Solu-Medrol
Solu-Medrol contains methylprednisolone, a type of glucocorticoid that reduces inflammation and relieves allergic symptoms.
Form
injektiokuiva-aine ja liuotin, liuosta varten
Strength
1 g
Active Ingredient
Methylprednisolone sodium succinate
Manufacturer
Pfizer Oy
How to Use
Dosage
Your doctor will decide your specific dose based on your condition. Typical starting doses are 10-500 mg given into a vein; for severe conditions, higher doses like 250-1000 mg may be given daily for 3-5 days.
Method
Solu-Medrol is given by a doctor or nurse as an injection into a vein (intravenously) or muscle (intramuscularly), or as an infusion into a vein.
Important
The maximum daily dose is determined by your doctor, depending on your condition; for example, up to 1000 mg daily for 3-5 days in certain severe cases.
Possible Side Effects
RARE
- •Infections due to weakened immune system, other infections
- •Increase in white blood cells
- •Allergic reactions to the medicine (including severe ones)
- •Cushing's syndrome-like symptoms (e.g., weight gain and rounded face), withdrawal syndrome when stopping steroids (e.g., loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, headache, fever, joint pain, muscle pain, weight loss, and/or low blood pressure)
- •Metabolic acidosis, sodium and fluid retention, excessive alkalinity of blood due to potassium deficiency, blood lipid disorder, impaired sugar tolerance, increased need for insulin or oral diabetes medications in diabetics, local fat accumulation in the body, increased appetite (which can lead to weight gain)
- •Mood disorders (mood swings, psychological dependence, suicidal thoughts, depression, and euphoria), psychotic disorders (including mania, delusions, hallucinations, and schizophrenia), personality changes, confusion, anxiety, abnormal behavior, insomnia, irritability
- •Increased intracranial pressure, seizures, memory loss, cognitive dysfunction (e.g., in perception, learning, and memory), vertigo, headache
- •Retinal and choroidal disease, cataracts, increased intraocular pressure, bulging eyes, blurred vision
- •Dizziness (vertigo)
- •Heart failure in susceptible patients, arrhythmia
- •Increased blood clotting, excessive drop in blood pressure, high blood pressure, skin warming and redness
- •Pulmonary embolism, hiccups
- •Stomach and digestive system symptoms (e.g., stomach ulcer, pancreatitis, esophagitis, abdominal pain, diarrhea, indigestion, nausea), stomach or duodenal ulcer that may perforate and bleed
- •Methylprednisolone can cause liver damage. Liver inflammation and increased liver enzyme levels have been reported.
- •Skin symptoms, e.g., episodic local swelling (angioedema), excessive hair growth, small hemorrhages, easy bruising, skin redness, excessive sweating, skin stretch marks, rash, itching, hives, acne, skin pigment disorders
- •Muscle weakness, muscle pain, muscle disease, muscle atrophy, bone loss (osteoporosis), bone necrosis, pathological fractures, joint disease due to nerve disease, joint pain, growth retardation in children
- •Crisis related to adrenal gland tumor
- •Irregular menstrual cycle
- •Slow wound healing, swelling, fatigue, malaise, skin reactions at the injection site
- •Increased intraocular pressure, impaired carbohydrate tolerance, changes in blood counts, increased calcium in urine, weakened skin test reactions
- •Spinal compression fracture, tendon rupture
Important Warnings
- Do not use if you are allergic to methylprednisolone or any other ingredient, have a fungal infection, or have recently received a live or weakened vaccine.
- This medicine can weaken your immune system, making you more prone to infections or worsening existing ones.
- Long-term daily use in children can slow down growth and should only be used for severe diseases.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience blurred vision or other vision problems.
- Inform your doctor about Solu-Medrol treatment if you need a vaccination.
Show 2 more warnings
- Avoid grapefruit juice as it can increase the level of methylprednisolone in your blood.
- This medicine may affect your ability to drive or use machines if you experience dizziness, tiredness, or vision problems. Assess your own ability during treatment.
Use in Elderly Patients
Category C
Suitable for older adults, with specific precautions. Consider the risk of adverse effects of cortisone treatment. (updated 10.11.2025)