Medrol 16mg Tab 14s

Uses of Medrol 16mg Tab 14s

Methylprednisolone is an anti-inflammatory drug. Methylprednisolone is used in various conditions like arthritis, allergies, osteoarthritis, rhinitis, asthma lupus and ulcerative colitis.

Side Effects of Medrol 16mg Tab 14s

Oedema, hypertension, arrhythmia; CNS, endocrine, metabolic and GI effects; hirsutism, acne, skin atrophy, bruising, hyperpigmentation; transient leukocytosis; arthralgia, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, fractures, cataracts, glaucoma; infections, hypersensitivity reactions, avascular necrosis, secondary malignancy, intractable hiccups.

Drug Interactions

Decreases effect of anticholinesterases in myasthenia gravis. May decrease the hypoglycaemic effects of antidiabetic agents. Decreases serum concentrations of salicylates. Increased hypokalemic effects of potassium-depleting diuretics (thiazides or furosemide), amphotericin B, bronchodilator therapy with xanthines or β2 agonists. Increase incidence of GI bleeding and ulceration with NSAIDs. May increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. Decreased levels/effects with CYP3A4 inducers (aminoglutethimide, carbamazepine, nafcillin, nevirapine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and rifamycins). Increased levels/effects with CYP3A4 inhibitors (azole antifungals, clarithromycin, diclofenac, doxycycline, erythromycin, imatinib, isoniazid, nefazodone, nicardipine, propofol, protease inhibitors, quinidine, telithromycin, and verapamil). May decrease the effects of vaccines (dead organism) or increase the risk of vaccinal infection (live organism). Antacids and bile sequestrants may decrease the absorption of corticosteroids, separate admin by 2 hr. Increased risk of myopathy with neuromuscular-blocking agents, tendinopathies with fluoroquinolones.

Contraindications

Serious infections except septic shock or tuberculous meningitis; viral, fungal and tubercular skin lesions; admin of live virus vaccines. Preparations containing benzyl alcohol preservative are contraindicated in infants.

Mechanism of Action

Methylprednisolone is a synthetic corticosteroid with mainly glucocorticoid activity and minimal mineralocorticoid properties. It decreases inflammation by suppression of migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reversal of increased capillary permeability. Onset: Peak effect: Oral: 1-2 hr; IM: 4-8 days; Intra-articular: 1 wk. Duration: Oral: 30-36 hr; IM: 1-4 wk; Intra-articular: 1-5 wk; As acetate, has a low solubility and has sustained IM effect. Absorption: Methylprednisolone is fairly rapidly distributed after oral doses; plasma half-life:≥3.5 hr; tissue half-life: 18-36 hr. As acetate, it is absorbed from joints over a wk but is more slowly absorbed following deep IM inj. As sodium succinate ester, it is rapidly absorbed after IM doses, with peak plasma concentrations in 2 hr. Distribution: Volume of distribution: 0.7-1.5 L/kg ; crosses the placenta. Excretion: Half-life elimination: 3-3.5 hr; clearance reduced in obese.

Special Precautions

Children and adolescents (possible irreversible growth retardation), elderly (monitoring required on long-term treatment). Frequent monitoring if history of tuberculosis (or X-ray changes), hypertension, recent MI (rupture reported), CHF, liver and renal failure (associated with fluid retention), DM including family history (glucose regulation altered), osteoporosis especially post-menopausal women (associated with increased bone loss and osteoporotic fractures), glaucoma including family history (risk of increased intraocular pressure), corneal perforation, severe affective disorders (particularly if history of steroid-induced psychosis), epilepsy, GI disease (perforation risk), thyroid disease (changes in thyroid status may necessitate dosage adjustments ), history of steroid myopathy. Pregnancy and lactation. Avoid abrupt withdrawal after a prolonged period of use. When applied topically to large areas, broken skin, or under occlusive dressings, may cause systemic effects.

How to Use

Take orally with food and water, as directed by your physician.

How to Store

Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture.

Safety Concerns

• Alcohol: Avoid during treatment.
• Breastfeeding: Not recommended.
• Pregnancy: Contraindicated.
• Liver/Kidney: Use with caution.

Content Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only. Please consult your doctor before use.