1. Methylprednisolone oral tablet is available as both a generic and brand-name drug. Brand name: Medrol.
  2. This drug also comes as an injectable suspension and injectable solution. These forms are only given by a healthcare provider.
  3. Methylprednisolone is used to reduce inflammation in many conditions. These include endocrine diseases, severe allergies, ulcerative colitis, and multiple sclerosis. It’s also used to treat rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Methylprednisolone oral tablet is a prescription drug that’s available as the brand-name drug Medrol. It’s also available as a generic drug.

Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. In some cases, the brand-name drug and the generic version may be available in different forms and strengths.

Methylprednisolone also comes as a suspension or solution. Those forms are given to you by a healthcare provider.

Why it’s used

This drug is used to treat many conditions. It helps to control inflammation and to modify your body’s immune response. The conditions it’s used to treat include:

  • endocrine disorders such as primary or secondary adrenocortical insufficiency
  • rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis
  • collagen diseases such as lupus or systemic dermatomyositis
  • skin diseases such as psoriasis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • severe allergies that haven’t been controlled with other treatment, such as seasonal or year-round allergies or allergic reactions to medications
  • eye problems such as swelling or ulcers (sores) in your eye
  • stomach or intestinal problems such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
  • respiratory problems such as lung damage caused by beryllium poisoning, or by Loeffler’s syndrome that’s not controlled by other treatments
  • blood disorders such as low levels of platelets in adults, or lack of red blood cells in children
  • neoplastic diseases such as blood cancer or cancer in the lymphatic system in adults
  • multiple sclerosis flare-ups
  • infections, such as trichinosis with brain or heart problems

How it works

Methylprednisolone belongs to a class of drugs called glucocorticoids. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.

Methylprednisolone works by decreasing inflammation and changing your body’s immune response. This reduces the inflammation caused by your condition.

Methylprednisolone oral tablet doesn’t cause drowsiness, but it can cause other side effects.

More common side effects

The more common side effects of methylprednisolone can include:

  • headache
  • nausea and vomiting
  • weight gain
  • confusion, excitement, and restlessness
  • swelling of your ankles, feet, or hands
  • skin problems, such as acne, thin skin, and shiny skin
  • increased thirst
  • infection
  • high blood pressure
  • muscle weakness
  • depression

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

  • Allergic reactions. Symptoms may include:
    • skin rash
    • itching or hives
    • swelling of your face, lips, or tongue
  • Changes in your emotions and mood. Symptoms can include:
    • depression
    • anxiety
    • intense excitement or happiness
    • personality changes
    • psychosis
  • Eye problems. Symptoms can include:
  • Trouble urinating or a change in how much you urinate
  • Diabetes. Symptoms can include:
    • increased thirst
    • urinating more often than normal
  • Pain in your hips, back, ribs, shoulders, arms, or legs
  • Infection. Symptoms can include:
  • Swelling of your ankles, feet, or hands
  • Wounds that won’t heal
  • Low potassium levels in your blood. Symptoms include:
    • weakness
    • irregular heart rhythm
  • Hormone changes. Symptoms can include:
    • loss of appetite
    • lack of energy
    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • headache
    • fever
    • joint or muscle pain
    • skin irritation
    • weight loss
    • low blood pressure (may make you feel dizzy or faint)

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare provider who knows your medical history.

Methylprednisolone oral tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.

To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Drugs you should not use with methylprednisolone

Do not take these drugs with methylprednisolone. When used with methylprednisolone, these drugs can cause dangerous effects in the body. Examples of these drugs include:

  • Live vaccines, such as the nasal flu vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine: Don’t receive a live vaccine while taking this drug. A live vaccine is a weakened version of a disease. The vaccine won’t fully protect you from disease while you’re taking methylprednisolone.

Interactions that increase the risk of side effects from methylprednisolone

Taking methylprednisolone with certain medications raises your risk of side effects from methylprednisolone. This is because the amount of methylprednisolone in your body is increased. Examples of these drugs include:

  • Cyclosporine: These drugs can each cause each other to build up in your body. If you use these drugs together, you may experience side effects such as seizures.
  • Ketoconazole: Your doctor may adjust your dosage of methylprednisolone if you take ketoconazole. Your doctor may do this to avoid increased side effects from methylprednisolone.

