Monograph Details

Endocrine System > Corticosteroid-responsive disorders
MEDROL
Manufacturer
Pfizer Labs
Legal Classification
Rx
Pharmacological Class
Glucocorticoid.
Generic Name
Methylprednisolone 2mg, 8mg, 16mg, 32mg; scored tabs.
Also
DEPO-MEDROL
MEDROL DOSEPAK
SOLU-MEDROL
Indications
Steroid-responsive disorders.
Adults and Children
See literature. 4–48mg daily.
Contraindications
Systemic fungal infections. Live vaccines. Depo-Medrol: also premature infants, intrathecal administration. Solu-Medrol: also premature infants.
Precautions
Tuberculosis. Latent amebiasis. Strongyloides infestation. Hypothyroidism. Ocular herpes simplex. Cirrhosis. Renal insufficiency. If exposed to chickenpox or measles, consider prophylactic passive immune therapy. Ulcerative colitis if perforation pending. Peptic ulcer. Diverticulitis. Intestinal anastomoses. Myasthenia gravis. Hypertension. Osteoporosis. Diabetes. Kaposi's sarcoma. Supplement with additional steroids in physiologic stress. Avoid abrupt cessation. May increase risk and mask signs of infection. May cause electrolyte imbalances, adrenocortical insufficiency, psychotic derangements. Alternate, intermittent, or single-daily doses at 8AM minimize adrenal suppression. Use lowest effective dose. Monitor weight, growth, fluid and electrolyte balance. Intrasynovial: avoid previously infected or unstable joints. Pregnancy. Nursing mothers.
Interactions
Potentiated by CYP3A4 inhibitors (eg, troleandomycin, ketoconazole). Antagonized by CYP3A4 inducers (eg, barbiturates, phenytoin, rifampin). Avoid cyclosporine and aspirin in hypoprothrombinemia. May anatgonize anticoagulants (monitor). May need to adjust dose of antidiabetic agents.
Adverse Reactions
HPA axis suppression, increased susceptibility to infection, glaucoma, cataracts, secondary infections, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypernatremia, hypertension, CHF, psychic disorders, myopathy, osteoporosis, peptic ulcer, dermal atrophy, increased intracranial pressure, carbohydrate intolerance. Parenteral: atrophy, flare at site; intrasynovial: septic arthritis.
How Supplied
Tabs 2mg—100
8mg, 32mg—25
16mg—50
Dosepak—21
Depo-Medrol 20mg/mL (5mL)—1
40mg/mL (5mL, 10mL)—1, 25
80mg/mL (5mL)—1, 25
Solu-Medrol single-dose vial 40mg (1mL)—1, 25
125mg (2mL)—25
500mg (4mL), 1g (8mL)—1
Multi-dose vial 500mg (8mL), 1g (16mL)—1
Vial 2g—1 (w. diluent)
Additional Resources
Related Prescribing Note