Medicine Information

Methipred

Name: Methipred
Brand: Methipred

Tablet2 mgCorticosteroidsATC: H02AB04

Generic Name

Methylprednisolone

Manufacturer

Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
methipred 2 mg tablet	৳ 3.02	৳ 45.23

Description

Overview of the medicine

Methipred 2 mg Tablet contains Methylprednisolone, a synthetic glucocorticoid. It is primarily used for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects to treat a wide range of conditions, including allergic disorders, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, and breathing disorders.

Uses & Indications

Rheumatic disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus)

Allergic states (e.g., severe asthma, severe allergic reactions)

Skin diseases (e.g., psoriasis, severe dermatitis)

Respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

Gastrointestinal diseases (e.g., ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease)

Endocrine disorders (e.g., primary or secondary adrenocortical insufficiency)

Hematologic disorders (e.g., hemolytic anemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura)

Dosage

Adults

Dosage varies widely depending on the condition being treated and patient response. Typically, initial doses range from 4 mg to 48 mg daily, which may be given as a single dose or divided doses. For 2 mg tablets, they are often used for maintenance or tapering. It should be taken with food to minimize gastric irritation.

Elderly

Similar dosage to adults, but with caution due to increased risk of side effects like osteoporosis, hypertension, and fluid retention. Lower effective doses may be considered.

Renal_impairment

No specific dose adjustment is usually required for renal impairment, but caution is advised in patients with severe renal disease due to fluid retention potential.

How to Take

Take the tablet orally, usually with food or milk to minimize stomach upset. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly, especially after prolonged use, as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will gradually reduce the dose.

Mechanism of Action

Methylprednisolone works by binding to glucocorticoid receptors in the cytoplasm, leading to a cascade of events that alter gene expression. This results in the inhibition of inflammatory mediators (prostaglandins, leukotrienes), suppression of immune responses, and reduction of capillary permeability, thereby decreasing inflammation and swelling.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Anti-inflammatory effects generally begin within hours, but full therapeutic benefits may take days to appear, especially in chronic conditions.

Excretion

Excreted mainly in the urine as inactive metabolites.

Half life

Plasma half-life is approximately 2.5-3.5 hours. Biological half-life is longer, ranging from 18-36 hours.

Absorption

Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract following oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations are usually reached within 1-2 hours.

Metabolism

Primarily metabolized in the liver by the CYP3A4 enzyme, with some metabolism in the kidneys.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Systemic fungal infections
Known hypersensitivity to methylprednisolone or any component of the formulation

Drug Interactions

Warfarin

Methylprednisolone can alter the anticoagulant effects of warfarin; dose adjustment may be necessary.

Diuretics (e.g., furosemide, thiazides)

Increased risk of potassium depletion.

NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)

Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding.

Antidiabetic agents (e.g., insulin, oral hypoglycemics)

Methylprednisolone can increase blood glucose levels, requiring dose adjustment of antidiabetic drugs.

CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin, barbiturates)

May decrease methylprednisolone levels and efficacy.

CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin, grapefruit juice)

May increase methylprednisolone levels and risk of side effects.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Acute overdose with corticosteroids is generally not life-threatening. Chronic overdose can lead to signs of hypercorticism (Cushing's syndrome). Treatment is primarily symptomatic and supportive; gradual withdrawal of the drug may be necessary in chronic overdose.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Methylprednisolone can pass into breast milk. Exercise caution when administered to a nursing woman; benefits versus risks should be considered.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Systemic fungal infections
Known hypersensitivity to methylprednisolone or any component of the formulation

Drug Interactions

Warfarin

Methylprednisolone can alter the anticoagulant effects of warfarin; dose adjustment may be necessary.

Diuretics (e.g., furosemide, thiazides)

Increased risk of potassium depletion.

NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)

Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding.

Antidiabetic agents (e.g., insulin, oral hypoglycemics)

Methylprednisolone can increase blood glucose levels, requiring dose adjustment of antidiabetic drugs.

CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin, barbiturates)

May decrease methylprednisolone levels and efficacy.

CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin, grapefruit juice)

May increase methylprednisolone levels and risk of side effects.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Pregnancy & Lactation

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets per strip30 tablets per box

Shelf Life

Typically 2 to 3 years from the date of manufacture.

Availability

Pharmacies, Hospitals

Approval Status

Approved (Generic)

Patent Status

Generic (Patent Expired)

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Methylprednisolone has been extensively studied in numerous clinical trials for its efficacy in various inflammatory, autoimmune, and immunosuppressive conditions. Research continues into optimal dosing strategies and long-term safety profiles.

Lab Monitoring

Blood glucose levels (especially in diabetic patients or those at risk)
Electrolyte levels (e.g., potassium)
Blood pressure monitoring
Bone density measurements (for long-term therapy)
Growth monitoring in children

Doctor Notes

Emphasize the importance of gradual tapering of the dose, especially after prolonged therapy, to avoid adrenal crisis.
Monitor patients for signs of infection, blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and bone density (for long-term use).
Advise patients about potential mood changes and to report any significant psychological disturbances.
Consider gastroprotective agents if concurrent NSAID use or history of peptic ulcer disease.

Patient Guidelines

Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms.
Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
Inform your doctor about any new symptoms or side effects immediately.
Avoid contact with people who have infections, especially chickenpox or measles, as your immune system may be suppressed.

Missed Dose Advice

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Driving Precautions

Methipred generally does not impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you experience dizziness, blurred vision, or other side effects that affect your concentration, you should avoid driving or operating machinery until these effects subside.

Lifestyle Advice

Maintain a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to support bone health, especially during long-term therapy.
Regular exercise, if appropriate, can help maintain muscle strength and bone density.
Avoid excessive salt intake to help manage fluid retention and high blood pressure.
Limit alcohol consumption, as it can irritate the stomach and interact with the medication.