Interactions that increase the risk of side effects from other drugs

Taking methylprednisolone with certain medications raises your risk of side effects from these drugs. Examples of these drugs include:

  • Aspirin: Your chance of side effects from aspirin increases when you stop taking methylprednisolone. If you have a blood clotting problem, ask your doctor if methylprednisolone is safe for you.
  • Warfarin and heparin: When used with methylprednisolone, these drugs can make your blood too thin and cause dangerous bleeding. Or they might not work as well to thin your blood. Your doctor should monitor you closely if you take either of these drugs with methylprednisolone.

Interactions that can make your drugs less effective

When methylprednisolone is used with certain drugs, it may not work as well to treat your condition. This is because the amount of methylprednisolone in your body may be decreased. Examples of these drugs include:

  • Phenobarbital, phenytoin, and rifampin: Your doctor may increase your dosage of methylprednisolone if you take any of these drugs.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.

This dosage information is for methylprednisolone oral tablet. All possible dosages and forms may not be included here. Your dosage, form, and how often you take it will depend on:

  • your age
  • the condition being treated
  • how severe your condition is
  • other medical conditions you have
  • how you react to the first dose

Forms and strengths

Generic: Methylprednisolone

  • Form: oral tablet
  • Strengths: 4 mg, 8 mg, 16 mg, 32 mg

Brand: Medrol

  • Form: oral tablet
  • Strengths: 2 mg, 4 mg, 8 mg, 16 mg, 32 mg

Dosage for multiple sclerosis

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

  • Typical starting dosage: 160 mg per day taken in one or two doses.
  • Dosage changes: After taking 160 mg per day for 1 week, your doctor will reduce your dosage to 64 mg taken every other day for one month.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

Your child’s doctor will decide your child’s dosage based on the condition being treated. They should give your child the lowest effective dosage.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.

Your doctor may start you on a lowered dose or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.

Dosage for all other treated conditions

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

  • Typical starting dosage: 4–48 mg per day taken in one or two doses.
  • Dosage changes: If you respond well to the drug, your doctor may decrease your dosage slowly until you reach the lowest possible effective dosage.
  • Alternate day therapy: If you’re going to be on this drug for a long time, your doctor may have you take it every other day. This may reduce side effects.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

Your child’s doctor will decide your child’s dosage based on the condition being treated. They should give your child the lowest effective dosage.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.

Your doctor may start you on a lowered dose or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you.

Methylprednisolone oral tablet comes with several warnings.

Hormone changes warning

This drug may cause hormone changes. It can cause your body to stop making hormones on its own. If you respond well to your dosage of this drug, your doctor may slowly reduce your dosage to reduce your risk of side effects.

Weakened immune system warning

This drug can weaken your immune system. This makes it easier for you to get infections and harder for you to fight infections. While you take this drug, you should stay away from people who are sick or who have recently been sick. This includes people who have chickenpox, measles, or the flu.

Tell your doctor if you’ve had any recent infections or if you have symptoms of an infection. These include fever, chills, or body aches.

Vaccines warning

People who receive the smallpox vaccine while taking this drug have a higher risk of serious side effects. You should wait three months after your last dose of methylprednisolone before you receive the smallpox vaccine.

Tell your doctor that you’re taking this drug before getting any vaccines, especially live vaccines.

Allergy warning

Methylprednisolone can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:

  • itching
  • hives
  • trouble breathing
  • swelling of your throat or tongue

If you have an allergic reaction, call your doctor or local poison control center right away. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Food interactions warning

You shouldn’t eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice during your treatment with this drug. Doing so can increase the levels of methylprednisolone in your blood. This raises your risk of side effects.

Warnings for people with certain health conditions

For people with heart disease: This drug can increase your blood pressure. It can also cause your body to retain salt and water. Tell your doctor about your history of heart disease.

