Fluid and Electrolyte Disturbances

Sodium retention, Fluid retention, Congestive heart failure in susceptible patients, Potassium loss, Hypokalemic alkalosis, Hypertension

Musculoskeletal

Muscle weakness, Steroid myopathy, Loss of muscle mass, Severe arthralgia, Vertebral compression fractures, Aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads, Pathologic fracture of long bones, Osteoporosis

Gastrointestinal

Peptic ulcer with possible perforation and hemorrhage, Pancreatitis, Abdominal distention, and Ulcerative esophagitis

Dermatologic

Impaired wound healing, Thin fragile skin, Petechiae and ecchymoses, Facial erythema, Increased sweating, May suppress reactions to skin tests

Neurological

Increased intracranial pressure with papilledema (pseudo-tumor cerebri) usually after treatment, Convulsions, Vertigo, Headache

Endocrine

Development of Cushingoid state, Suppression of growth in children, Secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness, particularly in times of stress, as in trauma, surgery or illness, 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, Glaucoma, Exophthalmos

Metabolic

Negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism

The following additional adverse reactions are related to parenteral corticosteroid therapy: Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, Subcutaneous and cutaneous atrophy, Sterile abscess, Anaphylactic reaction with or without circulatory collapse, cardiac arrest, bronchospasm, Urticaria, Nausea and vomiting, Cardiac arrhythmias; hypotension or hypertension

Read the A-Methapred (methylprednisolone sodium succinate) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

The pharmacokinetic interactions listed below are potentially clinically important. Mutual inhibition of metabolism occurs with concurrent use of cyclosporin and methylprednisolone; therefore, it is possible that adverse events associated with the individual use of either drug may be more apt to occur. Convulsions have been reported with concurrent use of methylprednisolone and cyclosporin.

Last reviewed on RxList: 2/13/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.