Methylprednisolone is an anti-inflammatory drug that belongs to the category of medicines known as glucocorticoids. It was approved by the FDA in 1957.

Methylprednisolone is used to treat inflammatory and allergic conditions in the body. It is also used for the treatment of endocrine disorders.

The medicine will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. This injection will be given intramuscularly or intravenously into a vein in your arm. Do not self-administer this medicine. 40 mg/mL and 80 mg/mL. The dose of the injection will be decided by your doctor based on your disease condition and other factors.

The common side effects that are likely to occur with this injection are headache, vision problems, poor wound healing, and bone weakness. Some serious side effects also include blood clots in the leg veins, lungs and bleeding ulcers. Inform your healthcare provider if these side effects concern you or persist for longer than usual. Consult your doctor immediately for more advice.

Methylprednisolone is not recommended for pregnant women, because it may harm the developing fetus. In case you're allergic to this injection, report with your doctor immediately. Mental health problems can happen while taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor if you feel depressed.

This drug can increase the risk of certain eye problems, such as posterior subcapsular cataracts and glaucoma. These conditions can lead to vision loss if not treated properly. Additionally, corticosteroids can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to secondary ocular infections caused by fungi or viruses. Therefore, it is important to use corticosteroids at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration to minimise the risk of these side effects. If you experience any changes in your vision or eye discomfort while taking Methylprednisolone injection or any other corticosteroid, it is important to inform your doctor right away. Your healthcare provider will monitor your blood pressure, electrolyte levels, and kidney function closely while you are taking corticosteroids to prevent the side effects. In addition, all corticosteroids can increase calcium excretion, which can lead to osteoporosis and increased risk of fractures with prolonged use. Your doctor will prescribe calcium and vitamin D supplementation to help maintain bone health while taking corticosteroids. Tell your physician about all the medications you have been taking recently, including herbal medicines and supplements, before taking this injection.

Methylprednisolone injection can cause harm to a developing fetus or nursing baby, so it is important to notify your physician if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to have a baby. Grapefruit juice and grapefruit should be avoided by individuals taking this drug. This medicine can cause several side effects related to electrolyte and fluid balance. When given in large doses, these medications can increase blood pressure, cause salt and water retention, and increase the excretion of potassium. These effects are less likely to occur with prolonged use or high doses. To prevent these side effects, dietary salt restriction and potassium supplementation may be necessary. 

1. Pfizer Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [ Revised on Oct 2021] [ Accessed on 7th July 2021], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1550.pdf
2. Pfizer, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on Oct 2011] [ Accessed on 7th July 2021], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/011856s103s104lbl.pdf
3. Medrol, Food and Drug Administration, (Accessed on March 20, 2023),https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/011153s075lbl.pdf
4. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, ACTH, adrenal steroids, and pharmacology of the adrenal cortex, 12th edition, 2011, 1231.
5. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Corticosteroids, 7th edition, 2013, 288.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.