#medrol

Brand Name: Medrol

Generic Available

Common Dosage Forms:

Tablets: 2 mg, 4 mg, 8 mg, 16 mg, 32 mg

Dosepak: A package containing 21 tablets (4 mg) in a unit dose blister pack with directions for a decreasing dose regimen.

Injection (Solu-Medrol): 40 mg/mL, 125 mg/mL (as sodium succinate)

Injection (Depo-Medrol): 40 mg/mL, 80 mg/mL (as acetate)

FDA Indications/Dosages:

Treatment of various allergic and inflammatory diseases of the body, as well as: adjunctive therapy in tuberculous meningitis; treatment of trichinosis with neurological or myocardial involvement; to induce the diuresis or remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome; symptomatic relief of ulcerative colitis or regional enteritis during critical periods; use as maintenance or during a flare-up of systemic lupus erythematosus, polymyositis, or rheumatic carditis; palliative management of leukemias and lymphomas (in adults); treatment of various anemias and thrombocytopenias; and treatment of various endocrine and respiratory disorders. Doses vary between individuals and disease states: DOSAGES MUST BE INDIVIDUALIZED. Normal doses range from 4-48 mg per day. Constant patient monitoring is essential in proper therapy. In long-term Medrol therapy, alternative day dosing may be beneficial.

Acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis: 160 mg per day for 7 days followed by 64 mg every other day for one month.

*Indications and dosage ranges for injectable forms are not included on this card. See manufacturer’s package insert for full prescribing information.

Pharmacology/Pharmacokinetics: Adrenocorticoids bind to certain receptor proteins found in the cytoplasm of sensitive cells to form a steroid-receptor complex. This steroid-receptor complex enters the nucleus of the cell where it reacts with chromatin, or DNA. The steroid (or possibly the receptor) then uses stored information to stimulate or inhibit the transcription of mRNA. The stimulation of mRNA results in the synthesis of specific proteins and ultimately specific enzymes that carry out its anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory actions.

Drug Interactions: May antagonize the effects of anticholinesterases. Barbiturates, rifampin, and hydantoins may increase metabolism. Estrogens may decrease metabolism. Ketoconazole may increase effects. May decrease salicylate effectiveness.

Contraindications/Precautions: Use is contraindicated in patients with systemic fungal infections. Use with caution in pregnancy and in patients with ocular herpes simplex, hypothyroidism, cirrhosis, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, fresh intestinal anastomoses, renal impairment, hypertension, osteoporosis, myasthenia gravis, tuberculosis, peptic ulcers, and diabetes mellitus.  Patients on methylprednisolone therapy should not undergo any form of immunization. No Pregnancy Category Established.

Adverse Effects: Blurred vision, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, fluid and electrolyte disturbances, Cushing’s syndrome, increased susceptibility to infections, osteoporosis, vertebral compression, various behavioral disturbances, peptic ulceration, myopathy, suppression of growth in children, and signs of adrenal suppression.

Patient Consultation:

Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and children.

Contact a physician if the above side effects are severe or persistent.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible.

Take medication only as prescribed.

Do not discontinue medication without first consulting a physician.

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