Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen) can be administered after a typical course of methylprednisolone has been finished, even though they typically shouldn’t be taken at the same time owing to potentially dangerous additive GI effects.
To prevent aggravating GI side effects, you should wait for 6 to 8 hours after stopping methylprednisolone before taking Advil or Aleve.
Long-term use of either treatment increases the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, although short-term use may be safe with just a little increase in the risk of symptoms like nausea and cramps.
The half-life of methylprednisolone is rather lengthy (about 18–36 hours), and it remains in the body for 4–7 days after your therapy is over. The effects of methylprednisolone peak within a few hours of oral administration, and the likelihood of additive GI side effects sharply reduce within a few hours after the last dosage.
If you can avoid taking them both simultaneously, do so; but if your doctor advises taking them both, doing so is often safe in the short term. To lessen side effects, I would advise taking the pills with food.
What is methylprednisolone?
Inflamed bodily parts can be relieved by methylprednisolone. Inflammation (swelling), extreme allergies, lupus, adrenal issues, asthma, arthritis, blood or bone marrow issues, eye or vision issues, kidney issues, skin diseases, ulcerative colitis, and multiple sclerosis flare-ups are just a few of the ailments it is used to treat.
Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid (steroid or cortisone-like medicine. It acts on the immune system to reduce itching, inflammation, redness, and allergic responses.
The brand-name medication Medrol is the prescription medicine methylprednisolone in oral tablet form. Additionally, a generic version of it is offered.
Generic drugs typically cost less than those that are brand-name. The brand-name medication and its generic equivalent could occasionally come in various dosages and strengths.
A solution or suspension form of methylprednisolone is also available. You can receive the forms from a medical professional.
Methylprednisolone side effects
The oral pill form of methylprednisolone doesn’t make you sleepy, but it can have other side effects.
More common side effects
Below are some of the most frequent side effects of methylprednisolone:
- Muscular weakness
- Headache
- Weight gain
- Skin issues like acne, thin skin, and glossy skin
- Vomiting and nausea
- Confusion, unease, and excitement
- Elevated blood pressure
- Swelling of your hands, ankles, or feet
- Depression
- Excessive thirst
- Infection
If these side effects are mild, they could disappear in a few days or weeks. Speak to your pharmacist or doctor if they get more severe or don’t go away.
Methylprednisolone dosage for adults
As a corticosteroid, methylprednisolone is typically recommended to treat inflammatory diseases such as gout, severe allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma. It can also treat chronic conditions, including Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, eye issues, inflammatory skin conditions, blood abnormalities, and endocrine disorders.
For most adults, methylprednisolone is safe, but not everyone can take it. Adults should speak with their doctor about these and other contraindications if they have renal disease, seizures, heart disease, elevated blood pressure, osteoporosis, liver disease, tuberculosis, diabetes, ulcers, or intestinal problems, as they may not be able to get corticosteroid medication.
Dosage chart
| Indication | Starting dosage | Standard dosage | Maximum dosage |
| Asthma | 7.5-60 mg taken 1-4 times daily | 7.5-60 mg taken 1-4 times daily | 7.5-60 mg taken 1-4 times daily |
| Corticosteroid responsive conditions | 4-48 mg per day | 4-48 mg per day | 4-48 mg per day |
| Gout | 24 mg per day | 4 mg per day | 24 mg per day |
| Multiple sclerosis | 500-100 mg per day | 500-100 mg per day | 1000 mg per day |
Methylprednisolone dosage for children
As long as a doctor prescribes methylprednisolone, it is safe for children two years and older.
Methylprednisolone dosage for children is determined by weight. For further information, see the table below.
- Standard dosage: Children 2 years and older should take 0.25-2 mg of methylprednisolone 1-4 times per day with meals.
- Maximum dosage: Children 2 years and older should not take over 60 mg of methylprednisolone daily with meals.
Dosage by weight
| Indication | Standard dosage | Maximum dosage |
| Asthma (persistent and severe) | 0.5-1.7 mg/kg per day every 6-12 hours with food | 24 mg per day with food |
| Corticosteroid responsive conditions | 0.25-2 mg/kg per day with food 1-4 times daily | 60 mg per day with food |
What is ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with analgesic, fever-reducing, and anti-inflammatory characteristics (higher doses).
Ibuprofen is on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) list of essential medications. The list outlines the essential medical requirements for a whole healthcare system.
Ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin are common NSAIDs, in part because pharmacies sell them without a prescription.
Ibuprofen works by preventing the cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 enzymes from being produced, decreasing pain, fever, edema, and inflammation. The body releases these compounds in reaction to disease and damage.
If taken orally, ibuprofen should start working within 20 to 30 minutes.
Ibuprofen side effects
Ibuprofen’s gastrointestinal side effects are most typical. They include.:
- Pain
- Bloating
- Vomiting and nausea
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Dyspepsia
Other possible negative effects include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Tinnitus
- Nervousness
- Fluid retention (edema)
- Skin rash
Ibuprofen dosage
Both pill and syrup versions of ibuprofen are commonly accessible. To relieve pain after surgery, doctors may also inject it into the patient.
The dosage will vary depending on the patient’s age and the reason they are taking ibuprofen. It is important to take the recommended dosage to reduce the danger of adverse effects.
Taking ibuprofen with a glass of milk or food is advisable to lessen the chance of an upset stomach. A person can use 400 mg of ibuprofen every 4-6 hours for mild to moderate pain. However, 3,200 mg is the maximum dosage per day.
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