Methylprednisolone
Also known as: Methylprednisolone (actate)
Methylprednisolone is in a class of drugs called steroids. It is a corticosteroid and medrol drug.<br>Methylprednisolone Aceponate reduces swelling and inflammation. The actions, uses and adverse effects similar to prednisone.<BR>Methylprednisolone (Na Succinate) is a chemically Methylprednisolone (Na Succinate) is 11ß, 17, 21-trihydroxy-6a-methylpregna-1, 4-diene-3, 20-dione 21- (sodium succinate). The actions, uses and adverse effects similar to prednisone. It reduces swelling and inflammation. Methylprednisolone (Na Succinate) is used to treat different disorders like allergic conditions, respiratory conditions, digestive problems, eye, skin, blood, rheumatic disorders etc.
Primary Characteristics
Methylprednisolone is also known as Methylprednisolone (actate), Methylprednisolone (Na Succinate), Methylprednisolone Aceponate.
It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Glucocorticoid.
It belongs to Glucocorticoid agonist pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Corticosteroid Topical pharmacological group. It is also classified under Dermatological Products .
Molecular Weight: 496.5 · Solubility in Water: 1 in 1.5 · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 12 · Non-proprietary name: Methylprednisolone.

Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Methylprednisolone has an oral bioavailability is 95.5% (±4.5%).
Distribution: Methylprednisolone has a volume of distribution is 1-1.5 l/kg. plasma protein binding is 77%.
Elimination: it is metabolised via Hepatic, plasma half-life is 1.1-3.1 hr, renal excretion is 10%(IV)2-5%(other routes).
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Indications
Methylprednisolone is primarily indicated in conditions like Allergy, Angioneurotic edema, Asthma, Autoimmune disease, Collagen disease, Crohn's disease, Dermatological diseases, Eczema, Endocrine disorder, GI diseases, Graft rejection, Leukaemia, Lymphoma, Multiple sclerosis, Nephrotic syndrome, Ocular inflammation, Opthalmic disease, Rejection of organ transplants, Renal diseases, Termination of pregnancy of 13-24 weeks gestation, Traumatic injury, Ulcerative colitis.
Contraindications
Methylprednisolone is contraindicated in conditions like Cerebral oedema, Cushing's syndrome, Fungal infection, Peptic ulcer, Psychosis, Viral infection, Herpes simplex keratitis, Syphilis, Tuberculosis, Vaccinia, Hypersensitivity, Varicella.
Dosage
Methylprednisolone's dosage details are as follows:
| Dose | Single Dose | Frequency | Route | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Dosage | ||||
| 1.25 g | 1.25 g | Every 24h | IV,IM | For 3 days , Frequency could be 4-6 times a day. |
| 56 mg | 56 mg | Every 24h | PO | 4 divided doses with meal followed by 2 mg every 7 days |
| 0.1 % | 0.1 % | Every 24h | Topical | For 12 weeks |
| Paediatric Dosage (20kg) | ||||
| No data. | ||||
| Neonatal Dosage (3kg) | ||||
| No data. | ||||
Drug Interactions
Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Side Effects
Methylprednisolone in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Hypercalciuria, Congestive heart failure , Telangiectasia, Glaucoma , Cataract, Insomnia , Fluid retension , CHO intolerance, Peptic ulceration , Hypertension , Osteoporosis , Growth retardation , Aseptic bone necrosis , Viral infections , Cataract , Hypercalciuria , Hypokalemic alkalosis, Hemorrhages, Mood swings, Acute psychosis, Loss of matrix.
Methylprednisolone produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Cardiac arrhythmias, Hypotension, Bronchospasm , Cardiac Arrest , Cardiac arrest, Bronchospasm, Cardiovascular collapse, Anaphylactic reactions. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.
The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Methylprednisolone are Hyperglycemia, Hyperuricemia.
Methylprednisolone is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Acneform, Allergic skin reactions, Burning, Cushing syndrome, Ecchymoses, Erythema, Facial erythema, Folliculitis, Fragility of skin, Headache, Hyperpigmentation , Hypertrichosis/gingival hypertrophy, Hypopigmentation, Itching, Menstrual irregularity, Perioral dermatitis, Proximal myopathy, Skin atrophy, Striae, Thin skin, Vesiculation .
Warnings / Precautions
Interference in Pathology
Methylprednisolone may interfere in the diagnosis of Antigen Skin Test , ACTH Stimulation test, ACTH stimulation test.
Available Brands
Storage Conditions
Drug Classification
- 1.13.3.1 — Corticosteroids plain
- 2.18.1 — Corticosteroids, systemic