Is Medrol a hormonal medication? What are its side effects?
Jun 05, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, Medrol refers to Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate for injection, which is a synthetic glucocorticoid. Its mechanism of action is similar to corticosteroids secreted by the adrenal glands in the human body. It has anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and anti-shock effects and is commonly used in clinical practice for the treatment of rheumatic diseases, allergic diseases, acute respiratory inflammation, and other conditions.
Generally, Medrol refers to methylprednisolone sodium succinate for injection, a synthetic glucocorticoid hormone. Its mechanism of action is similar to corticosteroids secreted by the adrenal glands in the human body. It has anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and anti-shock effects and is clinically commonly used in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, allergic diseases, acute respiratory inflammation, and others. Its side effects include gastrointestinal reactions, endocrine disorders, osteoporosis and bone necrosis, immunosuppression and increased risk of infection, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Gastrointestinal Reactions
Hormones inhibit mucus secretion in the gastric mucosa, reduce mucosal barrier function, promote gastric acid and pepsin secretion, and increase the risk of gastrointestinal mucosal damage. Long-term use may induce or exacerbate peptic ulcers.
2. Endocrine Disorders
Exogenous glucocorticoids suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, leading to adrenal cortical insufficiency. They also promote redistribution of fat and affect carbohydrate and protein metabolism, causing elevated blood glucose levels and muscle atrophy.
3. Osteoporosis and Bone Necrosis
Hormones inhibit osteoblast activity and promote collagen breakdown while reducing intestinal calcium absorption. Long-term use may lead to bone loss, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, and even inducing aseptic necrosis of the femoral head.
4. Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infection
Glucocorticoids suppress immune cells, such as T-cell and B-cell function and inflammatory responses, thereby reducing the body's defense against pathogens. This may lead to reactivation of latent infections or new infections, such as bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
5. Neuropsychiatric Symptoms
Hormones can cross the blood-brain barrier and affect the central nervous system, stimulating the cerebral cortex, which may cause insomnia, anxiety, irritability, and even psychiatric abnormalities such as depression and mania. Some patients may experience euphoria or impaired consciousness.
As a potent hormone medication, this drug must be strictly used according to the principles of short-term administration, low dosage, and individualized treatment to avoid long-term abuse. If the aforementioned side effects occur during treatment, prompt medical attention is necessary.
