Methylprednisolone acetate is a corticosteroid for intramuscular use. It has multiple applications in different diseases such as autoimmune problems, severe allergies, or as a palliative treatment for some neoplasms; It can also be applied within precise skin lesions or even be used in cases of ulcerative colitis intrarectally. But like any treatment with corticosteroids, great care must be taken since the possible appearance of side effects must be monitored.
To learn more about this drug, we invite you to continue reading the article FastlyHeal para. What is methylprednisolone acetate?
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What is methylprednisolone acetate?
Methylprednisolone is a synthetic corticosteroid, an artificially produced substance that mimics the corticosteroids produced by the body. In its acetate form, it is a white, odorless powder that does not dissolve in water but does dissolve in other special liquids, which allows it to be applied by intramuscular injections.
This remains for 2 to 4 weeks until its complete elimination, which is a long time taking effect in the body. It can be helpful when the disease to be treated is a chronic disease because the application of doses very closely is avoided. The goals of corticosteroid treatment are:
- Lower inflammation.
- Immunosuppressants that is, decrease the action of the immune system.
As we can see, these effects are extensive and often work on the pathology to be solved and many other functions of the body. Especially if the treatment is chronic, methylprednisolone acetate injections should be given one at a time for a long time.
What is methylprednisolone acetate used for?
Corticosteroids have application in multiple diseases and should not be used indiscriminately because their effects are extensive in the body: they trigger many reactions and prevent others from occurring. It is essential to know that when treating a disease with corticosteroids, it will act on the condition and the rest of the body.
Injectable methylprednisolone acetate in pathologies
If you wonder what methylprednisolone acetate is for, it can be given as an injection into the muscle (usually the buttock) in multiple diseases. Some pathologies in which injectable methylprednisolone acetate is used are:
- Gota.
- Autoimmune diseases: lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis,
- Skin diseases: severe psoriasis, pemphigus, severe seborrheic dermatitis, mycosis fungoides.
- Severe allergy.
- Some endocrine diseases such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
- Severe ophthalmic diseases: herpes zoster, iritis, chorioretinitis, allergic corneal ulcer, severe allergies, optic neuritis, hypersensitivity to the drug, iritis, iridocyclitis, chorioretinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, diffuse posterior uveitis, marginal ulcer, uveitis.
- Aspiration pneumonitis, severe tuberculosis.
- Blood diseases: types of congenital anemia, autoimmune anemia.
- Palliative treatment in some types of leukemia and lymphoma.
Injectable methylprednisolone acetate in lesions
Injectable methylprednisolone acetate can also be used directly in different targeted inflammatory lesions, such as:
- Keloid scars.
- Lupus discoide.
- Lichen planus.
- Alopecia areata.
- Psoriasis plates.
It can also be used intrarectally for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
It can also be injected directly into joints and tendons that suffer from some chronic diseases, which do not benefit from surgery or find a reduction in discomfort through other types of treatments.
Finally, methylprednisolone acetate should not be applied by other routes such as:
- Intrathecal (within the nervous system).
- Intravenous.
Adverse effects of methylprednisolone acetate
The secondary reactions of corticosteroids are multiple and very varied. Therefore, someone who is being treated with this type of medication should be under the supervision of a professional.
Possible side effects of methylprednisolone acetate include:
- Headaches and dizziness.
- Ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Hepatic disorders, pancreatitis.
- Septic arthritis.
- Hypertension.
- Increased glucose levels and decompensation in people with diabetes.
- Electrolyte alteration: sodium, potassium.
- Menstrual irregularities.
- Achilles tendon rupture or muscle weakness.
- The fragile skin and slow healing.
Other more severe side effects of methylprednisolone acetate injection and, therefore, should be reported immediately to a doctor are:
- Seizures
- Vision problems.
- Rashes, hives, or abnormal spots.
- Confusion.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- Numbness, burning or tingling in the body such as the face, arms, legs, or hands.
- Sudden weight gain
- Inflammation in any part of the body such as eyes, throat, hands, feet, ankles …
- It can cause cataracts or glaucoma.
The prolonged use of corticosteroids entering the systemic route is circulating in the body can lead to the person suffering from what is known as Cushing, a syndrome caused by high cortisol levels in the body.
Methylprednisolone injection can affect growth in children. If the child is being treated with methylprednisolone, the doctor will consider and carefully monitor this risk.
It is also essential to know that this type of medication can affect the ability to drive vehicles before the appearance of some adverse effects such as vision problems, dizziness, or headache. Therefore, attention should be paid if these symptoms appear so as not to risk driving.
Who should be careful with the use of methylprednisolone acetate
This type of medication and corticosteroids, in general, should be avoided in:
- Pregnancies or lactation periods.
- Kids.
- People with high blood pressure.
- Diabetics
- People with infectious diseases that are not controlled.
- Herpes patients.
- Glaucoma patients.
- People with clotting problems.
- Patients with low defenses.
Of course, under medical indication and strict surveillance, these contraindications of methylprednisolone acetate are relative: in each case, it is different and, many times, it is more important to reduce inflammation or solve a specific problem with corticosteroids, even if you suffer from another disease.
But since methylprednisolone acetate lasts so long in the body, another type of presentation is preferable that can be injectable but not of such a prolonged duration in the tissues; thus, the desired effect can be ensured adverse reactions will not be long.
It is advisable to consult all the doubts with a trusted doctor and trust his indications. He will inform you of the risks and have the best solution for your situation, which he will follow up on.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.