Methylprednisolone
Pronunciation: (meth-ill-pred-NISS-oh-lone).
- Generic name
- Methylprednisolone
- Brand names
- Solu-Medrol, Depo-Medrol, Medrol, Depomed, Methylpred, Solu-Medrone
- Drug class
- Autoimmune & Immunological
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What Methylprednisolone is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Methylprednisolone works
Methylprednisolone is a synthetic glucocorticoid that binds to cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptors, modulating gene expression and suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. It inhibits leukocyte infiltration at the site of inflammation, interferes with mediators of inflammatory response, and suppresses humoral immune responses. (1)
What Methylprednisolone is used for
Rheumatoid arthritis
Asthma
Allergic reactions
Multiple sclerosis exacerbations
Inflammatory bowel disease
Before taking Methylprednisolone
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Systemic fungal infections, known hypersensitivity to methylprednisolone or other corticosteroids, recent administration of live vaccines. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2) (3)How to take Methylprednisolone
- General Instructions: Take methylprednisolone exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not increase or decrease your dose without consulting your doctor.. Adult Dosing: Dosing varies widely depending on the condition. Typical oral doses range from 4 mg to 48 mg daily, sometimes given as a single dose or divided doses. For severe conditions, higher doses or intravenous administration may be used.. Pediatric Dosing: Children's doses are based on weight and the specific condition. Always follow your pediatrician's instructions.. Administration: Take tablets with food or milk to reduce stomach upset. For injections, a healthcare professional will administer the dose.. When To Stop: Do not stop taking methylprednisolone suddenly. Your doctor will guide you on how to taper the dose safely to avoid withdrawal symptoms.. Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2) (3)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take an extra dose to catch up.
Overdose
In case of overdose, seek emergency medical help or call your local poison control center. Symptoms may include confusion, muscle weakness, seizures, or irregular heartbeat. (2) (3)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Increased appetite
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Insomnia
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Fluid retention
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Mood changes
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
High blood pressure
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Increased blood sugar
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Osteoporosis
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Increased risk of infection
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
For INJECTABLE methylprednisolone only — serious
Symptoms: For INJECTABLE methylprednisolone only: giving corticosteroids by the epidural (spinal) route is not FDA-approved — its safety and effectiveness by that route have not been established — and rare but serious neurologic events (including spinal cord injury/infarction, paralysis, stroke, and cortical blindness) have been reported. Injections must only be given by the route and method the prescribing team intends.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2) (3)
Long-term use increases risk of infections — serious
Symptoms: Long-term use increases risk of infections. May cause high blood sugar or worsen diabetes. Can lead to osteoporosis with prolonged use. May cause adrenal suppression if stopped suddenly. Monitor for mood or psychiatric changes.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2) (3)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindications: Systemic fungal infections, known hypersensitivity to methylprednisolone or other corticosteroids, administration of live or live-attenuated vaccines to patients on immunosuppressive corticosteroid doses. Precautions: Use with caution in patients with diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, peptic ulcer disease, psychiatric disorders, and those at risk for infections.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2) (3)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Methylprednisolone can interact with many medicines, including blood thinners (warfarin), certain antibiotics (rifampin), antifungals, anti-seizure drugs (phenytoin), and some vaccines. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
| Phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin | These can speed up how quickly methylprednisolone is cleared from the body, which may reduce its effect; the prescribing team may need to use a higher steroid dose. | (2) |
| Ketoconazole, troleandomycin | These can slow methylprednisolone's clearance, increasing its level and effects in the body; the prescribing team may adjust the steroid dose accordingly. | (2) |
| Cyclosporine | Each drug can inhibit the other's metabolism; convulsions (seizures) have been reported when the two are combined. Use together only under close medical supervision. | (2) |
| Aspirin/salicylates | Methylprednisolone can increase clearance of salicylates (lowering their blood level) and combined use raises the risk of stomach ulcers; your care team may monitor salicylate levels if you take both regularly. | (2) |
| Oral anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) | The effect on blood-thinning can vary and go in either direction; closer monitoring of clotting tests (e.g., INR) is generally advised when starting, stopping, or changing methylprednisolone alongside an anticoagulant. | (2) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Adequate human reproduction studies of methylprednisolone have not been done. Use in pregnancy requires weighing the possible benefits against potential risks to the mother and the embryo/fetus. Infants born to mothers who received substantial corticosteroid doses during pregnancy should be observed for signs of adrenal insufficiency. (2) (3)
Breastfeeding
Corticosteroids pass into breast milk to some degree. The decision to breastfeed while taking methylprednisolone should weigh the mother's clinical need for the medicine against any potential effect on the infant — discuss this with your healthcare provider. (2) (3)
Children
Frequency: Once daily or divided doses based on clinical condition.. Weight Based: 0.5 to 2 mg/kg/day, not to exceed 48 mg/day.. Max Daily Dose: 48 mg. Max Single Dose: 48 mg. Methylprednisolone is a long-established medicine in pediatric care for many of the same conditions as in adults; it is not the case that safety is generally unestablished in children. The main pediatric-specific concern is that prolonged corticosteroid therapy can slow growth, so growth and development should be monitored regularly during extended treatment, and the lowest effective dose used. (2) (3)
Renal_impairment
The label does not define specific renal or hepatic dose-reduction numbers for methylprednisolone. Renal impairment (along with several other conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, and peptic ulcer disease) is one of the conditions requiring cautious use and closer monitoring, with dosing individualized by the prescribing team rather than following a fixed adjustment schedule. (2) (3)
Hepatic_impairment
The label does not define specific renal or hepatic dose-reduction numbers for methylprednisolone. Renal impairment (along with several other conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, and peptic ulcer disease) is one of the conditions requiring cautious use and closer monitoring, with dosing individualized by the prescribing team rather than following a fixed adjustment schedule. (2) (3)
Monitoring
(2) (3)Storage
Store methylprednisolone at controlled room temperature, 20-25C (68-77F), away from moisture and heat, and out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Rheumatoid arthritis
Dose summary: Initial dose varies based on condition; typically ranges from 4 mg to 48 mg per day (oral). Higher doses or IV/IM administration may be used for severe conditions; injectable forms must never be given by the epidural route.
