Name

methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol®)

Class

Glucocorticoid

Description/Mechanism

Methylprednisolone is a synthetic steroid that suppresses acute and chronic inflammation. In addition, it potentiates vascular smooth muscle relaxation by beta adrenergic agonists, and may alter airway hyperactivity. A newer usage is for reduction of post-traumatic spinal cord edema

Onset

1-2 hours

Duration

8-24 hours

Indications

Anaphylaxis

Bronchodilator-unresponsive asthma

Acute spinal cord injury

Contraindications

Use with caution in patients with GI bleeding and diabetes melliutus.

Adverse Reactions

Headache

Hypertension

Sodium and water retention

Hypokalemia

Alkalosis

Drug Interactions

Hypoglycemic responses to insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents may be blunted.

Potassium-depleting agents may potentiate hypokalemia induced by corticosteroids

Supplied

40,125, 500, 1000 mg vials

Dose/Administration

Adult

Variable, usually within 40-125 mg IV range, except for spinal cord injury where the initial dose is 30 mg/kg slow IV bolus followed by an infusion of 5.4 mg/kg/hr after the first hour.

Pediatric

1-2 mg/kg/dose

Special Consideration

Pregnancy Safety: Category C

Crosses the placenta and may cause fetal harm.