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Methylprednisolone sodium succinate 40mg, 125mg, 500mg, 1gm injection is a glucocorticoid, a type of adrenocortical steroids widely used as an anti-inflammatory agent.

It is mostly used in cases of emergency and also when oral administration is not possible.

Mechanism of action:it acts by binding to glucocorticoid receptors inside the cell which results in regulation of DNA translation, resulting in inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine production.it also causes lysis of circulating T lymphocytes.

It is available as Solu-Medrol in both International and Indian markets.

 

Uses

• Methylprednisolone sodium succinate 40mg, 125mg, 500mg, 1gm injection is used to treat severe life threatening allergic reactions and rheumatic disorders..
• Solu-Medrol is used for disorders of blood, eye, kidney, lung, skin, gastrointestinal, endocrine glands and nervous system.
• It is used in Iatrogenic Fungal Meningitis, cancers like leukemia and lymphoma and organ transplants.

 

Dosage

• Methylprednisolone sodium succinate 40mg, 125mg, 500mg, 1gm injection comes as single use vials given intravenously or intramuscularly only by healthcare professionals.
• Solu-Medrol must be used within 48 hours after reconstitution.
• It is available as both preservative and preservative-free formulations.
• Treatment must be started with the lowest dose possible.
• Final doses are determined by the doctor on the basis of pre existing medical condition , ongoing medications, age, weight and any allergy.
• Doses are also modified according to minimise dose related side effects.

 

Side effects

• Headache
• Depression
• Hepatomegaly
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Allergic reactions
• Depression at the site of injection
• Elevation of blood pressure
• Salt and water retention
• Abnormal fat deposits
• Increased excretion of potassium and calcium
• Cushing’s syndrome
• Hyperglycemia
• Infections – bacterial, viral, fungal, protozoan
• Kaposi’s sarcoma after chronic use
• Bradycardia, cardiac arrest, myocardial rupture
• Acne, allergic dermatitis, dry and scaly skin

 

Precautions

• Methylprednisolone sodium succinate 40mg, 125mg, 500mg, 1gm injection is contraindicated in traumatic brain injury, systemic fungal infections, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and hypersensitivity to methylprednisolone or other ingredients of the injection.
• It is contraindicated for intrathecal use.
• Solu-Medrol is also contraindicated for use in premature infants as it contains benzyl alcohol.
• Live vaccines must be avoided while taking this drug.
• Close monitoring is required for signs and symptoms of renal dysfunction, heart problems, any allergic reaction and other metabolic toxicities.
• Always tell the doctor about pre-existing medical conditions, ongoing medications, any history of allergic reaction, pregnancy , future plan of pregnancy and pregnancy.

It must not be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding mothers because of its teratogenic effects.