How to Use Medrol Dose Pack

Medrol is a brand name for a corticosteroid medication. Corticosteroids are used to treat many conditions such as allergies and asthma, inflammation, and arthritis. Corticosteroids are normally injected directly into areas of pain for arthritis, but prescriptions in the form of pills are also given to patients. Corticosteroids are normally produced from the adrenal glands in the body, so taking drugs like Medrol should be used with caution and at the correct dose prescribed by a doctor to ensure that abnormally high levels are not circulated in the bloodstream causing severe side effects.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Take Medrol with food. Medrol has a tendency to cause nausea and stomach upset. Food counteracts this side effect, but if symptoms persists consult your doctor.

2. Avoid alcohol with Medrol. Alcohol exacerbates stomach upset with Medrol, so do not drink alcohol when using the medication.

3. Take the recommended dose. The amount given to patients is dependent on their medical background. Typical doses are approximately .25 to 7.2 milligrams (mg) taken once a day.

4. Watch your diet. Corticosteroids cause weight gain in some patients. Exercise and a proper, healthy diet help eliminate increased weight gain.

5. Limit sodium and potassium intake. Corticosteroids play a role in heart regulation. The increased heart rate is dangerous for those people with hypertension. Limiting potassium and sodium helps ameliorate side effects.

References

• Medrol at drugs.com
• Medrol information from the Mayo Clinic

Resources

• Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America

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