Methylprednisolone (Medrol®)

Methylprednisolone (Medrol®) is an anti-inflammatory steroid that used to treat inflammatory conditions such as:

• Arthritis, 
• Systemic lupus erythematosus, 
• Psoriasis, Severe Erythema multiforme, 
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome, 
• Severe allergy, 
• Ulcerative colitis, 
• Leukemia, 
• Anemia, 
• Some ophthalmic diseases, 
• Thyroiditis, 
• Adrenal hyperplasia.

In dentistry, Medrol® is used for controlling inflammation after oral surgery.  Long-term used of Medrol may cause a withdrawal effect.

Medrol® is prescribed in dose pack in 4 mg tablets, sometimes refer to as Methylprednisolone Dose Pack or Medrol Dose Pack.

Active ingredient in each tablet of Medrol contains 2mg, 4 mg, 8 mg, 16 mg, 32 mg of Methylprednisolone.

Inactive ingredients:

• Calcium stearate
• Corn starch
• Erythrosine sodium
• Mineral oil
• Lactose
• Sucrose
• Sorbic acid
• Dye ( 8 mg and 32 mg)

Medrol® side effects:

1. Nausea, vomiting
2. Swelling, weight gain
3. High blood pressure 
4. Congestive heart failure
5. Headache, vertigo, convulsion
6. Osteoporosis
7. Anxiety
8. Dizziness
9. Loss appetite
10. Trouble sleeping
11. Confusion
12. Shortness of breath
13. Chest pain
14. Seizure
15. Peptic ulcers (possible bleeding or perforation)
16. Severe depression
17. Blood coming out from stools or coughing
18. Pancreatitis  (rapid heart rate, pain in the upper stomach, nausea, vomiting)
19. Low potassium (confusion, palpitation, increased urination, extreme thirst, muscle weakness)
20. Insomnia, mood changes
21. Skin problems (petechiae, dry skin, discoloration due to bruise)
22. Increase sweating, facial skin redness
23. Menstrual irregularities
24. Blood sugar may rise, cause Diabetes mellitus or worsen diabetes
25. Lower the body the ability to fight infections
26. Glaucoma, cataracts
27. Bloating
28. Steroid medication can weaken the immunity, makes the body prone to infection or worsen the infection that you already have.

Caution:

Before taking this pharmaceutical, consider the potential benefits and risks to other alternative options.