Acto-Pred

Acto-Pred (Methylprednisolone) is an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid which works by affecting metabolism and immune reactions to stimuli. It has a number of different indications, and is said to be useful in the treatment of various allergic states, including hay fever (seasonal or perennial rhinitis), serum sickness, dermatitis and bronchial asthma. Other conditions treated include multiple sclerosis, colitis, enteritis and other gastrointestinal disorders.

In addition to the conditions listed above, it may be used for autoimmune disorders, respiratory conditions, herpes zoster opthalmicus and other eye diseases, arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatic disorders and endrocrine disorders. Physicians may also use it to treat patients for conditions not listed here. Although intranasal glucocorticoids are frequently used to treat rhinitis, oral administration in the form of tablets may be needed in cases of severe and intractable symptoms or if the patient fails to respond to intranasal treatment.

Medical trials demonstrated that daily administration of this medicine could significantly improve nasal symptoms in patients suffering from hay fever. The primary active component of this medicine resembles a hormone that is naturally produced by the adrenal glands in the body (however, it is a man made substance). It works to treat the conditions listed above by affecting the body`s release of the substances that trigger inflammation (called mediators of inflammation). This release normally occurs due to an immune system response, however, by stopping it, treatment of the conditions listed above is possible.

Acto-Pred (Methylprednisolone) comes in tablet form. A 4mg variety is available, as well as a stronger version containing 16mg strength tablets. Adults taking this medicine for immunosuppression or as an anti-inflammatory medicine may be instructed by their physician to administer 4mg to 48mg per day, with the precise dosage decided upon by the physician.

The adult dosage for maintenance of asthma usually differs, and physicians normally instruct patients to take 7.5mg to 60mg per day (administered as a single dose in the morning). In certain cases, ADT (alternate day therapy) may be recommended by the physician, meaning that twice the normal daily dosage is administered every other morning. Your physician will thoroughly evaluate your disorder and decide upon the best course of treatment. Strict compliance with the dosage instructions given to you is needed at all times.

Corticosteroid treatment with Acto-Pred (Methylprednisolone) might trigger side effects, for example:

• Acne
• Bloated abdomen
• Appetite changes
• Muscular soreness
• Dryness of the scalp or thinner hair

Ensure that your physician is notified of all side effects which you experience throughout the entire duration of treatment. Rare and serious reactions requiring prompt medical attention or hospitalization include aggressive or agitated behavior, depression, reduction in the volume of urine passed, weight gain, sore eyes and other side effects not referenced in this paragraph.

Use of Acto-Pred (Methylprednisolone) for a long period of time could put you at risk of adrenal gland disorders. Ask your physician about this before the commencement of treatment.

The possibility of you getting an infection is increased while this medicine is being taken. Stay away from people who are sick so as to help protect yourself from infection.