Methylprednisone / Methylprednisolone
Description
Methylprednisolone belongs to a group of medicines known as steroids or cortico
steroids. It helps reduce inflammation and calm an overactive immune response. It is commonly prescribed for allergic and inflammatory conditions, including skin allergies, asthma, and various lung-related problems that cause swelling or breathing difficulty. It is important to take it exactly as your doctor has advised and to complete the full treatment course. Stopping the medicine abruptly can lead to your symptoms returning or worsening because your body needs time to adjust when coming off steroids. Common side effects may include stomach pain, diarrhea, skin rash, or swelling of the face. While many side effects are mild, some can be concerning. If you notice symptoms that persist, become bothersome, or make you feel uneasy in any way, you should contact your doctor immediately for guidance and assessment.
Uses
Methylprednisolone is used to treat a variety of conditions including lung diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute bronchitis, joint diseases like arthritis, skin diseases eczema, intestine diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis or multiple sclerosis....
Contraindications
When should one not use Methylprednisone / Methylprednisolone
- Allergic reaction to Methylprednisolone
- Diabetes mellitus
- If you had recently taken any vaccine
- Increased blood pressure
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea
- Ulcers in the stomach that can bleed
- Increased risk of getting infection
- Reduced sleep
- Mental health problems- Feeling depressed, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, seeing or feeling things that don’t exist
- Changes in menstrual cycles
- Allergic reactions such as skin rash, swelling of the face or wheezing and difficulty breathing
- Blood clots or thrombosis in a leg vein
- High blood pressure
- Muscle weakness
- Swelling, increased water and salt content in the body
- Muscle cramps
- Blurred vision, Increased pressure in the eye
- Delayed growth in children
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Worsening of existing diabetes
- Acne
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Methylprednisone / Methylprednisolone during pregnancy?
A:
This medicine should be avoided in pregnancy. This medicine crosses the placenta and can affect the baby, so it is unsafe to use during pregnancy. This medicine can slow the growth of the baby. If you are on this medicine and if you happen to be pregnant, do not stop this medicine abruptly on your own. Consult your doctor immediately.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Methylprednisone / Methylprednisolone while breastfeeding?
A:
It is unsafe to use this medicine if you are breastfeeding, it can pass into the breast milk and can affect the growth of baby.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Methylprednisone / Methylprednisolone?
A:
Methylprednisolone does not affect your ability to drive. It can cause some people dizziness or vision problems. In such a scenario, avoid driving.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Methylprednisone / Methylprednisolone?
A:
No known interaction with alcohol.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You have bleeding problems
- Blood clots
- Brittle bones (osteoporosis)
- Diabetes eye diseases (such as cataracts, glaucoma, infection of the eye)
- Heart problems (such as recent heart attack, congestive heart failure)
- Kidney disease, liver disease
- Stomach ulcer
- Tuberculosis
- Tumour of adrenal gland tissue - Pheochromocytoma
- Mental/ mood conditions (such as psychosis, depression, anxiety)
- Stomach problems
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- Aspirin
- Rifampin
- Phenytoin
- Phenobarbital
- Ketoconazole
- Erythromycin
- Digoxin
- Inform your doctor if you have recently taken any vaccine
Interactions with food items
Grapefruit or its juice may interact with Methylprednisolone and lead to unwanted side effects.
Dietary Restrictions
Potassium supplements is necessary.
Dosage
Overdose
Inform your doctor immediately in case of overdose. Symptoms of Methylprednisolone overdose can include (especially over long term overdose): altered mental status with agitation (psychosis), burning or itching skin, fits, deafness, depression, dry skin, high blood pressure, increased risk of infection, muscle weakness, nausea and vomiting, swelling in lower legs, ankles or feet, weak bones (osteoporosis) and bone fractures (seen with long-term use), weakness, nervousness, sleepiness, etc. Few of your existing health conditions such as acid reflux, ulcers and diabetes may worsen. In case you suspect acute or long term overdose symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately....
Missed a Dose
If you missed any dose, take it as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next dose & do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Mahesh Muthe
MBBS
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Any precautions before I start treatment?
A: Inform your doctor if you have diabetes mellitus as Methylprednisolone may increase sugar levels. Inform your doctor if you have recently received any live vaccine such as Measle Mumps and Rubella (MMR), chickenpox or flu.
Q: What is methylprednisolone used for?
- It is used to treat conditions such as severe allergies, asthma flare-ups, arthritis, skin inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and certain lung problems.
Q: How does methylprednisolone work?
- It works by lowering inflammation in the body and suppressing the immune system’s activity, which helps reduce swelling, redness, and allergic reactions.
Q: What are the common side effects of methylprednisolone?
- Common side effects include upset stomach, headache, trouble sleeping, mood changes, increased appetite, and swelling in the face or legs.
Q: What serious side effects should I watch for?
- Contact your doctor immediately if you notice severe mood changes, vision problems, severe stomach pain, unusual infections, swelling of the face, or breathing difficulties.
References
View All
- Ema.methylprednisolone. [Cited 24th Nov 2025]
- Webmed.methylprednisolone. [Cited 24th Nov 2025]
- Dailymed.methylprednisolone. [Cited 24th Nov 2025]
- medicineplus.methylprednisolone. [Cited 24th Nov 2025]
- Lactmed.methylprednisolone. [Cited 24th Nov 2025] Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Methylprednisolone. [Cited 24th Nov 2025]
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