Medrol (Methylprednisolone): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects ... - RxList

What Is Medrol?

Medrol (methylprednisolone) is a glucocorticoid (adrenocortical steroid) that can depress the immune response and inflammation and is used in diseases ranging from rheumatologic, hematologic, endocrine, dermatologic, immunologic, allergic, and ophthalmologic to many others. Medrol is available in generic form.

What Are Side Effects of Medrol?

Common side effects of Medrol include:

• skin problems (acne, dry and thinning skin, easy bruising or discoloration),
• slow wound healing,
• changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in the neck, face, arms, legs, breasts, and waist),
• nausea,
• stomach pain,
• bloating,
• headache,
• dizziness,
• spinning sensation,
• sleep problems (insomnia),
• increased sweating, and
• mood changes.

Serious side effects of Medrol include emergency medical conditions such as:

• low potassium,
• bloody vomit,
• bloody or tarry stools,
• high blood pressure,
• seizures,
• chest pains,
• mental status changes,
• pancreatitis,
• vision problems, and
• shortness of breath with swelling.

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; and sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors.

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

Dosage for Medrol

Medrol is available as 2, 4, 8, 16 or 32 mg strength tablets. Dosages are extremely variable and are based on what diseases are being treated.

What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Medrol?

Medrol may interact with aspirin (taken on a daily basis or at high doses), diuretics (water pills), blood thinner, cyclosporine, insulin or oral diabetes medications, ketoconazole, rifampin, seizure medications, or "live" vaccines. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use and all vaccines you recently received.

Medrol During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Medrol use in pregnancy is not advised; benefits versus potential problems should be considered for pregnant women. Medrol is not advised for women who are breastfeeding. Medrol has been used in pediatric patients, but the dosage should be carefully adjusted for each patient and disease.

Additional Information

Our Medrol Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.