How does Acto-Pred (Methylprednisolone) work:

Acto-Pred (Methylprednisolone) is a corticosteroid used as a treatment against inflammation. Acto-Pred (Methylprednisolone) can be used to treat a variety of conditions ranging from arthritis, skin conditions, breathing disorders, lupus, psoriasis, allergic disorders to ulcerative colitis, and other conditions as prescribed by your physician.

Dosage & Administration:

The initial dosage of Acto-Pred tablets may vary from 4mg to 48mg daily depending on the specific disease entity being treated. In situations of less severity lower doses will generally suffice while in selected patients higher initial doses may be required. Clinical situations in which high dose therapy may be indicated include multiple sclerosis (200 mg/day), cerebral oedema (200 - 1,000 mg/day), and organ transplantation (up to 7 mg/kg/day). The initial dosage should be maintained or adjusted until a satisfactory response is noted. If there is a lack of satisfactory clinical response after a reasonable period of time, Acto-Pred should be discontinued and the patient transferred to other appropriate therapy. If after long-term therapy the drug is to be stopped, it is recommended that it be withdrawn gradually rather than abruptly.

Side Effects:

Fluid and Electrolyte Disturbances

• sodium retention
• fluid retention
• congestive heart failure in susceptible patients
• potassium loss
• hypokalemic alkalosis
• hypertension

Musculoskeletal

• muscle weakness
• steroid myopathy
• osteoporosis
• vertebral compression fractures
• aseptic necrosis
• pathologic fractures
• tendon rupture, particularly of the Archilles tendon

Gastrointestinal

• peptic ulceration with possible perforation and haemorrhage
• pancreatitis
• gastric haemorrhage
• perforation of the bowel
• oesophagitis

Dermatologic

• impaired wound healing
• thin, fragile skin
• petechiae and ecchymoses

Neurological

• increased intracranial pressure
• pseudotumor cerebri
• psychic derangements
• seizures

Endocrine

• development of Cushingoid state
• suppression of growth in children
• suppression of pituitary-adrenal axis
• menstrual irregularities
• decreased carbohydrate tolerance - manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus
• increased requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents in diabetics

Ophthalmic

• posterior subcapsular cataracts
• increased intraocular pressure
• exophthalmos

Metabolic

• negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism

Immune System

• masking of infections
• latent infections becoming active
• opportunistic infections
• hypersensitivity reactions including anaphalaxis
• may suppress reactions to skin tests

Precautions:

Always disclose all medication you are taking or have recently taken. Inform your physician of any allergies and if you have ever had any diseases. Ensure your physician is aware if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breast feeding. Acto-Pred (Methylprednisolone) may interact with other drugs, if you are having any surgery let the surgeon know you are taking Acto-Pred (Methylprednisolone) in case they need to adjust their anesthetic. Patients who take large amounts of aspirin or arthritis medication or have a medical history of ulcers should limit their alcohol consumption while taking Acto-Pred (Methylprednisolone).