Methylprednisolone Injection

Description

What is Methylprednisolone Injection?

Methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol, Medrol, Solu-Medrol) is a synthetic glucocorticoid, primarily prescribed for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. It is either used at low doses for chronic illnesses or used concomitantly at high doses during acute flares. Methylprednisolone and its derivatives can be administered orally or parenterally.

Regardless of the route of administration, methylprednisolone integrates systemically as exhibited by its effectiveness in reducing inflammation during acute flares quickly. It is associated with many adverse reactions that require tapering off the drug as soon as the disease is under control. Serious side effects include iatrogenic Cushing’s Syndrome, hypertension, osteoporosis, diabetes, infection, and skin atrophy.

Chemically, methylprednisolone is a synthetic pregnane steroid hormone derived from hydrocortisone and prednisolone. It belongs to a class of synthetic glucocorticoids and more generally, corticosteroids. It acts as a mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptor agonist. Compared to other exogenous glucocorticoids, methylprednisolone has a higher affinity to glucocorticoid receptors than mineralocorticoid receptors.

Glucocorticoid’s name was derived after the discovery of their involvement in regulating carbohydrate metabolism. The cellular functions of glucocorticoids, such as methylprednisolone, are now understood to regulate homeostasis, metabolism, development, cognition, and inflammation. They play a critical role in adapting and responding to environmental, physical, and emotional stress.

Methylprednisolone was first synthesized and manufactured by The Upjohn Company (now Pfizer) and FDA-approved in the United States in October 1957. Methylprednisolone is also on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines for its effects against lymphoid leukemia.

Why to use Methylprednisolone Injection

Methylprednisolone Injection is a type of medicine called a steroid. It is used to treat different conditions including rheumatic disorder, asthma, severe allergic reactions, and conditions that affect your eyes and skin.

Methylprednisolone Injection is usually given as an injection by your doctor into a vein, joint, or muscle. The amount you are given will depend on what you are being treated for and how much you need to control your symptoms. If you are using this medication at home, learn exactly how to do it correctly from your doctor. You should always take the amount prescribed. Do not take a larger dose or use it more often. Taking a higher dose will not improve your condition faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. Keep taking it regularly even if you feel well. Do not suddenly stop this medication as your condition may become worse. It should always be stopped gradually.

The most common side effects of this medicine include nausea, headache, dizziness, sweating, and swelling in your hands or ankles (edema). If these side effects bother you or will not go away, your doctor may suggest ways of preventing or reducing them. Steroids may also lower your ability to fight infections so avoid being near people who might pass on infections such as measles, chickenpox, or flu. Do not receive a live vaccine while using this medicine. Steroids can affect growth in children.

Before using this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you have brittle bones (osteoporosis), mood disorders, high blood pressure, or liver disease. Also, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, this medicine may increase blood glucose levels which can worsen diabetes. Many other drugs may affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your doctor know all other medicines you are using. This is done to make sure it is safe to use. You should also tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. If this medicine is used for a long time you will be asked for regular monitoring of blood sugar, blood pressure, bone density as well as an eye examination.

Benefits of using Methylprednisolone Injection

In Treatment of Rheumatic Disorder. Rheumatic disorder is an autoimmune condition where your body’s immune system (which usually fights bacteria and viruses) attacks your body’s own cells. Methylprednisolone Injection stops that from happening and can relieve the symptoms of this condition such as pain, swelling, and stiffness in your joints. It can also slow down joint damage, reduce disability, and enable you to be as active for as long as possible. It can take several weeks or months to notice the effect of the medicine. You should continue taking it until your doctor says it is okay to stop using the medicine.

In Treatment of Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs. MP 1000mg Injection prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. It lowers your immune system’s response and reduces symptoms such as swelling, pain, itching, and other allergic reactions.

In Treatment of Allergic conditions. Methylprednisolone Injection is used to treat different inflammatory and allergic conditions including arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, and ulcerative colitis which affect the skin, blood, eyes, lungs, stomach, and nervous system. It works by lowering your immune system’s response to these conditions thereby reducing symptoms such as swelling, pain, itching, and other allergic-type reactions.

In Treatment of Eye disorders. Methylprednisolone Injection helps relieve symptoms of eye infections such as redness, swelling, itching, and watering of the eyes. This medicine works by decreasing the production of certain chemicals that cause inflammation of the eyes. This will make it easier for you to go about your daily activities. Use it as prescribed to get the most benefit. If you see no improvement even after a week, talk to your doctor.

In the Treatment of Skin disorders.  Methylprednisolone Injection prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. It can be used to treat different inflammatory and allergic conditions of the skin such as eczema and psoriasis. It works by lowering your immune system’s response to these conditions thereby relieving symptoms such as swelling, pain, itching, and other allergic-type reactions.

Side effects of Methylprednisolone Injection

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them. Common side effects of Methylprednisolone Injection: Nausea, Sweating, Edema (swelling), Thinning of skin, Increased risk of infection, Reduction in bone density, Weight gain, Mood changes, Upset stomach, and Behavioral changes.