Methylprednisolone 4 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Severe allergic reactions, hives and drug allergies; Asthma attacks and COPD flare-ups.
Listed MRPs range from ₹1.55 to ₹7.83 per tablet across 8 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methylprednisolone Tablets IP 4mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹15.47 | ₹1.55 | 19 October 2026 |
| Medrol 4 | Pfizer Ltd | 10 | ₹59.30 | ₹5.93 | 19 October 2026 |
| Ivepred 4 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 10 | ₹60.00 | ₹6.00 | 19 October 2026 |
| Zempred 4 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 10 | ₹60.00 | ₹6.00 | 19 October 2026 |
| Predmet 4 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 15 | ₹98.50 | ₹6.57 | 19 October 2026 |
| Macpred 4 | Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd | 10 | ₹66.00 | ₹6.60 | 19 October 2026 |
| Depotex 4 | Zydus Cadila | 10 | ₹72.02 | ₹7.20 | 19 October 2026 |
| Sterio 4 | Lupin Ltd | 10 | ₹78.25 | ₹7.83 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Severe allergic reactions, hives and drug allergies.
- Asthma attacks and COPD flare-ups.
- Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other autoimmune diseases.
- Skin conditions such as severe eczema, psoriasis flares and pemphigus.
- Inflammatory bowel disease, nephrotic syndrome and some blood disorders.
How to take it
Take the tablets exactly as your doctor has written – the number of tablets and days varies a lot with the condition. Take the whole daily dose in the morning after breakfast or with milk to reduce stomach irritation and sleep disturbance, unless told otherwise. Short courses of a few days can be stopped as directed; if you have taken it for more than 2 to 3 weeks, the dose must be reduced gradually, never stopped suddenly. Carry a note or steroid card if you are on long-term treatment, and tell any doctor or dentist you are taking it.
Side effects
Common
- Stomach irritation, heartburn or nausea.
- Increased appetite and weight gain.
- Trouble sleeping, restlessness or mood changes.
- Acne, facial puffiness or easy bruising.
- Raised blood sugar and blood pressure.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Infections that take hold easily – fever, sore throat, cough that does not settle; chickenpox or measles exposure needs urgent advice.
- Black or tarry stools, vomiting blood (stomach ulcer).
- Eye problems – blurred vision, eye pain (glaucoma or cataract with long use).
- Muscle weakness, bone pain or fractures with long-term use.
- Severe mood change, depression or confusion.
Safety information
Alcohol
Limit alcohol. Both irritate the stomach and together raise the risk of ulcers and bleeding.
Pregnancy
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Short courses are used when needed; long-term use needs specialist supervision.
Kidney problems
Can cause fluid retention and raised blood pressure; tell your doctor about kidney disease.
Liver problems
Tell your doctor about liver disease; dose adjustments are sometimes needed.
Children
Used in children for asthma, nephrotic syndrome and allergies with weight-based doses. Long courses can slow growth, so a paediatrician monitors height.
Missed dose
If you take it once a day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember that day. If it is the next day, skip it and continue. Never double the dose.
Interactions
- Painkillers like ibuprofen, diclofenac, aspirin – much higher risk of stomach bleeding; a pantoprazole cover is often prescribed.
- Diabetes medicines and insulin – blood sugar rises; doses may need adjusting.
- Warfarin – bleeding risk changes; INR needs checks.
- Ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin – raise steroid levels.
- Phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampicin – lower steroid levels.
- Live vaccines – avoid while on high doses; ask before any vaccination.
Frequently asked questions
When should I take Medrol 4?
In the morning after breakfast, in one dose, unless your doctor has split it. Morning dosing mimics the body's own steroid rhythm and causes less sleeplessness.
Can I stop Medrol 4 suddenly?
If you have taken it for only a few days, yes, as your doctor directed. After 2 to 3 weeks or more, stopping suddenly can cause severe tiredness, body aches, low blood pressure and a flare of the illness – the dose must be tapered.
Medrol 4 vs Wysolone 5 – what is the difference?
Both are steroid tablets. Methylprednisolone 4 mg is roughly equal in strength to prednisolone 5 mg. Doctors choose one based on habit, availability and how much salt retention they want to avoid.
Can I take Medrol 4 with alcohol?
Keep it minimal. Both irritate the stomach lining and the combination raises the risk of ulcers and bleeding.
Does Medrol increase blood sugar?
Yes, steroids raise blood sugar, sometimes sharply in people with diabetes. Check sugar more often during the course and tell your doctor so diabetes medicines can be adjusted.
Is Medrol 4 safe in pregnancy?
Short courses are used in pregnancy when the condition demands it. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting.
Why was I given Medrol with a pantoprazole tablet?
Steroids irritate the stomach and can cause ulcers, especially with painkillers. Pantoprazole or a similar acid blocker protects the stomach during the course.
Can I take Medrol 4 if I have an infection?
Steroids suppress immunity and can let infections worsen or hide a fever. Tell your doctor about any fever, cough, TB history or chickenpox exposure before and during treatment.
Is methylprednisolone 4 available at Jan Aushadhi?
Yes, methylprednisolone 4 mg is listed under the Jan Aushadhi scheme. It is a Schedule H medicine, so you need a prescription.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Methylprednisolone (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms