Mesolon Tablet (Methylprednisolone)

Adult dosage

The initial dose may vary from 4 mg to 48 mg of methylprednisolone per day, depending on the symptoms of the specific disease. In general, a low dose is sufficient for less severe conditions, but a high initial dose may be required in some patients. The initial dose should be maintained or adjusted until a satisfactory response is obtained. If there is no satisfactory clinical result after a reasonable period, discontinue treatment and switch to another appropriate therapy. The dose should be determined individually according to the various diseases being treated and the patient's response. After an adequate response is achieved, determine an appropriate maintenance dose by reducing the initial dose at suitable intervals until the lowest dose that maintains an adequate clinical response is reached. Continuous monitoring of the dose is required. Situations that may require dose adjustment include improvement or worsening of the disease, individual patient response to the medicine, and exposure to stressful circumstances that do not directly affect the symptoms of the disease being treated. In the latter case, it may be necessary to increase the dose for a period sufficient to achieve satisfactory control of the patient's condition. After long-term treatment, gradual dose reduction is recommended when discontinuing the medicine. Multiple sclerosis For treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis, administration of prednisolone 200 mg daily for 1 week, followed by prednisolone 80 mg every other day for 1 month, is effective (4 mg of methylprednisolone is equivalent to 5 mg of prednisolone). ADT (Alternate Day Therapy) Alternate-day therapy is a regimen in which twice the daily dose is administered on one morning every other day. The purpose of this regimen is to enhance the effects of corticosteroids in patients requiring long-term treatment while minimizing adverse effects such as pituitary-adrenal suppression, Cushingoid state, corticosteroid withdrawal symptoms, and growth suppression in children. Although a single morning dose results in substantially less adrenal suppression than taking prednisolone (10 mg) in 4 divided doses every 6 hours, there is evidence that, when pharmacologic doses are used, some suppression of adrenal activity continues into the following day. In addition, suppression of the adrenal cortex has been observed for 2 days or longer after a single dose of any corticosteroid. Methylprednisolone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone, and other corticosteroids are considered short-acting (a single dose causes adrenal cortical suppression for 1¼ to 1½ days); therefore, alternate-day therapy is recommended. The initial suppressive dose should be continued until a satisfactory clinical response is obtained, usually for 4 to 10 days in many allergic and collagen diseases. When switching to ADT, gradually reduce the amount of corticosteroid given on alternate days. After reducing the daily corticosteroid dose to the minimum effective level as soon as possible while controlling disease progression, switch to an alternate-day schedule. In theory, approach ① is preferable. If this is difficult, it is preferable to administer 3 or even 4 times the daily dose on alternate days rather than merely doubling the daily dose. Once the patient is controlled again, attempt to reduce this dose to the minimum. Adrenal cortical activity is maximal from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. and minimal from 4 p.m. to midnight. When administered during the period of maximal activity (in the morning), exogenous corticosteroids suppress adrenal cortical activity the least.

This medication should not be used in patients with allergies or hypersensitivity to its ingredients. Patients with infections, especially those with untreated infections or systemic fungal infections, should avoid using it due to the risk of exacerbating the infection. It should not be administered to patients with herpes simplex, shingles, or varicella as it can worsen the symptoms. Patients receiving live or attenuated live vaccines should not use this medication. Caution should be exercised when using this medication in patients with glaucoma, tuberculous diseases, or posterior subcapsular cataracts, and it should only be administered if necessary. Patients with electrolyte abnormalities, hypertension, thrombosis, or those who have recently undergone intestinal anastomosis are at risk of exacerbated symptoms when using this medication, so caution is required. Patients with peptic ulcers, psychiatric disorders, or severe osteoporosis may experience worsened symptoms when using this medication and should be treated with caution. Patients with various conditions such as infections, diabetes, renal failure, hypothyroidism, fatty liver, or the elderly may also experience exacerbated conditions, so careful monitoring is necessary. This medication can cause various side effects including edema, hypertension, myasthenia, osteoporosis, gastrointestinal discomfort, skin changes, neurological issues, and endocrine side effects, so symptoms should be closely monitored during treatment. Particularly with long-term use, adrenal insufficiency and withdrawal symptoms due to abrupt discontinuation can occur, so doses should be gradually reduced, and in stressful situations, the dose should be temporarily increased. Due to immunosuppressive actions, the risk of infection is heightened, and serious complications can occur if exposed to contagious diseases such as varicella or measles, so special care should be taken to prevent infections. Additionally, there are many drug interactions with this medication, so it is essential to consult healthcare providers if there are other concomitant medications. During pregnancy, it may harm the fetus, so it should only be used when absolutely necessary, and breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment. In children, there is a risk of growth retardation, so it should be administered with caution at the minimum effective dose. In the elderly, there is a higher risk of side effects, requiring thorough observation and care. During the use of this medication, special attention should be given to avoid infections from varicella or measles, and if an infection is suspected or occurs, immediate medical consultation is required. Before the administration of this medication, a history of varicella and measles and vaccination status must be confirmed.

Edema, sodium retention, potassium loss, fluid retention, hypokalemic alkalosis, congestive heart failure, hypertension, myasthenia, aseptic necrosis of the femoral and humeral heads, steroid myopathy, muscle mass loss, pathologic fractures of the pelvis, osteoporosis, vertebral compression fractures, arthralgia, tendon rupture, increased ALT, increased AST, increased ALP, nausea, thirst, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, increased appetite, peptic ulcer, abdominal distention, pancreatitis, ulcerative esophagitis, diarrhea, delayed wound healing, facial erythema, thin and fragile skin, abnormal sweating, petechiae, purpura, skin reaction suppression, purpura, acne, hypertrichosis, hair loss, pigmentation, papilledema, increased intracranial pressure, convulsions, dizziness, headache, insomnia, euphoria, depression, Cushing's syndrome, menstrual irregularities, growth suppression in children, latent diabetes symptoms, secondary adrenal insufficiency, pituitary unresponsiveness, reduced glucose tolerance, increased demand for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents, suppression of adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion, increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, posterior subcapsular cataracts, secondary eye infections due to fungi or viruses, retinal disorders, exophthalmos, nitrogen balance, immune system disorders, allergic reactions, shock, urticaria, anaphylactic reactions, hypersensitivity reactions

This medication should be stored in a tightly sealed container to avoid contact with air or moisture, and it is best kept at room temperature between 1 and 30 degrees Celsius. Proper storage will help maintain the effectiveness of the medication for an extended period.

Appearance

White round tablets

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 300 tablets/bottle