- Difficulty breathing, buzzing in ears
- Decreased potassium level
- Frequent urination
- Pancreatitis causing unbearable pain from the upper stomach to the back
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle weakness or Myasthenia and limp feeling
- Thirstiness, leg soreness
- Obesity
- Swelling
- Bloody or tarry stools
- Confusion, depression, nervousness, spasm
- Vision problem
Medrol also have some mild side effects including:
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Dizziness,
- Drying, thinning and discoloration of skin
- Acne
- Spinning sensation
- Bloating
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Decreased injury healing time
- Abnormal sweating
- Variation in the form and position of fat tissues
- Mood swing
However, Medrol might have some other side effects. Consult your doctor for complete guidance on its side effects and prevention of the same.
Dosage of Medrol
Medrol should be used under proper supervision of an expert doctor. Very low or very high doses of this steroid can leads you to serious trouble. Hence, it is recommended that you follow the prescribed doses and directions strictly. If your need for Methylprednisolone changes with some medical emergencies or illness, your doctor will decide the perfect dosage for you.
Medrol can produce unexpected results with certain medical investigations. Sudden stopping of this steroid medication can also generate severe withdrawal symptoms. Contact your physician for useful advices in these situations.
Every dose of Methylprednisolone can prove important for your health. Take the help of your doctor if you ever miss a dose or take an extra dose of it. However, prolonged use of this medication can results into following unpleasant side effects:
- Drying and thinning of skin
- Acne
- Abnormal facial hair
- Menstrual problems
- Lack of interest in sex
- Weakness
Interactions
Steroids like Medrol can easily interact with other prescription drugs, vitamin, herbal and OTC medications like:
- Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
- Oral Diabetes pills
- High doses of Aspirin
- Rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane)
- Insulin
- Water pill (diuretic)
- Blood thinner Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven
- Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune
- Phenytoin (Dilantin) or Phenobarbital (Solfoton)or other seizure drugs
Before taking this drug make it sure that you are not allergic to Methylprednisolone. Let your doctor know if you have any of the following disorders:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Thyroid problems
- Kidney disorders
- Cirrhosis
- Osteoporosis
- Cataracts or glaucoma
- Tuberculosis
- Herpes infection of the eyes
- Congestive heart failure
- History of malaria
- Stomach ulcers
- ulcerative colitis, or diverticulitis
- Myasthenia gravis
- Mental illness or stress
While pregnant or breast-feeding your child, consult your doctor to know if you can use Medrol because it can affect the unborn baby as well as the growth of a child. Moreover, avoid ‘live’ vaccination while using the steroid as they can interact with each other.