Methylprednisolone Oral Course for Exacerbations

[savagek]

Hello,

I have been taking IV Methylprednisolone for exacerbations but would like to take the oral course instead. Has anyone taken this before and if so, what was your course like as far as days/dosage and any side effects.

Thanks for any help,

Rob

[Sunnytoday]

Wow, this is new to me. I was told that you could do an oral dose... and I talked him (Dr. DWI) out of it becuase oral prednisone makes me nauseated and lose weight if I take it for more than two or three days. (yeah, I'm weird).

Thanks for the great info.
I feel better informed now, this was a nice thread to read!
Thanks again Quix!
~Sunnytoday~

[Quixotic1]

OOps, I should have read the title of the discussion.  The oral dose of Medrol (methylprednisolone) that it would take would be the same - 1000mg.  This is likewise a huge dose.  On the Medrol Dose-Paks, the first day's very high dose is 24 mg.  You get the same picture.

My MS neuro won't consider using oral steroids except for a taper after the IV infusions alos.

Q

[Quixotic1]

I don't think the oral dosing can achieve the tissue levels needed for improvement that the IV administration can.  Part of achieving tissue levels is how fast the med gets into the body.  In oral dosing the absorption is slower.  Also, the amount of oral Prednisone needed to equal the IV dose is 1200mg.  A typical high dose is 60mg to 80mg.  There would likely be a great deal of stomach upset.

So, all the way around, the oral dose would seem to be a poorer choice for the action that is needed.

I, too, am sorry no one got back to you.

Quix

[Rena705]

To be honest with you I haven't heard of an oral course of steroids for an exacerbation...only oral prednisone for a weaning dose to ease the symptoms of withdrawal from the IV form of steroid.  Sorry no one got back to you but perhaps there is a reason for this such as the oral form not working fast enough to slow the exacerbation?  Just a guess from me...hope things work out for you with the IV course though I know it is a pain to have to take 2-3 hours out of your day for it.

Hugs,

Rena

[savagek]

Well, no matter now as my doctor says he dosen't give the oral form for exacerbations anymore just the IV, so I guess I do not have a choice but I do trust his judgement.

Rob