Medrol Side Effects

Introduction to Medrol
In the human body we find adrenal glands which are located neighboring to the kidneys. This gland produces naturally occurring chemicals known as corticosteroids which obstruct inflammation in the body. Medrol or Methylprednisolone is artificially prepared corticosteroid. It is prepared in various forms such as oral tablets, liquids, capsules, inhalers, eye-drops, injections, intravenous solutions, topical creams and gels.

Methylprednisolone or Medrol is generally used to attain quick control on inflammation. For example, it is used for the inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, acute gouty arthritis, ulcerative colitis, chronic allergy, inflammatory conditions of uvea, conjunctiva and optic nerves of the eyes, psoriatic arthritis, etc.

Side Effects of Medrol
Side effects of Medrol depend upon the dose and duration of consumption. Short doses are suitable for the body and with minimal side effects, but such effects are generally not predictable. Higher doses or say long term doses of Medrol turn out into predictable and intense side effects. It is always recommended to have low effective dose and short term dose of methyl prednisolone or Medrol.

Especially for the people suffering from high blood pressure, active dormant peptic ulcer, a muscle weakness disorder, brittle bones, ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory conditions of the intestine, are suggested to have Medrol with great caution and recommendation.

The side effects of Medrol may range from common and mild effects on the body to some serious and irreversible side effects on the body. Some of the common side effect may include abdominal swelling, weight gain, allergic reactions, high blood pressure, bone fractures, bruising of the skin, potassium loss, headache, muscle weakness, peptic ulceration, worsening of diabetes, irregular menses, poor healing of the wounds, growth retardation in children, inflammation of pancreas, protruding eyes, stomach ulcer, fragile skin with tiny red spots on it, fluid and salt retention, increased eye pressure, increased sweating, vertigo, hair growth on face etc.

A little more dosage of Medrol may also result in psychic disturbances such as depression, euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, and even psychotic behavior. If you see such changes then consult your doctor immediately.

Extended use of Medrol or methylprednisolone can lower the ability of the body's adrenal glands to produce corticosteroids. Immediately stopping Medrol can root out the symptoms of corticosteroid insufficiency. This may result in causing nausea, vomiting, and even shock. Therefore, the dose of Medrol should gradually be lowered which minimizes the results of corticosteroid insufficiency.

Medrol can masquerade signs of infection that harm the body's natural immune systems. Patients on corticosteroids are more at risk to infections and can develop more serious infections. For instance, chicken pox and measles viruses can produce serious and even fatal illnesses in patients on high doses of Medrol. Some infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, can remain latent in patients for longer duration.

Medrol impairs calcium absorption and an increased risk of bone fractures. In some individuals, damage of large joints can occur while undergoing treatment with Medrol or other corticosteroids. But these types of cases are rare. These patients incident severe pain in the joints and may require joint replacement.

Methylprednisolone can be used in pregnancy, but is generally avoided as long-term use of Medrol can slow down the growth and development of infants and children.

Medrol is usually not prescribed if you are suffering from a fungal infection or if you are sensitive to or allergic to steroids (corticosteroids). Even if it is rare, it is more common to the people who are sensitive to aspirin. Medrol can modify the way your body responds to unusual stress.

Medrol is prescribed in certain medical conditions and recommendation is generally short term. All the above side effects can be reduced with proper guidance of doctors and proper intake of Medrol.