This is a drug that is part of the glucocorticoid family. Its active ingredient is methylprednisolone. Besides Urbason, said compound can be obtained under other trade names, such as M-Prednisol, Medralone, Duralone, Medrol, or Solu-Medrol.
It is administered when an urgent dose of corticosteroids is required to treat complicated inflammatory or allergic reactions, mainly when other medications are ineffective.
However, Urbason generates various side effects related to hypertension, osteoporosis, gastroduodenal ulcer, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
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What is Urbason?
Urbason is the brand name of an active ingredient known as methylprednisolone. This substance is a synthetic cortisone derivative, which shares some pharmacological activities, such as its anti-inflammatory action.
However, methylprednisolone has some advantages over cortisone. For example, it does not significantly alter glucose or protein metabolism; and it does not modify the electrolyte balance either.
Urbason belongs to the glucocorticoid family. It is a group of substances with several powerful effects on the body. Among them, we can mention the suppression of the immune system and high anti-inflammatory power.
On the other hand, this medication has been marketed under different pharmaceutical forms so that different routes can administer it:
- In the state of pills for oral administration.
- In injectable form, for intravenous or intramuscular administration for emergencies.
What is the Urbason used for?
Methylprednisolone is a medication used to treat severe allergic or inflammatory reactions. This treatment is used in those patients in whom other therapies have not previously had an effect or have not demonstrated the necessary efficacy.
In addition, Urbason is also administered when an emergency dose of corticosteroids is required. UsuIn these cases, the presentation in vials for intravenous or intramuscular administration is usually chosen.
Emergencies are, for example, anaphylactic shock or acute asthma attacks. However, it can also be administered to treat autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus or severe flare-ups.
It is also indicated in the following pathologies:
- Adrenal insufficiency.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Trauma.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- Metabolic alterations.
- Cerebral edema.
- Sarcoidosis.
- Rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Ulcerative colitis.
- Crohn’s disease.
- Nephrotic syndrome.
- Inflammatory eye and skin diseases.
How does methylprednisolone exert its effect on the body?
The way to trigger the effect in the organism is hormonal when the drug, after being absorbed and transported by the blood system, reaches the cell membranes and can interact at different levels.
The anti-inflammatory effect inhibits the synthesis of proteins involved in this process, enhancing the body’s natural response to stressful situations, in which it needs to respond quickly.
On the other hand, its immunosuppressive action inhibits the synthesis of some substances by T lymphocytes and immune system cells. It also decreases the synthesis of interleukins, thus decreasing the activity of cytotoxic lymphocytes.How to take the drug?
All people must follow the instructions provided by the specialist precisely to ingest the medication. The tablets should be administered whole, without chewing or crushing. It is recommended to be during or after each meal and in the morning.
According to the internal leaflet of the medicine, the initial dose should be 12 to 80 milligrams in adults and 0.8 to 1.5 milligrams per kilo of weight in children. The maintenance dose is 4 to 8 milligrams a day in adults and 2 to 4 milligrams in children.
All the mentioned doses can vary depending on the pathology that is desired to be treated. In this sense, it is necessary to emphasize again the importance of following the medical instructions for administration and suspension.
Side Effects of Urban
When taking this medicine, or any corticosteroid, it is essential to remember that when administered over a long period and in relatively high doses, it can have considerable effects on the body.
The use of this medication should never be stopped suddenly. A sudden interruption of a corticosteroid-based treatment can trigger a severe clinical picture, even leading to death.
Also, Urbason, like any other drug, produces a series of side effects that must be considered when administering it. Some of these adverse reactions are the following:
- Osteoporosis.
- Arterial hypertension.
- Gastroduodenal ulcer.
- Increased risk of cardiovascular problems.
- Hyperglycemia, which can lead to a diabetic condition.
- Increased number of infections by inhibiting the immune system.
- Weight gain.
- Changes in cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- Changes in the menstrual period.
- Increase in body hair.
- Fluid retention.
- Skin changes.
- Decreased scarring.
Other side effects are psychological. Methylprednisone is a drug in the family of steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that is more likely to trigger some alteration of this class, especially mood changes.
In addition to this, other symptoms are the following:
- Psychosis.
- Depression.
- States of confusion.
Warnings and contraindications
Urbason is contraindicated in all those who are allergic to the active principle or some of its components due to the risk of anaphylactic shock. In addition, the compound can worsen some existing pathologies, so it should not be used if any of the following conditions occur:
- Gastric or duodenal ulcers.
- Osteoporosis.
- Closed-angle glaucoma.
- Herpetic keratitis.
- Lymphadenopathy.
- Amoeba infections, mycoses, and viral infections such as chickenpox and herpes.
- Tuberculosis.
- History of psychiatric disorders.
In addition, health personnel should be informed about all pathological history before starting treatment, especially those related to the immune and gastrointestinal systems. As if that were not enough, it can yield positive results in doping control tests for athletes.
Urbason should not be administered to pregnant or lactating women unless necessary, as it may affect the baby. Activities such as driving should not be carried out either since its adverse effects can decrease levels of attention.
Ultimately, the compound can interact with multiple drugs, including antifungals and antibiotics. This causes the drugs to increase or decrease effectiveness, so the treating physician must be informed about all the medicines consumed.
A doctor should always prescribe Urbason.
Urbason is a medication that is subject to medical prescription due to the powerful effects it triggers. For this reason, you should always follow the guidelines indicated by the health professional and tell him and the pharmacist about any symptoms you present.
Additionally, you must consult how the gradual withdrawal of this type of drug administration should be carried out since a short suspension can end in fatal states.