Key takeaways
- Methylprednisolone is a generic prescription oral tablet used for certain inflammatory and autoimmune conditions in adults and some children. Dosage of this medication varies depending on the condition it’s being used to treat.
- The typical starting dosage for most conditions is 4 to 48 milligrams (mg) per day. However, for MS it’s 200 mg per day.
- Your doctor may adjust your dosage over the course of your treatment.
Methylprednisolone oral tablet is prescribed for many conditions in adults and children. A few examples include certain:
- autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
- blood conditions, such as hemolytic anemia and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
- eye conditions, such as shingles in the eye and keratitis
This medication is also used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) flare-ups in adults and some children.
Methylprednisolone belongs to a drug class called glucocorticoids. Methylprednisolone is available in the brand-name versions Medrol and Medrol Dosepak.
This article describes the dosages of methylprednisolone, its strengths, and how to take it.
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following chart highlights the basics of methylprednisolone’s dosage. All doses are listed in milligrams (mg).
| Condition | Starting dosage | Dosage changes |
|---|---|---|
| MS | 200 mg per day for 1 week | 80 mg every other day for 1 month |
| Certain inflammatory conditions | 4 to 48 mg per day | usually lowered based on your condition and your doctor’s guidance |
Always take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, they may adjust your dosage from those shown here.
Methylprednisolone forms
Methylprednisolone is available as an oral tablet. It’s also available as a liquid suspension that’s given as an injection under your skin, but that form isn’t covered in this article.
Methylprednisolone strengths
Methylprednisolone tablets come in four strengths:
- 4 milligrams (mg)
- 8 mg
- 16 mg
- 32 mg
Methylprednisolone’s dosage varies depending on the condition it’s being prescribed to treat. Always follow your doctor’s instructions. Notify them if you experience any side effects that may prevent you from taking your medication.
Dosage for MS
The typical methylprednisolone starting dosage for adults with MS is 200 mg per day taken in one or two doses. After taking 200 mg each day for 1 week, your doctor will likely reduce your dosage to 80 mg every other day for 1 month.
Dosage for various other inflammatory conditions
The typical starting dosage of methylprednisolone for adults with certain inflammatory conditions is 4 to 48 mg per day taken in one or more doses. The exact dosage your doctor prescribes — and the maximum dose they may prescribe — depends on the type and severity of your condition and your medical history.
If your condition responds well to methylprednisolone, your doctor may slowly decrease your dosage until you reach the lowest possible effective amount. If they prescribe this drug long term, they may recommend you take it every other day. This may lessen your risk of methylprednisolone side effects.
Methylprednisolone is used to treat MS and certain other inflammatory conditions in children ages 0 to 18 years.
Your child’s doctor will determine your child’s dosage based on the condition being treated and will ultimately prescribe the lowest effective dosage.
For more information about methylprednisolone’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.
Methylprednisolone oral tablet is a pill you take by mouth. Your doctor or pharmacist will give you specific instructions for taking methylprednisolone.
Typically, recommendations for taking methylprednisolone include:
- taking the drug with food or milk to help to reduce the risk of upset stomach
- taking the drug in the morning (if you’re only taking it once per day)*
- cutting or crushing the table if you have difficulty swallowing pills
* It’s usually best to take methylprednisolone in the morning, as this matches your body’s natural hormone cycle and helps reduce side effects.
How long do you take methylprednisolone?
Methylprednisolone may be a long-term or short-term treatment depending on the condition you’re taking it for.
Your doctor will determine your treatment plan, including how long you’ll take this medication. It’s important to follow their instructions exactly since your dosage will be personalized based on your medical history and specific condition.
If you’re taking the drug long-term and need to stop treatment, your doctor will slowly decrease your dosage over time rather than having you stop it suddenly.
Note: If you’re taking methylprednisolone and go through a stressful event such as surgery or a serious illness, your doctor may temporarily increase your dose to help your body handle the extra stress.
Do not take more methylprednisolone than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of methylprednisolone overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose of methylprednisolone can include:
- high blood pressure, which typically doesn’t cause symptoms
- low blood potassium levels, which may cause tiredness, muscle cramps, and weakness
- salt and water buildup, which may cause swelling of your arms, hands, legs, or feet
What to do in case you take too much methylprednisolone
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much methylprednisolone. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.