Health Library

Methylprednisolone (By mouth)

Methylprednisolone (meth-il-pred-NIS-oh-lone)

Treats inflammation, severe allergies, flare-ups of ongoing illnesses, and many other medical problems. May also be used to decrease some symptoms of cancer. This medicine is a corticosteroid.

Brand Name(s):

Medrol, Medrol Dosepak, Methylpred-DP

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how methylprednisolone works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Cyclosporine, ketoconazole, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, troleandomycin
  • Aspirin
  • Blood thinner (including warfarin)
  • Insulin or other diabetes medicine
• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including cirrhosis), adrenal gland problems, cancer, heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, blood clotting problems, thyroid problems, mental health problems (including depression), myasthenia gravis, or stomach or bowel problems (including ulcer or diverticulitis). Tell your doctor if you have an infection (including herpes eye infection, tuberculosis, or threadworm). Also tell your doctor if you have a recent exposure to chickenpox or measles.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of infection
  • Changes in mood or behavior
  • High blood pressure
  • Adrenal gland problems
  • Eye problems or changes in vision (including cataracts or glaucoma)
  • Bone problems (including osteoporosis)
  • Slow growth in children
  • Increased risk for cancer (including Kaposi's sarcoma)
  • Tumor lysis syndrome
• If you use this medicine for a long time, tell your doctor about any extra stress or anxiety in your life, including other health concerns and emotional stress. Your dose might need to be changed for a short time while you have extra stress.
• This medicine may raise your blood sugar level, especially in people with diabetes.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Bone pain, decrease in height
• Dark freckles, skin color changes, coldness, weakness, tiredness, weight loss
• Depression, unusual thoughts, feelings, or behaviors, trouble sleeping
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Joint pain lower back or side pain
• Severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or red or black stools
• Skin changes or growths
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, rapid weight gain
• Trouble seeing, blurred vision or other changes in vision, eye pain, headache
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Increased hunger or thirst, increase in how much or how often you urinate

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Increased appetite
• Round, puffy face
• Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024