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Indications

REMS

Unlabeled Use:

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.

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

EENT: cataracts, intraocular pressure.

Endo: adrenal suppression, hyperglycemia.

F and E: fluid retention (long-term high doses), hypokalemia, hypokalemic alkalosis.

GI: PEPTIC ULCERATION, anorexia, nausea, vomiting.

Hemat: THROMBOEMBOLISM, leukocytosis, thrombophlebitis.

Metab: weight gain, weight loss.

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

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

Misc: cushingoid appearance (moon face, buffalo hump), infection.

Interactions

Drug-Drug:

Availability

(Generic available)

Route/Dosage

see Calculator

US Brand Names

DEPO-Medrol, Medrol, SOLU-Medrol

Action

Therapeutic Effects:

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: corticosteroids, Immunosuppressant agents

Pharmacologic Classification: corticosteroids

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.

Distribution: Widely distributed, crosses the placenta, and probably enters breast milk.

Metabolism/Excretion: Metabolized mostly by the liver.

Half-life: >3.5 hr (plasma), 18–36 hr (tissue); adrenal suppression lasts 1.25–1.5 days.

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

Patient/Family Teaching

Pronunciation

meth-ill-pred-NISS-oh-lone audio

Pill Image

methylprednisolone_195_9168.jpg

Code

NDC Code*