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Suggest Dosage For Methylprednisolone

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Posted on Mon, 23 Nov 2015
Question: I was prescribed methylprednisolone 4mg dosepak. I did day 1 on Friday which was a total of 6 pills. I started on day 2 which should be a total of 5 pills. After taking my 2nd pill of the day I noticed my face was flushed and so I took my blood pressure and it was 137/92 with a heart rate of 79. I'm due for the next pill but I'm not sure if it will make my blood pressure go up further. At this point I need advice on if I should proceed with the dosing or if I could safely discontinue use. It was prescribed to me to get some remaining inflammation out of my knee from a recent gout attack.
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Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You need to proceed with methyl prednisone

Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic!

Based on the history you have shared, it is quite possible to be due to methyl prednisone, but for acute flare of Gout the primary preference should be to decrease the inflamation and acute attack. Also that, abrupt stopage of steroids has more side effects and these need to be tapered down gradually ideally. As long as blood pressure is below 140/90 medications for lowering blood pressures are not indicated however repeated monitoring is recommended. So summing up the scenario, continue methyl prednisone until the acute phase settles and then overlap it with uric acid lowering drugs, meanwhile monitor blood pressures and if raised you can use calcium channel blocker like amlodipine. If flushing or swelling increases then consider lowering the dose and consult prescribing physician but don't stop abruptly.

Hoping you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask, else kindly close the discussion. You can also reach me directly through my profile in future, in case of any more queries. Regards.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 3941 Questions

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Suggest Dosage For Methylprednisolone

Brief Answer: You need to proceed with methyl prednisone Detailed Answer: Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Based on the history you have shared, it is quite possible to be due to methyl prednisone, but for acute flare of Gout the primary preference should be to decrease the inflamation and acute attack. Also that, abrupt stopage of steroids has more side effects and these need to be tapered down gradually ideally. As long as blood pressure is below 140/90 medications for lowering blood pressures are not indicated however repeated monitoring is recommended. So summing up the scenario, continue methyl prednisone until the acute phase settles and then overlap it with uric acid lowering drugs, meanwhile monitor blood pressures and if raised you can use calcium channel blocker like amlodipine. If flushing or swelling increases then consider lowering the dose and consult prescribing physician but don't stop abruptly. Hoping you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask, else kindly close the discussion. You can also reach me directly through my profile in future, in case of any more queries. Regards.