Description
Methylprednisolone belongs to a group of medications called corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are hormones that are produced naturally in our body, and necessary for many important bodily functions. Methylprednisolone is a synthetic (man-made) corticosteroid medication that has been developed to imitate the actions of naturally occurring corticosteroid hormones in the body. A particularly important action of methlyprednisolone is to relieve inflammation that causes symptoms such as swelling, itching, and redness. Symptoms of inflammation are often seen with allergic reactions such as severe allergic skin reactions, reactions to insect bites, and anaphylaxis (a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction). Other conditions and symptoms associated with inflammation can also be treated with corticosteroids. These include painful swollen joints caused by arthritis, and relief of asthma symptoms caused by inflamed breathing passages.
Methylprednisolone may also be used by people who are not able to produce enough of their own corticosteroid naturally (e.g., Addison’s disease). Additional conditions that may be treated with methylprednisolone include severe skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis), certain eye conditions, ulcerative colitis, certain blood disorders, leukemia, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
The recommended dose of methylprednisolone varies widely depending on the condition being treated, response to the medication, the form of the medication being used, the age and size of the person using the medication, and individual circumstances.
The dose of the tablet form may range from 4 mg to 48 mg of methylprednisolone daily, or even much higher depending on the specific condition being treated.
