Inflammations are very frequent in a large number of injuries and illnesses, whether they are localised or generalised and can have a very diverse origin. They occur as a response of the immune system to an injury or infection, as a reaction to the entry into the body of particles that it identifies as harmful without being so, this being the case of allergic reactions or the cause of diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

Although most of the inflammations we will have throughout our lives will be mild, the truth is that there are also processes in which they can put a person’s life at risk, something that has generated the need to create drugs that can stop the inflammatory process. One of these drugs, relatively well known among the general population, is Urbason . Let’s see what it is and how it works.

Urbason: what is it?

Urbason a is a type of steroid or corticosteroid anti-inflammatory drug whose main active ingredient is methylprednisolone. Specifically, it is part of the glucocorticoids, which work by reducing the activity of the body’s immune system and reducing the formation of substances that participate in inflammatory reactions.

This drug, which is very powerful and a corticoid with an intermediate life span, has as its main mechanism of action the interaction of its components with the cell membrane in order to generate a complex which, after entering the nucleus, will contribute to increasing or slowing down the synthesis of inflammatory proteins.

It also alters the metabolism , while inhibiting the action of vitamins such as D (which in turn is linked to decreases in calcium levels). It also works as a vasodilator, decreasing the use of glucose in most systems and increasing the blood sugar level. It would act analogous to cortisone, the stress hormone, produced in the axis

This drug has several presentations and routes of administration. It can be used orally in tablet form or in case of emergency it can also be found as an intravenous or intramuscular injection.

It is also important to bear in mind that, especially when it has been used continuously and in high doses, treatment should never be stopped suddenly, since can generate very serious syndromes that could even lead to death .

Main indications

Urbason is a very powerful and useful drug in the treatment of various conditions, both for the treatment of specific diseases and when immediate and fast effect treatment is required (in the case of injectables, usually when there is danger to life).

Generally we are talking about a focused use to treat inflammations and alterations in which there is an excessive or dangerous response by the immune system .

Among the conditions for which it is prescribed are treatment of anaphylactic shock, poisoning, adrenal insufficiency, lupus erythematosus or multiple sclerosis. It is also especially relevant in the treatment of severe edema such as cerebral edema (used for example in some traffic accidents) or airway edema, as well as transplant rejection responses.

It is often used as a drug to assist the action of chemotherapy or even radiation therapy. It is also used in Addison’s disease, in which there is a hypofunction of the adrenal glands that can lead to serious deficiencies.

Other conditions in which it has been shown to be useful are severe asthma attacks, COPD, different types of arthritis and rheumatism, anaemia and problems of a haematological type, hives or inflammatory processes such as hepatitis or optic neuritis.

Side effects

As we have said, Urbason, although relatively frequently used in different conditions and alterations, as a corticosteroid is manifested as a high-potency drug that although it can be very useful and even save lives can also generate various types of side effects.

Some of the most common are an increase in appetite and weight, as well as hyperglycemia and increases in cholesterol and triglycerides, along with fluid retention, hirsutism (hair growth), skin alterations, slowed healing and alterations in fat distribution. Other common symptoms are muscle weakness, dizziness, irregularity in the menstrual cycle, sweating and fatigue .

We must also take into account that it is a drug that decreases the immune system’s response, so that sometimes it will facilitate the appearance of infections and diseases.

Also can generate erectile dysfunction, hormonal problems, growth disorders, arrhythmias, thrombosis , seizures. muscle problems, ulcers or glaucoma. It also favours osteoporosis, reducing calcium levels as we have previously mentioned.

Another type of side effects that Urbason can generate are psychological: this drug is one of the anti-inflammatory steroids or corticosteroids that are most likely to contribute to the appearance of symptoms, especially those related to variations in mood.

Generally related to the dose used (generally considered to be somewhat more frequent from 80 mg/day), some of the psychic symptoms that can appear are mania (this being the most frequent), depression or psychosis, as well as confusional states.

Its sudden and ungradual withdrawal can also generate serious consequences, among which we can find pain, respiratory problems, loss of appetite, hypotension or hypoglycemia and even adrenocortical insufficiency that could lead to death.

Contraindications

The use of Urbason can be useful, but not everyone can take it as it can be dangerous for certain sectors of the population. To begin with, it is contraindicated for all those who are allergic to this type of drug.

Likewise, the elevation of blood glucose that it produces can be a danger for those patients who present diabetes , and the need to regulate the insulin and medication used must be taken into account. Neither should those with heart disease, patients who are going to undergo surgery, take it or do it with caution and under medical recommendation.

It is also contraindicated or at least should be consulted in those who have ulcers, infections or diseases such as herpes, glaucoma, liver disorders or in case of pregnancy or lactation .

It is also not recommended (except when necessary, such as in medical emergencies) for people with mood or psychotic disorders. If you are taking other drugs, you should discuss with your doctor whether or not to use them, as there are many medications that interact with Urbason.

Bibliographic references:

  • Spanish Agency of Medicines (2017). Urbason technical sheet 16 mg tablets. [Online]. Available at https://www.aemps.gob.es/cima/dochtml/ft/59123/FichaTecnica_59123.html#4-6-fertilidad-embarazo-y-lactancia.
  • Spanish Agency of Medicines (2017). Leaflet: user information Urbason 40 mg powder and solvent for solution for injection. Methylprednisolone [Online]. Available at: https://www.aemps.gob.es/cima/pdfs/es/p/34023/34023_p.pdf.
  • Lozano, M., Pelegrín, C. and O’Neill, A. (1988). Effects of drugs of therapeutic use on the psychism. Judges for democracy.