Methylprednisolone (Solumedrol)

Question 1

Class

Answer 1

Glucocorticoid

Question 2

Description

Answer 2

A synthetic steroid that suppressed acute & chronic inflammation

Potentiates vascular smooth muscle relaxation by beta adrenergic agonists & may alter airway hyperactivity

Used as adjunctive tx for various types of reactive airway diseases

Shares a large number of potential uses w/ dexamethasone & hydrocortisone for a variety of inflammatory & endocrine conditions

Question 3

Onset & Duration

Answer 3

Onset: 1-2 hours

Duration: 8-24 hours

Question 4

Indications

Answer 4

Anaphylaxis

Bronchodilator-unresponsive asthma

Shock (controversial)

Adrenal insufficiency (hydrocortisone [Solu-Cortef] also may be used)

Question 5

Contraindications

Answer 5

Practice caution in pts w/:
GI bleeding
diabetes mellitus
Severe infection

IM route in pts w/ idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Question 6

Adverse Reactions

Answer 6

Headache
Hypertension
Sodium & water retention
Hypokalemia
Alkalosis

Question 7

Drug Interactions

Answer 7

Hypoglycemic responses to insulin & oral hypoglycemic agents may be blunted

Potassium-depleting agents may potentiate hypokalemia induced by corticosteroids

Question 8

How supplied

Answer 8

20, 40, 80 mg/mL; 125 mg/2 mL

Question 9

Dosage & Administration (Adult)

Answer 9

2 mg/kg up to 125 mg IV, or 40-125 mg IV

Question 10

Dosage & Administration (Ped)

Answer 10

Loading dose:
2 mg/kg IV (60mg max dose)

Question 11

Special Considerations

Answer 11

Pregnancy safety: Category C