How Long Does Medrol Dose Pack Take To Start Working?

Onset Of Action

There have been numerous studies evaluating the effects of methylprednisolone (or similar systemic steroids) for the treatment of a variety of indications, including acute back pain, bronchitis, pneumonia, gout, contact dermatitis (e.g. poison ivy), and asthma. 

When steroids like methylprednisolone are effective, most report that you will notice benefits within 12 to 24 hours, although this can vary by individual and vary based on what you are treating.

Asthma/COPD

One study, Oral corticosteroids in patients admitted to hospital with exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A prospective randomised controlled trial, found that a short course of oral steroids, like Medrol, significantly improved lung function within 24 hours. It also had longer-term positive effects, such as an overall reduction in the duration of hospital stay, and disease relapse.

Contact Dermatitis

Another study, which evaluated the effects of steroids like methylprednisolone in cases of contact dermatitis (like poison ivy), showed that a reduction in symptoms happens often within 12 hours of administration. This is most likely due to the fact that it acts as both an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant.

Gout

There is also a large body of evidence showing that methylprednisolone can work quickly to relieve the symptoms of an acute gout attack, sometimes within just a few hours of administration. In fact, the 2012 American College of Rheumatology guidelines for the management of gout recommends systemic steroids, like methylprednisolone, in certain individuals for the treatment of an acute gout attack.

Other Conditions

There are cases where you may not notice the effects of Medrol all that quickly.

For pain symptoms, methylprednisone won't feel like it's necessarily fast acting. Since its pain-reducing effects are closely tied to its anti-inflammatory properties, it may take a day or two after starting to notice positive effects.

When used for acute sinusitis, bronchitis, or sore throat, many studies suggest that steroids aren't all that beneficial overall, but may help slightly in reducing symptom duration (by an average of about a day).

What Is A Medrol Dose Pack?

A Medrol Dose Pack is a short, 6-day course of the corticosteroid methylprednisolone. It is a 'tapering' dose, starting at 24mg on day one, and decreasing by 4 mg every day.

Courses of steroids, even short ones, are prescribed as 'tapering' doses to reduce the risk of side effects and adverse reactions. Tapering may prevent, or reduce the risk of:

• HPA axis (i.e. adrenal) suppression
• Disease relapse or flare

Directions For Use

The labeled directions for the Medrol Dose Pack are:

• 1st Day: 2 tablets (8 mg) before breakfast, 1 tablet (4 mg) after lunch, 1 tablet (4 mg) after supper, and 2 tablets (8 mg) at bedtime.

• 2nd Day: 1 tablet (4 mg) before breakfast. 1 tablet (4 mg) after lunch, 1 tablet (4 mg) after supper, and 2 tablets (8 mg) at bedtime.

• 3rd day: 1 tablet (4 mg) before breakfast, 1 tablet (4 mg) after lunch, 1 tablet (4 mg) after supper, and 1 tablet (4 mg) at bedtime.

• 4th day: 1 tablet (4 mg) before breakfast, 1 tablet (4 mg) after lunch, and 1 tablet (4 mg) at bedtime.

• 5th day: 1 tablet (4 mg) before breakfast, and 1 tablet (4 mg) at bedtime.

• 6th day: 1 tablet (4 mg) before breakfast.

The above dosing regimen is just a recommendation and may be altered by your doctor based on your individual needs and response.

Side Effects