Methylprednisolone
side effects, nutrient depletions, herbal interactions and health notes:
Data provided by Applied Health
• Methylprednisolone has been clinically proven to impair calcium absorption and bone formation. Supplementation with calcium and vitamin D is strongly encouraged. Tell your pharmacist if you have osteoporosis.1
• Methylprednisolone also compromises the immune system and depletes several important nutrients. Supplementation with vitamins C, selenium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin B6 and zinc may be beneficial.2
• Long term methylprednisolone use may cause chromium loss. Discuss the possible benefits of supplementation with a pharmacist.3
• Ephedra (Ma huang) may increase the clearance of Methylprednisolone, thereby decreasing its effectiveness.4
• Licorice may decrease the clearance of Methylprednisolone, possibly intensifying the duration of its activity and side effects.5
References1 Sambrook PN: Calcium and vitamin D therapy in corticosteroid bone loss: what is the evidence? J Rheumatol 1996; 23:963-964.
1 Buckley LM, Leib ES, Cartularo KS, et al. Calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation prevents bone loss in the spine secondary to low-dose corticosteroids in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Ann Intern Med 1996;125:961-68.
1 Lems WF, Van Veen GJ, Gerrits MI, et al: Effect of low-dose prednisone (with calcium and calcitrol supplementation) on calcium and bone metabolism in healthy volunteers, Br J Rheumatol, 1998, 37(1):27-33.
1 Lems WF, Jacobs JW, Netelenbos JC, et al: Pharmacological prevention of osteoporosis in patients on corticosteroid mediciation, Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd, 1998, 142(34):1905-8.
1 Gennari C, Differential effect of glucocorticoids on calcium absorption and bone mass, Br J Rheumatol, 1993, 32 (suppl 2):11-4.
1 Reid IR, Ibbertson HK, Calcium supplements in the prevention of steroid-induced osteoporosis, Am J Clin Nutr, 1986, 44 (2):287-90.
1 Weryha G, Klein M, Guillemin F, et al: Corticosteroids osteoporosis in the adult, Presse Med, 1998, 27(32):1641-6.
1 Hachulla E, Cortet B: Prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, Rev Med Interne, 1998, 19(7): 492-500.
1 Gerster JC, So AK, Burkhardt P: Systemic corticosteroid therapy in rheumatology - advantages and risks, Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax, 1998, 87(33):1024-7.
2 AMA Drug Evaluations, 1995 Annual, American Medical Association.
2 Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 83.
2 Trovato A et al. Drug-nutrient interactions. Am Family Phys 1991;44:1651-58 [review].
2 Chesney RW et al. Reduction of serum-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D, in children receiving glucocorticoids. Lancet 1978;ii:1123-25.
2 Widmer P, Maibach R, Kunzi UP, et al: Diuretic-Related hypokalaemia - the role of diuretics, potassium supplements, glucocorticoids, and beta-2-adrenoceptor agonists - results from the Comprehensive Hospital Drug Monitoring program, Berne (CHDM), Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 1995, 49(1-2): 31-6.
2 Shenfield GM, Knowles GK, Thomas N, et al: Potassium supplements in patients treated with corticosteroids, Br J Dis chest, 1975, 69:171-6.
2 Gol’berg ED, Eshchenko VA, Bovt VD, et al: The effect of immunosuppressive substances on the zinc content in cells, Biull Eksp Biol Med, 1993, 116(10):412-3.
2 Yunice AA, Czerwinski AW, Lindeman RD: Influence of synthetic corticosteroids on plasma zinc and copper levels in humans, Am J Med Sci, 1981, 282(2):68-74.
2 Fodor L, Ahnefeld FW, Fazekas AT: Studies on the glucocorticoid control of zinc metabolism, Infusionsther Klin Ernahr, 1975, 2(3):210-3.
2 Atkinson SA, Halton JM, Bradley C, et al: Bone and mineral abnormalities in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia - influence of disease, drugs, and nutrition, Int J Cancer Suppl, 1998, 11:35-9
2 Simeckova A, Neradilova M, Reisenauer R: Effect of prednisolone on the rat bone calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium concentration, Physiol Bohemoslov, 1985, 34(2):155-60.
2 Frequin ST, Wevers RA, Braam M, et al: Decreased vitamin B12 and folate levels in cerebrospinal fluid and serum of multiple sclerosis patients after high-dose intravenous methylprednisone, J Neurol, 1993, 240(5):305-8.
2 Peretz A, Neve J, Vertongen F, et al: Selenium status in relation to clinical variables and corticosteroid treatment in rheumatoid arthritis, J Rheumatol, 1987, 14(6):1104-7.
3 Ravina A, Slezak L, Mirsky N, et al. Reversal of corticosteroid-induced diabetes mellitis with supplemental chromium. Diabet Med 16: 164-167, 1999
4 Jubiz W, Meikle AW. Alterations of glucocorticoid actions by other drugs and disease states. Drugs 1979;18:113-21.
5 Chen MF, Shimada F, Kato H, et al. Effect of glycyrrhizin on the pharmacokinetics of prednisolone following low dosage of prednisolone hemisuccinate. Endocrinol Japon 1990;37:331-41.
5 Brinker, F Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998
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Disclaimers
The information in Drug Watch is provided as a courtesy to NewsTarget readers by Applied Health Solutions in cooperation with Healthway Solutions. Although the information is presented with scientific references, we do not wish to imply that this represents a comprehensive list of considerations about any specific drug, herb or nutrient. Nor should this information be considered a substitute for the advice of your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare practitioner. Please read the disclaimer about the intentions and limitations of the information provided on these pages. It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all other drugs and nutritional supplements that you are taking if they are recommending a new medication. Copyright © 2007 by Applied Health Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.
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