Methylprednisolone for multiple sclerosis
Last updated Sept. 18, 2025, by Andrea Lobo, PhD
Fact-checked by Ines Martins, PhD
What is methylprednisolone used for?
Methylprednisolone is a lab-made glucocorticoid that is approved for managing acute relapses, or periods when new symptoms appear or existing ones worsen, in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Available as oral and injectable formulations, methylprednisolone can reduce the duration and severity of MS relapses, though it does not alter the progression of the disease in the long term.
Like other glucocorticoids, methylprednisolone is an anti-inflammatory medication that mimics the action of cortisol, a naturally occurring hormone that is produced in response to stress. As a result, it dampens immune cells’ activity and prevents them from reaching the brain and spinal cord, helping reduce the inflammatory responses that cause MS relapses.
Brand-name formulations of methylprednisolone approved for use in MS include the oral formulation Medrol and the injectable formulation Solu-Medrol. Generic versions of the medication are also widely available.
Therapy Snapshot
| Brand Name: | Medrol, Solu-Medrol, and generics |
| Chemical Name: | Methylprednisolone |
| Usage: | Used to ease symptoms and speed recovery during an MS relapse |
| Administration: | Oral and injectable formulations |
Who with MS can take methylprednisolone?
Methylprednisolone is approved in the U.S. to treat acute exacerbations of MS.
The medication is contraindicated, or should not be used by, people with:
- a known hypersensitivity, meaning they develop serious immune responses, including allergic reactions, to the medication or any of its components
- Â a systemic, or body-wide, fungal infection
Glucocorticoids like methylprednisolone may be taken by people of all ages, but they may interfere with normal growth in young people if taken for long periods of time. Thus, children and adolescents who take methylprednisolone should be carefully monitored during treatment.
How is methylprednisolone administered in MS?
Methylprednisolone may be taken orally or injected into the bloodstream (intravenous injection). Several protocols may be used to control MS relapses, but patients generally receive a high dose of corticosteroids administered for a few days, followed by gradually lower doses over the next days or weeks. This tapering off aims to prevent withdrawal symptoms that can occur when corticosteroids are suddenly stopped.
According to the prescribing information for both Medrol and Solu-Medrol, a daily dose of 160 mg to 200 mg methylprednisolone for one week, followed by 64 mg to 80 mg every other day for one month, has been shown to be effective for controlling MS relapses.
Methylprednisolone side effects
Some of the most common side effects of methylprednisolone include:
- fluid retention and swelling
- increased appetite and weight gain
- mood and behavioral changes
- neurological complaints such as headache or dizziness
- abdominal pain and bloating
- menstrual irregularities
- muscle weakness and pain
Methylprednisolone also may cause other safety issues, which may require additional monitoring. These include:
- Â severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis
- increased risk of infections
- cancer
- high blood pressure and fluid retention
- hormonal imbalances
- Â eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma
Multiple Sclerosis MS News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
FAQs about methylprednisolone in MS
Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid that is used to manage acute relapses in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). These are periods when symptoms suddenly worsen or new symptoms appear. It works by reducing inflammation, which can ease symptoms and accelerate the recovery from MS relapses, though it does not affect overall disease progression.
Methylprednisolone may cause harm to a developing fetus and should only be used during pregnancy if its potential benefits outweigh the risks. Patients and their healthcare providers should discuss these decisions in detail based on their unique situation.
There is no known direct interaction between alcohol and methylprednisolone. However, methylprednisolone can make the stomach and intestines more susceptible to the irritating effects of alcohol, which increases the risk of ulcers. Patients should ask their healthcare team whether it’s safe to drink alcohol while on methylprednisolone.
For people experiencing a multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse, treatment with methylprednisolone can lead to benefits within a few days, with more substantial progress often seen in the following weeks. Still, the timeline for seeing improvements can vary significantly from person to person.
Increased appetite and weight gain are common side effects of corticosteroids, and thinning scalp hair is also indicated on methylprednisolone’s label as a possible side effect. Patients should talk with their healthcare provider if they experience any unanticipated side effects while on the medication.
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