What is Medexa?

Medexa is an anti-inflammatory steroid drug, used in the treatment of inflammation and some autoimmune diseases. In order to limit unwanted effects, it is necessary to use the drug exactly as prescribed, do not arbitrarily use it when it is not necessary.

Medexa drug is made in the form of tablets with a strength of 4mg, 16mg. In which, Medexa 16mg has the main ingredient Methylprednisolone 16mg and Medexa 4mg has the main ingredient Methylprednisolone 4mg.
Methylprednisolone is a potent synthetic glucocorticoid with potent anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and anti-proliferative effects.
Methylprednisolone works to reduce inflammation by reducing the synthesis of inflammatory chemical mediators such as PG, Thromboxan,... At the same time, inhibiting leukocyte adhesion to the damaged cell wall causes leukocytes to arrive. Few areas are damaged. Thereby reducing the symptoms of inflammation such as swelling, edema, pain. Like other forms of Glucocorticoid drugs, it also has immunosuppressive effects, reducing cell proliferation by reducing cell protein synthesis and reducing gene transcription.

Medexa has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, so it is indicated for use in the following cases:
Pain relief, inflammation reduction in rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, chronic ulcerative colitis, ankylosing spondylitis ... Treatment in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis, immune hemolytic anemia, agranulocytosis, nephrotic syndrome. In respiratory diseases such as bronchial asthma, pneumonia... Cancer, adrenal insufficiency... Some cases where Medexa should not be used include:
Systemic fungal infections: Due to immunosuppressive drugs should aggravate the situation. There has been a history of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. Long-term treatment is contraindicated in patients with peptic ulcer disease, severe osteoporosis, patients with a history of psychosis, herpes. Severe infections, viral infections, tuberculosis (except for tuberculous meningitis).

3.1. How to take the drug The drug is in the form of tablets that should be taken orally. When taking the drug, it should be taken with a glass of water and the best time to take the drug is from 8 to 9 am, after eating.
3.2. Dosage of the drug Depending on each case, there may be appropriate indications. For adults, the starting dose may vary from 4 to 48 mg per day. Below is a reference dose for some specific disease cases.
Acute asthma attacks: Take Methylprednisolone 32 to 48mg daily, either once or in two divided doses. Administer for 5 days, may continue with additional therapy at a dose lower than the initial dose for 1 week. Upon resolution of an acute asthma attack, methylprednisolone is administered in a rapidly tapered dose, followed by discontinuation. Systemic lupus erythematosus: The drug is used as maintenance with 20 to 100 mg daily, depending on the patient's response. Rheumatoid Arthritis: A low starting dose is usually 4 to 8 mg of methylprednisolone per day. During an acute episode, use a higher dose of 16 to 32 mg/day, then gradually reduce the dose. Chronic ulcerative colitis: If exacerbation can be used from 8 to 24mg / day. Nephrotic syndrome: Initial daily dose of methylprednisolone of 0.8 to 1.6 mg/kg for 6 weeks, then tapered over 6 to 8 weeks. If the patient's response to the drug is good, the dose should be gradually reduced, the drug can be stopped in acute cases for a short period of time, while in the chronic case, the drug should be continued at a lower dose and still guaranteed to be effective. treatment results.

Besides the superior effect of the drug, when taking the drug can cause some of the following side effects:
Common: Abdominal pain, nosebleeds, hirsutism, hyperglycemia, joint pain, indigestion, difficulty sleep, irritability, cataracts, glaucoma. Uncommon: Vomiting, nausea, skin atrophy, hyperpigmentation, acne, dizziness, headache, hallucinations, psychosis, abdominal distention, gastric ulcer. Other side effects: Common Cushing's syndrome with prolonged use, hyperglycemia, infertility, hypertension, hypersensitivity reactions, muscle weakness, osteoporosis. Inform your doctor if you experience side effects when taking the drug for instructions on reasonable and timely treatment. Especially hypersensitivity reactions, although very rare, still occur and threaten the life of patients.

When using steroid anti-inflammatory drugs such as Medexa, you should note the following:
This drug is a prescription drug, so do not arbitrarily use it without a doctor's prescription. You should inform your doctor about your medical history, allergies, and medications. The drug is not recommended in pregnant women and nursing mothers, unless it is absolutely necessary and the benefits outweigh the risks. Infants born to mothers who have taken significant corticosteroids during pregnancy should be closely monitored and evaluated for signs of adrenal insufficiency. While receiving corticosteroid therapy, patients should not be vaccinated with vaccines because of the risk of infection, not immunotherapy, especially in high doses due to the risk of neurological complications. If corticosteroids are indicated in patients with active TB disease, close monitoring is needed because TB disease can recur. The effects of corticosteroids may be enhanced in patients with hypothyroidism or cirrhosis. It is recommended to monitor or change the dose when taking. It should be used with caution in patients with severe osteoporosis, those with new vascular access, people with mental disorders, gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers. Acute adrenal insufficiency may occur during long-term use of the drug, such as abrupt discontinuation of the drug. Therefore, it is necessary to strictly follow the doctor's request to stop taking the drug, to avoid arbitrarily stopping the drug. Use with caution in the elderly and children. It should be used at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest possible time. In addition, drug interactions may occur when Medexa is combined with some drugs as follows:
Antidiabetic drugs: Reduces the effect of antidiabetic drugs, often causing blood glucose to rise. Antacids: If combined, the bioavailability of Methylprednisolone will be reduced. Drugs that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system: Have a synergistic effect causing hypokalemia. Anticholinergics: Increased side effects. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Increases the risk of stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding. Medexa can cause many side effects if used incorrectly. You do not abuse when not needed and need to use exactly as prescribed by the doctor.