Methylprednisolone is a potent anti-inflammatory medication. It is useful in treating numerous conditions, including arthritis, vestibular neuritis, poison ivy, autoimmune diseases and respiratory diseases. Methylprednisolone is a synthetic glucocorticoid, and is a variant of prednisolone. It is sold under the brand name Medrol but is also available as a generic medication.
Addisonian Crisis
Long-term methylprednisolone use can cause the adrenal glands to stop producing a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is a vital hormone, but it can be replaced by methylprednisolone. If someone who has been taking methylprednisolone over a long period of time abruptly stops taking it, this can lead to a condition called an Addisonian crisis. Typical symptoms of an Addisonian crisis include severe vomiting and diarrhea, low blood pressure, fainting, confusion, low blood sugar, lethargy and fever. An Addisonian crisis can be fatal, but it can be prevented by stopping methylprednisolone with a slow taper, under a doctor's supervision.
Weight Gain
Methylprednisolone causes sodium retention, which can lead someone to accumulate fluid. This is a short term side effect and improves after the medication is stopped. In the short term, that fluid accumulation can lead to weight gain.
Elevated blood pressure
Another side effect of methylpresnisolone is elevated blood pressure, or hypertension. This is believed to be due to fluid retention that results from long-term methylprednisolone use. People taking the medication long-term will see their physician regularly to monitor their blood pressure, as hypertension can lead to other more serious heart-related consequences. If left untreated over a long time, hypertension can lead to heart failure and heart rhythm disturbances.
Stomach Ulcers
Methylprednisolone can have gastrointestinal side effects. Long-term use can lead to formation of stomach ulcers. Signs of developing a stomach ulcer include severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
References
- British Medical Journal; Clinical and Endocrine Side-effects of Methylprednisolone Acetate as Used in Hay-Fever; Michael Ganderton; January 1970
- Journal of Hypertension; The hypertensive effect of synthetic glucocorticoids in man: role of sodium and volume; Judith Whitworth; July 1989
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