Advertising Survey

We would like your input on how advertising is currently used in the site.

Please take this short survey to help us out.

Hide this message

Home > Medicines & Drugs > Methylprednisolone

Print this page

Methylprednisolone

  • Methylprednisolone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids (more commonly called steroids).
  • If you come into contact with anyone who has measles, shingles or chickenpox (or suspects they might have them) you must see your doctor as soon as possible.
  • If you have been given a steroid treatment card, carry it with you at all times.
  • If you are taking methylprednisolone for more than 3 weeks, it is important that you do not stop your treatment suddenly.

About methylprednisolone

Type of medicineCorticosteroid
Used forInflammatory and allergic conditions
Rheumatic disease
Inflammatory bowel disease
Also calledMethylprednisolone sodium succinate
Methylprednisolone acetate
Medrone®
Solu-Medrone®
Depo-Medrone®
Available asTablets, injection

Methylprednisolone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids which are more commonly known as steroids.

Certain cells in the body release chemicals which cause inflammation. Methylprednisolone works by stopping the release of these chemicals and by doing so reduces inflammation.

Some injections of methylprednisolone are used to relieve inflammation in painful and swollen joints. When used like this, it is often used in combination with a local anaesthetic such as lidocaine.

Before taking methylprednisolone

Before taking methylprednisolone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you are currently unwell or have any infection, including eye infections.
  • If you have, or anyone you are in close contact with has, chickenpox.
  • If you have ever suffered from tuberculosis (TB).
  • If you have high blood pressure.
  • If you have recently had a heart attack.
  • If you have liver, kidney or heart problems.
  • If you have, or anyone in your family has, diabetes mellitus or glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye).
  • If you have osteoporosis (brittle bones).
  • If you have hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid).
  • If you have mental health problems such as depression or bipolar disorder.
  • If you have epilepsy.
  • If you have had a stomach ulcer.
  • If you have recently had bowel surgery, or have a bowel problem such as ulcerative colitis or diverticulitis.
  • If you have a thromboembolic disorder (a clot in a blood vessel).
  • If you have ever experienced muscle pain after taking steroids.
  • If you have had or are about to have any vaccinations.
  • If you have myasthenia gravis (a condition causing tired and weak muscles).
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic or unusual reaction to this or to any other medicine.

How to take methylprednisolone

  • Before beginning treatment, read carefully the instructions you have been given with this medicine and also the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take methylprednisolone exactly as directed by your doctor. Unless you have been told otherwise, take your dose in the morning.
  • Try to take methylprednisolone at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and then continue as normal. If, however, you remember when it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you have been taking methylprednisolone tablets for more than 3 weeks, it is important that you do not stop your treatment suddenly. Your doctor will ask you to reduce the dose you are taking slowly over several weeks. This is to avoid unpleasant withdrawal effects.
  • Long courses of methylprednisolone can make you more likely to catch infections; therefore, if you come into contact with anyone who has measles, shingles or chicken pox (or suspects they might have them) you must see your doctor as soon as possible.
  • If you have been given a steroid treatment card, read it carefully and carry it with you at all times. This is a blue card with details about your dose, how long your treatment will last, who prescribed it, and some information for you about reducing the risks of treatment.
  • Before having any kind of medical treatment or surgery, including dental or emergency treatment or any medical tests, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking methylprednisolone and show them your treatment card. This is important as your dose may need to be increased for a while.
  • While taking methylprednisolone do not have any vaccinations without speaking to your doctor first.
  • Corticosteroids like methylprednisolone can alter your mood particularly when first starting treatment if you are taking high doses, or when your dose is being reduced. If you become depressed or start having thoughts about harming yourself you must speak to your doctor straight away.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointments so your progress can be monitored.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with methylprednisolone.

Can methylprednisolone cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Feeling sick, indigestion, feeling bloatedEat little and often. Stick to simple foods. If this continues or gets worse, let your doctor know
Increased appetiteTry to maintain a well-balanced diet
DizzinessMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Tiredness, difficulty sleepingIf troublesome, speak with your doctor
Oral thrushSee your doctor for advice
There are a number of other possible side-effects from treatment with methylprednisolone, including diabetes, osteoporosis, Cushing's syndrome (with high doses), muscle weakness, irregular periods, glaucoma, and cataractsMake sure you keep your regular doctor's appointments so you can be checked for these

Important: if you experience stomach pain, bleeding from the back passage or bloodstained stools, speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store methylprednisolone

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2010DocID: 3481DocRef: dils2717Last Reviewed: 7 Jul 2010Version: 22
Provide feedback