section name header

Pronunciation

meth-ill-pred-NISS-oh-lone

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: corticosteroids, Immunosuppressant agents

Pharmacologic Classification: corticosteroids

Indications

REMS


Unlabeled Use:

Action

  • Suppresses inflammation and the normal immune response.
  • Suppresses adrenal function at chronic doses of 4 mg/day.
  • Has negligible mineralocorticoid activity.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Suppression of inflammation and modification of the normal immune response.
  • Replacement therapy in adrenal insufficiency.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed after oral administration. Succinate salt is rapidly absorbed after IM administration. Acetate salt is slowly but completely absorbed after IM administration. Absorption from local sites (intra-articular, intralesional) is slow but complete. IV administration results in complete bioavailability.

Distribution: Widely distributed to tissues.

Metabolism/Excretion: Metabolized mostly by the liver. Primarily excreted in urine as metabolites.

Half-Life: Oral: 2.5 hr; IV: 15 min.

Time/Action Profile

(anti-inflammatory activity)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
POunknown1–2 hr1.25–1.5 days
IM (acetate)6–48 hr4–8 days1–4 wk
IM, IV (succinate)rapidunknownunknown



Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

Adverse reactions/side effects are much more common with high-dose/long-term therapy

CV: hypertension, edema, THROMBOEMBOLISM

Derm: wound healing, acne, ecchymoses, fragility, hirsutism, petechiae

EENT: intraocular pressure, cataracts

Endo: adrenal suppression, hyperglycemia

F and E: hypokalemia, hypokalemic alkalosis

GI: anorexia, nausea, PEPTIC ULCERATION, vomiting

Hemat: leukocytosis, thrombophlebitis

Metab: weight gain, weight loss

MS: muscle wasting, osteoporosis, avascular necrosis of joints, muscle pain

Neuro: depression, euphoria, intracranial pressure (children only), headache, personality changes, psychoses, restlessness

Misc: cushingoid appearance (moon face, buffalo hump), INFECTION, KAPOSI'S SARCOMA, tumor lysis syndrome

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Route/Dosage

Availability

(Generic available)

Assessment

Lab Test Considerations:

Implementation

IV Administration:

Patient/Family Teaching

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

US Brand Names

DEPO-Medrol, Medrol, SOLU-Medrol

Pill Image

methylprednisolone_195-9168.jpg

Code

NDC Code