How does it work?

Methylprednisolone is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are hormones produced naturally by the adrenal glands which have many important functions, including control of inflammatory responses. Methylprednisolone sodium succinate is a synthetic corticosteroid and is used mostly short term in severe conditions to decrease inflammation. It works by acting within cells to prevent the release of certain chemicals that are important in the immune system. These chemicals are normally involved in producing immune and allergic responses, resulting in inflammation. By decreasing the release of these chemicals in a particular area, inflammation is reduced. This can help control a wide number of disease states, characterised by excessive inflammation. They include severe allergic reactions, inflammation of the lungs in asthma and inflammation of the joints in arthritis. Methylprednisolone also decreases the numbers of white blood cells circulating in the blood. This, along with the decrease in inflammatory chemicals, can prevent the rejection of organ transplants, as it prevents the body from attacking foreign tissue. Methylprednisolone is used in much higher doses than the levels of corticosteroids produced naturally by the body, and as such, the usual actions of corticosteroids become exaggerated and can be observed as side effects of this medicine.

What is it used for?

Aspiration of the contents of the stomach

Fluid retention and swelling in the brain (cerebral oedema) due to a brain tumour

In conjunction with other medicines in treating tuberculosis

Inflammatory disorders e.g. asthma, arthritis, severe allergic reactions, Crohn's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus

Sudden worsening of multiple sclerosis

Suppression of the immune system in organ transplantation

Treatment of other inflammatory conditions requiring rapid and intense corticosteroid therapy

Warning!

A steroid card will be supplied with this medicine. This contains details of the prescriber, type of steroid and dose taken and the duration of treatment. It should be carried at all times.

If individuals have not had chickenpox, they should avoid close personal contact with people with chickenpox or shingles (herpes zoster). If exposed, seek urgent medical attention as these diseases can be life-threatening in people whose immune system is suppressed.

This medicine should not be stopped abruptly but tapered down, especially when taken for longer than 3 weeks. The natural production of corticosteroids by the adrenal glands is suppressed by this medicine and the body therefore becomes reliant on it.

This medicine may increase susceptibility to infections and also mask the symptoms of these infections.

Use with caution in

Abnormal muscle weakness

Abscess or other infections producing pus

Children

Decreased kidney function

Diabetes

Elderly people

Epilepsy

Family history of diabetes

Family history of glaucoma

Glaucoma

Heart failure

Herpes simplex virus infection of the eye

High blood pressure

History of drug allergy

History of or current mental disorder

History of steroid induced mental disturbances

History of tuberculosis

Hypothyroidism

Inflammation of small sac-like structures which sometimes form in the walls of the intestine (diverticulitis)

Inflammation of the bowel and back passage

Liver cirrhosis

Liver failure

Osteoporosis

Peptic ulcer

Post-menopausal women

Previous muscle disease (myopathy) caused by steroids

Recent surgical procedure involving the joining together of ends of the intestine after a section has been removed (intestinal anastomosis)

Schizophrenia

Tendency for inflammation of a vein associated with blood clot formation (thrombophlebitis)

Not to be used in

Failure of blood circulation to the vital organs caused by bacterial toxins in the blood (septic shock)

Fluid retention and swelling in the brain (cerebral oedema) due to malaria

Infection throughout the body (systemic infection) unless treated with specific anti-infectives

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Discuss its use during breastfeeding with your doctor.

Label warnings

Follow the printed instructions you have been given with this medication.

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