Metirol Tablet (Methylprednisolone)

Adult dosage

The initial dose may vary from 4mg to 48mg of methylprednisolone per day, depending on the symptoms of the specific disease. In general, a low dose is sufficient for less severe conditions, although a high initial dose may be required in certain patients. The initial dose should be maintained or adjusted until a satisfactory response is obtained. If a satisfactory clinical result is not achieved 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, an appropriate maintenance dose should be determined 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 dosage adjustment include improvement or worsening of the disease, individual patient response to the medication, and the effect on the patient of exposure to stressful circumstances that are not directly related to the symptoms of the disease being treated. In the latter situation, it may be necessary to increase the dose for a period sufficient to adequately address the patient's condition. After long-term treatment, gradual dose reduction is recommended when discontinuing the medication. Multiple sclerosis For the treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis, administration of prednisolone 200mg daily for 1 week, followed by prednisolone 80mg every other day for 1 month, is effective (4mg of methylprednisolone is equivalent to 5mg 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. Although a single morning dose causes considerably less adrenal suppression than taking prednisolone (10mg) in 4 divided doses every 6 hours throughout the day, there is evidence that when pharmacologic doses are used, a slight suppressive effect on adrenal activity persists into the following day. For more serious diseases, a regimen of divided daily doses at high levels will usually be required to achieve initial control of disease progression. 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. ① Switch to ADT and gradually reduce the amount of corticosteroid given every other day. ② Depending on control of disease progression, reduce the daily corticosteroid dose to the minimum effective dose as soon as possible, then change to an alternate-day schedule. If this proves difficult, administering 3 times, or even 4 times, the daily dose every other day is preferable to simply doubling the daily dose. Once the patient is again controlled, attempt to reduce the dose to the lowest possible level. If an acute exacerbation occurs during disease progression, it may be necessary to return to a fully suppressive corticosteroid dose divided throughout the day to achieve control. Once control is achieved, the established alternate-day regimen may be tried again.

This medication should not be used in patients who have allergies or hypersensitivity to any of its components. In patients with infections, especially those with infections that are ineffective to antibacterial agents or systemic fungal infections, this medication should not be administered as it may suppress immune function and worsen the infection. It is also not advisable for patients with viral infections such as herpes simplex, varicella, or herpes zoster as it can worsen symptoms. Patients receiving live vaccines or attenuated live vaccines should not take this medication concurrently, as it may reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine or cause side effects. This medication contains lactose, so it should not be administered to patients with genetic issues such as lactose intolerance, lactose deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption. Patients with glaucoma should be particularly cautious using this medication, as it can increase intraocular pressure and worsen the condition. Patients with tuberculosis or herpes keratitis need to be careful with this medication, as its immune-suppressing effects may exacerbate their symptoms. Patients with subcapsular cataracts should use this medication with caution as it may affect the lens and worsen symptoms. Patients with electrolyte imbalances or hypertension need to be cautious, as this medication can alter electrolyte metabolism and exacerbate symptoms. Patients with thromboembolic disorders are at risk of this medication promoting blood coagulation and worsening their conditions. Patients who have recently undergone intestinal anastomosis surgery should be careful with this medication as it can delay wound healing. Patients who have experienced acute myocardial infarction should be cautious when using this medication due to the risk of heart complications. Patients with diverticulitis or peptic ulcers should be careful as this medication can weaken gastrointestinal protective functions and hinder tissue recovery, thus worsening symptoms. Patients with mental disorders need to be cautious, as this medication may affect brain neurotransmitters and worsen symptoms. Patients with severe osteoporosis should be careful with this medication, as it may suppress bone formation and worsen the condition. Patients with infections should be aware that immune suppression may lead to more severe infections. Patients with diabetes should carefully manage blood sugar levels, as this medication may increase blood sugar and worsen diabetic symptoms. Patients with renal failure or congestive heart failure should be careful, as this medication may retain sodium and worsen symptoms. Patients with hypothyroidism should be cautious, as the half-life of this medication may increase in their bodies. Patients with fatty liver or fat embolism may see their conditions worsen with this medication. Patients with myasthenia gravis may experience temporary worsening of symptoms at the beginning of this medication use. Elderly patients, patients with epilepsy, and patients with ulcerative colitis require special caution when using this medication. This medication can cause various side effects such as fluid retention, electrolyte imbalance, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, gastrointestinal issues, skin changes, neurological abnormalities, endocrine abnormalities, and eye diseases; therefore, symptoms should be closely monitored. Long-term use carries risks of adrenal insufficiency and acute adrenal crisis, and abrupt cessation may trigger withdrawal symptoms, so dosage should be tapered gradually. Due to its immune-suppressing effects, patients should avoid exposure to infectious diseases like chickenpox or measles and receive prompt treatment if infected. This medication can interact with many other drugs; therefore, if the patient is taking other medications, they must consult their doctor or pharmacist. During pregnancy, this medication may harm the fetus, so it should be used cautiously only when necessary, and breastfeeding should be discontinued as this medication can be passed into breast milk. In children, growth retardation may occur, so the minimum effective dose should be used while carefully monitoring their growth status. Elderly patients are at a higher risk of side effects such as infections, diabetes, osteoporosis, and glaucoma, necessitating more careful administration. While using this medication, various symptoms like hypokalemia, skin reactions, and neurological abnormalities may appear, so regular check-ups and monitoring are necessary.

Edema, sodium retention, potassium loss, fluid retention, hypokalemic alkalosis, congestive heart failure, hypertension, myasthenia, avascular necrosis of the femoral and humeral heads, steroid myopathy, muscle wasting, pathologic fractures of the pelvis, osteoporosis, vertebral compression fractures, arthralgia, tendon rupture, increased ALT, increased AST, increased ALP, nausea, thirst, vomiting, gastric pain, loss of appetite, increased appetite, peptic ulcer, abdominal distension, pancreatitis, ulcerative esophagitis, diarrhea, delayed wound healing, facial erythema, thin and fragile skin, abnormal sweating, petechiae, ecchymosis, suppression of skin reactions, purpura, acne, hirsutism, hair loss, hyperpigmentation, increased intracranial pressure, papilledema, seizures, dizziness, headache, insomnia, euphoria, depression, Cushing's syndrome, menstrual irregularities, growth suppression, latent diabetes symptoms, secondary adrenal insufficiency, pituitary unresponsiveness, decreased glucose tolerance, increased demand for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents, suppression of adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion, increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, posterior capsule cataract, secondary infection, retinal disorders, exophthalmos, negative nitrogen balance, immune system disorders, allergic reactions, shock, urticaria, anaphylactic reactions, hypersensitivity reactions

This medication should be stored in a tightly closed container to protect it from air and moisture. It is important to keep the storage temperature between 1 to 30 degrees Celsius.

Appearance

White round tablet

Package unit

For domestic use - 30 tablets/bottle, For domestic use - 300 tablets/bottle