Zycort 40mg injection is an anti-inflammatory drug belonging to the class of glucocorticoids, containing the active ingredient methylprednisolone. It is used to treat inflammatory or allergic conditions affecting the brain (caused by tumor or meningitis), lungs (caused by asthma, hypersensitivity, tuberculosis, or breathing in vomit or stomach contents), gut, and bowel (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis). It is also used to treat rheumatic, skin, eye, and endocrine disorders.
It is used for the palliative management of cancers (leukemia and lymphoma) and reduction of pain after surgery. In higher doses, it is used to treat flare-ups of symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Zycort 40mg injection should not be used if you have a fungal infection, swelling of the brain due to malaria, traumatic brain injury or if you recently had vaccinated or about to have any vaccination. The common side effects that are likely to occur with this medicine are headache, vision problems, poor wound healing, and bone weakness. Some serious side effects also include blood clots in the leg veins, lungs and bleeding ulcers. Inform your healthcare provider if these side effects concern you or persist for longer than usual. Consult your doctor immediately for more advice.
This medicine can cause several side effects related to electrolyte and fluid balance. When given in large doses, these medications can increase blood pressure, cause salt and water retention, and increase excretion of potassium. These effects are less likely to occur with prolonged use or high doses. To prevent these side effects, dietary salt restriction and potassium supplementation may be necessary. Your healthcare provider will monitor your blood pressure, electrolyte levels, and kidney function closely while you are taking corticosteroids to prevent the side effects. In addition, all corticosteroids can increase calcium excretion, which can lead to osteoporosis and increased risk of fractures with prolonged use. Your doctor will prescribe calcium and vitamin D supplementation to help and maintain bone health while taking corticosteroids. Tell your physician about all the medications you have been taking recently, including herbal medicines and supplements, before taking Zycort 40mg injection.
Uses of Zycort 40mg Injection
Therapeutic Effects of Zycort 40mg Injection
It works by binding to glucocorticoid receptors and inhibits the production of substances (such as prostaglandins) that lead to inflammation and allergies.
Interaction of Zycort 40mg Injection with other drugs
Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Zycort 40mg injection and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.
More Information about Zycort 40mg Injection
How to consume Zycort 40mg Injection
Zycort 40mg injection will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. This injection will be given intramuscularly or intravenously into a vein in your arm. Do not self-administer this medicine. The dose of the injection will be decided by your doctor based on your disease condition and other factors.
Safety Advices for Zycort 40mg Injection
Pregnancy
Zycort 40mg injection is not recommended for pregnant women as it may cause fetal harm. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy during the treatment.
Breast Feeding
It is not known if Zycort 40mg injection passes into your breast milk or if it will affect your baby. Please consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Lungs
It is not known whether Zycort 40mg injection can be administered to patients with lung problems. Consult your doctor if you have any lung diseases before starting the treatment.
Liver
Inform your doctor if you have any liver problems before taking Zycort 40mg injection. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is recommended.
Alcohol
Consuming alcohol may affect the effectiveness of Zycort 40mg injection. Stop consuming alcohol if you are taking this medicine.
Driving
It is unsafe to drive vehicles or operate heavy machinery after taking Zycort 40mg injection, it may cause dizziness and impair your concentration.
Side Effects of Zycort 40mg Injection
Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.
Serious
- Allergic reactions (wheezing, swelling of face, difficulty breathing)
- Stomach pain spreading to your back, accompanied by vomiting and loss of consciousness
- Bleeding ulcers
- Infections
- Blood clots in the lung (chest pain, coughing up blood, breathlessness)
- Raised pressure within the skull (lack of energy, drowsiness)
- Blood clots in the leg vein
Common
- High blood pressure, headache
- Swelling
- Ulcers
- Vision problems
- Poor wound healing
- Round or moon-shaped face
- Slow growth in infants, children, and adolescents
- Muscle and bone weakness
- Feeling depressed or high, difficulty in thinking, memory loss
- Acne, bruising
- Thinning of skin
Word of Advice
Zycort 40mg injection can cause harm to a developing fetus or nursing baby, so it is important to discuss contraception options and the need to avoid breastfeeding during treatment. This drug can increase the risk of certain eye problems, such as posterior subcapsular cataracts and glaucoma. These conditions can lead to vision loss if not treated properly. Additionally, corticosteroids can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to secondary ocular infections caused by fungi or viruses. Therefore, it is important to use corticosteroids at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration to minimise the risk of these side effects. If you experience any changes in your vision or eye discomfort while taking Zycort 40mg injection or any other corticosteroid, it is important to inform your doctor right away.
FAQs
Q 1. Can I drive after receiving a Zycort 40mg injection?
It is generally safe to drive after receiving a Zycort 40mg injection. However, you may experience dizziness or drowsiness as a side effect, which may impair your ability to operate a vehicle or heavy machinery. It is important to wait until you feel fully alert and able to function normally before driving.
Q 2. What does Zycort 40mg injection do to your body?
Zycort 40mg injection works by suppressing the immune system and reducing the production of certain inflammatory chemicals in the body. This can help reduce the symptoms of cancer and the side effects of cancer treatment, such as pain, swelling, and nausea.
Q 3. What are the special precautions I should be aware of before starting treatment with Zycort 40mg injection?
Inform your doctor about your pre-existing conditions (heart, kidney, liver, hepatitis B, or lung disease) and vaccination history. It is necessary to consult a doctor if you are taking medicines for blood pressure.
Q 4. Can Zycort 40mg injection be used in combination with other drugs?
Yes, Zycort 40mg injection is often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to improve treatment outcomes.
Q 5. Whether Zycort 40mg injection is safe to use during pregnancy?
Zycort 40mg injection is not recommended during pregnancy and it is unsafe because it may harm a developing fetus. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should discuss their treatment options with their doctor immediately.
Q 6. What to avoid while taking Zycort 40mg injection?
Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Zycort 40mg injection as it may increase the risk of stomach irritation and other side effects.
Fact Box of Zycort 40mg Injection
Molecule name: Methylprednisolone | Therapeutic class: Anti-inflammatory |
Pharmacological class: Glucocorticoids | Indications: 1.Treatment of allergic conditions 2.Rheumatic, blood, skin, eye, and endocrine disorders 3.Leukaemia and lymphomas (palliative management) 4.Pain related to surgery (organ transplants) 5.Multiple sclerosis 6.Ulcerative colitis |