Renal context: No specific renal dose-adjustment schedule is defined in the label; renal impairment is one of several conditions requiring cautious, individualized dosing and monitoring rather than a fixed reduction. (1) (2)
Frequently asked questions
How quickly does methylprednisolone work?
Methylprednisolone often starts to reduce inflammation and symptoms within a few hours to a few days, depending on the condition being treated.
Can I stop methylprednisolone suddenly?
No. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms and adrenal insufficiency. Always follow your doctor's instructions for tapering the dose.
Is methylprednisolone safe during pregnancy?
Methylprednisolone should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed and prescribed by your doctor. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
Can I drink alcohol while taking methylprednisolone?
It is best to limit alcohol, as it can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and other side effects.
What should I do if I develop an infection while on methylprednisolone?
Contact your doctor immediately. Methylprednisolone can suppress your immune system, making infections more serious.
Does methylprednisolone cause weight gain?
Weight gain is a common side effect, especially with long-term use, due to increased appetite and fluid retention.
Can children take methylprednisolone?
Yes, but dosing is based on weight and condition. It should only be used in children under close medical supervision.
What happens if I take too much Methylprednisolone?
Taking too much Methylprednisolone can lead to an exacerbation of side effects such as fluid retention, high blood pressure, and mood disturbances. In severe cases, it may cause adrenal suppression or electrolyte imbalances. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center. Do not attempt to self-treat.
What is the mechanism of action of Methylprednisolone?
Methylprednisolone is a synthetic glucocorticoid that binds to cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptors, modulating gene expression and suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. It inhibits leukocyte infiltration at the site of inflammation, interferes with mediators of inflammatory response, and suppresses humoral immune responses. (1)
What is the generic name of Methylprednisolone?
The generic name is Methylprednisolone. It is sold under brand names including Solu-Medrol, Depo-Medrol, Medrol, Depomed, Methylpred, Solu-Medrone.
What class of drug is Methylprednisolone?
Methylprednisolone is classed as: Autoimmune & Immunological.
References
- Methylprednisolone medicine recordMedGuideGlobal (internal clinician-authored medicine record) · null · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- MEDROL (methylprednisolone) tablets — prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration (DailyMed) · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- DEPO-MEDROL / SOLU-MEDROL (injectable methylprednisolone) — epidural/intrathecal administration warningU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 3
- METHYLPREDNISOLONE TABLET [PD-RX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Methylprednisolone Injection — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- Methylprednisolone — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 155323)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Methylprednisolone names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Solu-Medrol1 g/8mL, 1 g/mL, 125 mg/2mL, 500 mg/4mL, 40 mg/mL, 2 g/30.6mL, 500 mg/mL · pharmacia & upjohn company llc
- Depo-Medrol40 mg/mL, 80 mg/mL, 20 mg/mL · pharmacia & upjohn company llc
- Medrol2 mg, 8 mg, 16 mg, 4 mg · pharmacia & upjohn company llc
- Medroloan II SUIK40 mg/mL · asclemed usa, inc.
- Medroloan SUIK40 mg/mL · asclemed usa, inc.
- SOLU-MEDROL(R) METHYLPREDNISOLONE SODIUM SUCCINAT500 mg/4mL · hf acquisition co llc, dba healthfirst
Canada
- SOLU-MEDROL
- DEPO-MEDROL 40 MG/ML
- MEDROL