Question

Give the detailed information on effect of the drug, Methylprednisolone on the immune system. What is the mechanism of action for the drug, and any side effects of the drug and when the drug should not be taken.( ex. does it react with other medications)

Answer 1

Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid medication used to suppress the immune system and decrease inflammation. This drugs acts on skin disease, allergy, certain cancers. It is given by mouth, by injection into a vein or muscle. It was approved for medical use in 1955.

#Mechanism of action

Unbound glucocorticoids cross cell membranes and bind with high affinity to specific cytoplasmic receptors, modifying transcription and protein synthesis. By this mechanism, glucocorticoids can inhibit leukocyte infiltration at the site of inflammation, interfere with mediators of inflammatory response, and suppress humoral immune responses.

#Side effects

Long-term use of methylprednisolone decreased resistance to infection, swelling of face, weight gain, congestive cardiac insufficiency, fluid and sodium retention.

#Not be taken during

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using methylprednisolone. Meseales and chiken pox are very dangerous and potentially fatal for people on methylprednisolone therapy. Exposure to these infections is especially risky for people who are not immune to them.