1. Is methylprednisolone a steroid?
Yes. Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid, much like cortisone. It is specifically an artificial glucocorticoid and similar to the natural corticosteroid. This is a steroid hormone that the adrenal glands produce. Since it is a steroid, consume it only within the prescribed doses. It effectively treats multiple disorders related to skin swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions.
2. How to taper methylprednisolone?
Even after you no longer require methylprednisolone, do not withdraw the drug immediately as it could result in steroid withdrawal, leading to severe symptoms. It is safer to taper off methylprednisolone with your doctor’s guidance by gradually reducing its dosage. As you taper, there might be some subtle yet noticeable symptoms. Talk to your doctor and follow their advice.
3. How long does methylprednisolone take to work?
Methylprednisolone is a rapid onset drug that starts to show peak effects in a couple of hours of taking it orally. When taken intravenously, the drug works even faster and shows results in just an hour. Thereafter, it exits your body through the urine in approximately 13 to 20 hours.
4. How do you take methylprednisolone?
There are more than a couple of ways to take methylprednisolone. The most prescribed and easiest method is to take it orally as a tablet, in the dosage recommended by your doctor. Other methods are injecting it directly into your body or taking it as a suspension or solution based on your doctor’s advice.
5. Will methylprednisolone cause weight gain?
Weight gain is one of the most common side effects of taking methylprednisolone. The drug makes you hungry, thereby prompting you to eat more. You can control this weight gain by strictly watching your diet, avoiding salt and sugar, eating protein and calcium-rich food along with healthy fats.
6. Is methylprednisolone an antibiotic?
Methylprednisolone is a type of steroid that fills the gap when your body fails to produce sufficient amounts of anti-inflammatory corticosteroids. However, methylprednisolone has no antibacterial and antibiotic properties. Rather, you should avoid taking it with any type of antibiotic. If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic, let them know about your prescription of methylprednisolone.
7. Can I drink alcohol while taking methylprednisolone?
It is advised not to mix alcohol with your methylprednisolone prescription due to the possibility of indigestion. The combination of these two also irritates the stomach, and can further result in peptic ulcers. The problem further increases if you were already prone to digestive or stomach issues before taking methylprednisolone.
8. How long does methylprednisolone stay in your system?
The exact time methylprednisolone stays in your system depends on the dosage intake. But in general, if methylprednisolone is taken orally, it stays in your system for approximately 12 to 13 hours before it passes out in the urine. We suggest you consult your doctor to know how your dosage affects this issue.
9. Is methylprednisolone safe?
Since methylprednisolone is a regularly prescribed drug, it is justified to consider that the drug is safe for intake. However, you should note that methylprednisolone is a steroid and a strong one at it. Therefore, avoid uncontrolled usage. Following your doctor’s advice and regular prescription is recommended to avoid harsh side effects and get effective results.
10. How much does methylprednisolone cost?
The cost of methylprednisolone depends on a few factors: whether the drug is branded or generic, its dosage, and the medium (tablet, injection, or solution). Usually, the tablets range from INR 50 to INR 600. For instance, a 4mg tablet leaf with 10 tablets would cost you around INR 55.
For queries regarding methylprednisolone and other OTC and prescription drugs, contact our experts at Yashoda Hospitals today.
