โ Active Ingredient Overview Table:
| ๐ฌ Active Ingredient (Generic Name): | Methylprednisolone |
|---|---|
| ๐ Indications: | Inflammatory & Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Asthma, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Allergic Reactions, Dermatologic Disorders, Adrenal Insufficiency) |
| ๐บ๐ธ US Brand Equivalent: | Medrol |
| ๐ญ Manufacturer: | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (Founded: 1983) |
| ๐ฆ Packaging: | 10 Tablets per Strip |
| ๐งช Strengths: | 4 mg / 8 mg / 16 mg |
| ๐ Delivery Time: | 6โ15 days |
๐ฟ What is Methylprednisolone (Predmet)?
Methylprednisolone is a synthetic glucocorticoid with potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. As a single-ingredient oral tablet formulation, Predmet provides rapid relief from a variety of inflammatory, allergic, and autoimmune disorders such as asthma exacerbations, rheumatoid arthritis flares, severe allergic reactions, dermatological conditions (e.g., psoriasis, eczema), inflammatory bowel disease, and as a replacement therapy in adrenal insufficiency. Its ability to modulate gene transcription of pro-inflammatory mediators makes it essential in both acute and chronic management.
๐งฌ Pharmacology & Mechanism of Action
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C22H30O5 |
| Molecular Weight | 374.47 g/mol |
| Mode of Action | โข Enters cells and binds glucocorticoid receptors โ translocates to nucleus |
| โข Upregulates anti-inflammatory proteins (lipocortin-1) โ inhibits phospholipase A2 | |
| โข Downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, TNF-ฮฑ), COX-2 expression โ reduces prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis | |
| โข Suppresses immune cell activation and migration | |
| Bioavailability | ~80% |
| Metabolism & Excretion | Hepatic metabolism (CYP3A4) โ excreted primarily in urine as inactive metabolites |
| Half-Life | Plasma half-life: ~2.8 hours; biological half-life: 18โ36 hours |
๐ก Indications & Usage
| Condition | Recommended Use |
|---|---|
| Asthma Exacerbations | โข Acute Relief: 4 mg once daily for 3โ5 days, then taper; |
| โข Chronic Management: 4โ8 mg once daily; adjust based on severity and prednisone equivalence. | |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis | โข Flare Control: 8โ16 mg once daily for 7โ14 days, then taper by 4 mg every 3โ7 days until maintenance dose or discontinuation. |
| Allergic Reactions (e.g., Severe Urticaria, Anaphylaxis Adjunct) | โข 8 mg once daily for 5โ7 days; adjust based on clinical response. |
| Dermatologic Disorders (Psoriasis, Eczema Flares) | โข 4โ8 mg once daily for 5โ10 days; taper quickly to avoid rebound. |
| Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ulcerative Colitis, Crohnโs) | โข 16 mg once daily for induction (7โ10 days), taper by 4 mg weekly to lowest effective dose. |
| Adrenal Insufficiency (Replacement Therapy) | โข Maintenance: 4 mg in morning; 2 mg in afternoon (divided dosing); adjust per endocrinologist. |
- Administration: Swallow tablets whole with water; may take with food to minimize gastrointestinal irritation.
- Tapering: Gradual dose reduction is essential to prevent adrenal insufficiency and HPA axis suppression.
- Monitoring: Regular assessment for symptom control, blood glucose, electrolytes, and bone density in chronic use.
๐ Dosage Recommendations
| Strength | Typical Starting Dose | Tapering Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| 4 mg | 4 mg once daily | Reduce by 1โ2 mg every 3โ5 days until discontinuation |
| 8 mg | 8 mg once daily | Reduce by 2โ4 mg every 5โ7 days to maintenance dose or off therapy |
| 16 mg | 16 mg once daily | Reduce by 4 mg weekly until target maintenance or discontinuation |
Dosing must be individualized based on indication, disease severity, concomitant therapies, and patient response.
๐ฉบ Storage Guidelines
- Store Predmet tablets at 20ยฐCโ25ยฐC (68ยฐFโ77ยฐF).
- Protect from moisture and excessive heat.
- Keep strips in original packaging until use to maintain tablet integrity.
- Discard any expired or discolored tablets.
โ ๏ธ Possible Side Effects
Common (Dose-Dependent):
- Hyperglycemia
- Fluid retention, hypertension
- Weight gain, increased appetite
- Mood changes (euphoria, insomnia, depression)
- Acne, hirsutism
Less Common:
- Gastric irritation, dyspepsia
- Osteoporosis with prolonged use
- Cataracts, glaucoma
- Muscle weakness, proximal myopathy
Serious (Rare):
- Adrenal suppression (secondary adrenal insufficiency)
- Peptic ulcer disease, gastrointestinal bleeding
- Infectious complications (masked infections)
- Thromboembolism
Precautions:
- Infection Risk: Avoid live vaccines; monitor for latent infections (e.g., TB).
- Metabolic Effects: Monitor blood glucose, lipids.
- Bone Health: Supplement calcium and vitamin D; consider bisphosphonates in long-term use.
- Ophthalmologic Monitoring: Regular eye exams for cataract/glaucoma risk.
- Tapering: Do not abruptly discontinue after โฅ2 weeks to prevent adrenal crisis.
๐ Availability & Purchasing
- United States: Prescription required; branded as Medrol. Generic methylprednisolone tablets (4 mg, 8 mg, 16 mg) widely available.
- United Kingdom & EU: Prescription-only; generic tablets available; specialist guidance for tapering regimens.
- Australia: TGA-approved; prescription necessary; import permitted under PBS or private prescription.
Importing Predmet from India:
Purchasing Predmet from India can offer significant cost savings. Ensure compliance with local import regulations, maintain valid prescription, and verify authenticity (batch certification) to avoid counterfeit products.
๐ Authoritative Resources
๐ Related Corticosteroid Therapies (Indian Brands)
- Betnesol (Betamethasone) 0.5 mg โ Oral corticosteroid by GSK.
- Dexona (Dexamethasone)ย โ Potent glucocorticoid by Merck.
๐ฅ Educational Video on Methylprednisolone Therapy
๐จโโ๏ธ Expert Insight: Dr. Ananya Verma, Rheumatologist
โMethylprednisolone offers rapid control of many inflammatory and autoimmune flares. Its potency requires careful dosing and tapering to minimize side effects. Monitoring metabolic and bone health is crucial during prolonged therapy.โ