For people with diabetes: This drug may affect your body’s ability to control your blood sugar level. You might need to test your blood sugar level more often. Tell your doctor about your history of diabetes.

For people with ulcers: This drug may cause stomach bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have an ulcer or have had an ulcer in the past.

For people with glaucoma: This drug can increase the pressure in your eyes if you take it for a long time. Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma or any other eye-related illness before you start taking this drug.

For people with infections: This drug may make it harder for your body to fight off your infection. Ask your doctor if this drug is safe for you.

For people with liver problems: If you have cirrhosis, you may not be able to process this drug as well. This may increase the levels of methylprednisolone in your body and cause more side effects. Your doctor may start you on a lower dosage depending on your liver function.

For people with hypothyroidism: You have a higher risk of side effects from this drug. Tell your doctor about your history of thyroid disease. You may need a lower dosage of this drug.

For people with herpes of the eye: Ask your doctor if this drug is safe for you. You may have a higher risk of side effects.

For people with systemic sclerosis: Corticosteroids, including this drug, increase your risk of scleroderma renal crisis. Key symptoms of this condition include kidney failure and increased blood pressure. Your doctor will monitor you carefully if you have systemic sclerosis and you take methylprednisolone.

Warnings for other groups

For pregnant women: There haven’t been enough studies done in humans to be certain how methylprednisolone might affect a pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Methylprednisolone should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh potential risks to the pregnancy.

Call your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking this drug.

For women who are breastfeeding: Methylprednisolone may pass into breast milk and cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk to your doctor if you breastfeed your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or to stop taking this medication.

For seniors: The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects. If you’re a senior, you may need a lower dosage or you may need a different dosing schedule.

For children: This drug may slow your child’s growth. Your child’s doctor should monitor your child’s height and growth regularly. Children should use the lowest effective dosage of this drug to decrease the risks of slowed growth.

Methylprednisolone oral tablet is used for long-term or short-term treatment. Your length of treatment depends on your condition and how your body responds to treatment. It comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.

If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don’t take it at all: Your symptoms, such as inflammation and pain, may not get better. You may have more flare-ups of your disease and your disease won’t be controlled.

Don’t stop taking this drug without speaking to your doctor first. This drug can disrupt how your body controls hormones. Stopping it suddenly can cause side effects. If you need to stop taking this drug, your doctor will slowly lower your dosage. This will reduce your risk of side effects.

If you miss doses or don’t take the drug on schedule: Your medication may not work as well or may stop working completely. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times.

If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Signs and symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include:

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or seek guidance from the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or through their online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

What to do if you miss a dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it’s almost time for your next dose, talk to your healthcare provider. You may need to miss a dose or take an extra dose. Don’t take double or extra doses without talking to your healthcare provider first.

How to tell if the drug is working: The inflammation caused by your condition should decrease.

Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes methylprednisolone oral tablet for you.

General

  • Take this drug with food or milk. This may help to reduce upset stomach.
  • If you take this drug once per day, take it in the morning. You can cut or crush the tablet.

Storage

  • Store this drug at room temperature. Keep it between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).
  • Don’t store this medication in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms.

Refills

A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.

Travel

When traveling with your medication:

  • Always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on bag.
  • Don’t worry about airport X-ray machines. They can’t hurt your medication.
  • You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled box with you.
  • Don’t put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold.

Clinical monitoring

During your treatment with this drug, your doctor will monitor you for signs of side effects. Your doctor may also monitor certain health issues. This can help make sure you stay safe while you take this drug. These issues include:

  • Height and weight. This drug can slow growth in children. Your child’s doctor will monitor their growth.
  • Eye pressure. This drug can cause eye problems. Your doctor may do tests to check your eye pressure.
  • Potassium levels. This drug can lower your potassium levels. Your doctor will do blood tests to check your potassium levels.
  • Blood sugar levels. This drug may raise your blood sugar levels. Your doctor will check your blood sugar during treatment.
  • Blood pressure. This drug can raise your blood pressure. Your doctor will check your blood pressure during treatment.

There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be more suitable for you than others. Talk to your doctor about possible alternatives.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.