Medrol®
GoodRxMethylprednisolone · oral tablet
Steroid
Approved uses
Severe ocular allergic and inflammatory disease, including herpes zoster ophthalmicus, anterior segment inflammation, diffuse posterior uveitis and choroiditis, sympathetic ophthalmia and optic neuritis
4 mg to 48 mg daily depending on the severity of the disease, tapered rather than stopped
The label's ocular list is specific: this is one of the few systemic steroids with named ophthalmic indications
Contraindications
Systemic fungal infections and known hypersensitivity to components.
Available FormsMethylprednisolone tablets, 2 mg, 4 mg, 8 mg, 16 mg and 32 mg, including the 4 mg dose pack.
Mechanism of ActionMethylprednisolone is a synthetic glucocorticoid. It suppresses inflammation by inhibiting the migration of leukocytes, stabilising lysosomal membranes and reducing capillary permeability, and it modifies the immune response at higher doses.
Warnings & Precautions
- May mask signs of infection and lower resistance to new infection; ocular herpes simplex may be worsened, with a risk of corneal perforation.
- Prolonged use may cause posterior subcapsular cataract, glaucoma with damage to the optic nerve, and may enhance secondary ocular fungal or viral infection.
- Withdrawal: do not stop abruptly after prolonged use; taper to avoid adrenal insufficiency.
- May cause hypertension, salt and water retention, potassium loss, and elevation of blood glucose.
- Psychic derangements ranging from euphoria to frank psychosis may appear.
Common Side Effects
Fluid and Electrolyte Disturbances; Sodium retention; Congestive heart failure in susceptible patients; Hypertension; Fluid retention; Potassium loss; Hypokalemic alkalosis Musculoskeletal; Muscle weakness; Loss of muscle mass; Steroid myopathy; Osteoporosis; Tendon rupture, particularly of the Achilles tendon; Vertebral compression fractures; Aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads; Pathologic fracture of long bones Gastrointestinal; Peptic ulcer with.
Pregnancy & LactationPregnancy: Corticosteroids cross the placenta; observe infants born to mothers on substantial doses for hypoadrenalism.
Lactation: Corticosteroids appear in human milk and could suppress growth or interfere with endogenous steroid production.
Pediatric UseGrowth and development should be monitored in children on prolonged corticosteroid therapy, since growth velocity may be suppressed. Dosage is governed by the severity of the condition rather than by strict adherence to age or weight.