Medrol (Methylprednisolone) belongs to a group of medications called corticosteroids.Corticosteroids are hormones that are produced naturally in our body, and necessary for many important bodily functions.

Medrol (Methylprednisolone) is a synthetic (man-made) corticosteroid medication that has been developed to imitate the actions of naturally occurring corticosteroid hormones in the body. A particularly important action of methlyprednisolone is to relieve inflammation that causes symptoms such as swelling, itching, and redness.

Symptoms of inflammation are often seen with allergic reactions such as severe allergic skin reactions, reactions to insect bites, and Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) (a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction). Other conditions and symptoms associated with inflammation can also be treated with corticosteroids. These include painful swollen joints caused by Arthritis, and relief of Asthma symptoms caused by inflamed breathing passages.

Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may also be used by people who are not able to produce enough of their own corticosteroid naturally (e.g., Addison's Disease). Additional conditions that may be treated with Medrol (Methylprednisolone) include severe skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis), certain eye conditions, Ulcerative Colitis, certain blood disorders, Leukemia, Lupus, and Multiple Sclerosis.

Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Medrol (Methylprednisolone) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given Medrol (Methylprednisolone), speak to your doctor. Do not stop using Medrol (Methylprednisolone) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Medrol (Methylprednisolone) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use Medrol (Methylprednisolone) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The recommended dose of Medrol (Methylprednisolone) varies widely depending on the condition being treated, response to the medication, the form of the medication being used, the age and size of the person using the medication, and individual circumstances.

The dose of the tablet form may range from 4 mg to 48 mg of Medrol (Methylprednisolone) daily, or even much higher depending on the specific condition being treated.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Injectable medications are given either into a muscle, into a joint, or into a vein by a qualified health professional.

Taking Medrol (Methylprednisolone) with food will help to prevent stomach upset.

It is important to take Medrol (Methylprednisolone) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose of the medication and are taking the medication once a day, but don't remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication more than once daily, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Medrol (Methylprednisolone) at room temperature, protect it from freezing, and keep it out of the reach of children.

If you miss an appointment to receive Medrol (Methylprednisolone), contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Medrol (Methylprednisolone). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Medrol (Methylprednisolone) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Medrol (Methylprednisolone). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• bloating
• changes in the skin pigmentation at the place of injection
• decreased reflexes
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• difficulty sleeping
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• facial redness
• feeling of burning, prickling, or tingling skin
• flushing
• headache
• increased or decreased appetite
• increased sweating
• indigestion
• nausea
• nervousness or restlessness
• redness, swelling, or pain at the place of injection
• vomiting
• weight gain

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• blurred or reduced vision
• bone fractures
• changes in menstrual periods
• confusion
• difficulty remembering
• excitement
• hallucinations
• increased blood pressure
• muscle cramps
• muscle weakness
• mood swings
• rapid or pounding heartbeat
• restlessness
• seizures
• shortness of breath
• signs of Depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
• signs of heart problems (e.g., fast, irregular heartbeat or pulse, chest pain, sudden weight gain,  difficulty breathing, leg swelling)
• signs of reduced ability for blood to clot (e.g., bloody nose, blood in urine, coughing blood, cuts that don't stop bleeding)
• signs of uncontrolled blood sugar (e.g., increased thirst, frequent urination, increased urination at night)
• signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
• skin infection at injection site
• skin rash
• tendon pain
• thinning skin
• unusual infections (symptoms may include Fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness)
• unusual skin growth

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• seizures
• signs of a serious allergic reaction (i.e., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
• signs of bleeding in the stomach (e.g., bloody, black, or tarry stools; spitting up of blood; vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds)
• signs of a Heart Attack (e.g., chest pain or pressure, pain extending through shoulder and arm, nausea and vomiting, sweating)
• thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• trouble breathing

The following side effects may occur if the medication is taken over long periods of time. Contact your doctor if any of these occur:

• Acne
• bloody or black, tarry stools
• continuing abdominal or stomach pain
• eye pain or Cataracts (clouding of the lens) or other vision problems
• fever
• headache
• irregular heartbeat
• menstrual problems
• "moon face" (filling or rounding out of face)
• muscle cramps or pain
• muscle weakness
• nausea
• seizures
• sensitivity of the eyes to light
• sores in the mouth
• swelling of the feet or lower legs
• symptoms of a yeast infection (e.g., thick, white vaginal discharge, itching or burning during urination)
• tearing of the eyes
• thin, shiny skin
• trouble sleeping
• unusual bruising
• unusual increase in hair growth
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• weight gain that occurs quickly
• wounds that will not heal

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Medrol (Methylprednisolone).

4 mg
Each white, elliptical, cross-scored tablet, engraved "Medrol 4", contains Medrol (Methylprednisolone) 4 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium stearate, cornstarch, lactose, mineral oil, and sucrose. Gluten-free.

16 mg
Each white, elliptical, cross-scored tablet, engraved "Medrol 16", contains Medrol (Methylprednisolone) 16 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium stearate, cornstarch, lactose, mineral oil, and sucrose. Gluten-free.