methylPREDNISolone /-prednis″əlōn/ , a glucocorticoid. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed as an antiinflammatory drug and as an immunosuppressant to treat autoimmune disease, cancer, and other disease involving cells of the immune system. It is also administered to suppress graft-versus-host disease after bone marrow transplantation. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Fungal infections or known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its systemic use. Viral or fungal infections of the skin, impaired circulation, or known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its topical use. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the more serious adverse effects of the systemic administration of the drug are upper GI bleeding and endocrine, neurological, fluid, and electrolyte disturbances. Skin reactions may result from topical administration of this drug.
