Solu-Medrol

Question 1

Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate (Solu-Medrol)

Class

Answer 1

• Anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid (steroid)

Question 2

Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate (Solu-Medrol)

Mechanism of action

Answer 2

• Synthetic corticosteroid that suppresses acute and chronic inflammation (treats edema)
• Potentiates vascular smooth muscle relaxation by beta adrenergic agonists

Question 3

Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate (Solu-Medrol)

Indications

Answer 3

• Acute spinal cord trauma
• Anaphylaxis
• Bronchodilator for unresponsive asthma

Question 4

Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate (Solu-Medrol)

Contraindications

Answer 4

• Premature infants
• Systemic fungal infections
• Use cautiosuly for pt with GI bleeding, sepsis, local infection

Question 5

Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate (Solu-Medrol)

Adverse reactions

Answer 5

• HA
• N/V
• HTN
• Sodium water retention
• CHF
• Hypokalemia
• Alkalosis
• Peptic ulcer disease

Question 6

Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate (Solu-Medrol)

Drug interactions

Answer 6

• Hypoglycemic response to insulin and hypoglycemic agents may be blunted
• May increase hypokalemia

Question 7

Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate (Solu-Medrol)

Dosage and administration

Answer 7

Adult & Ped:

• Acute spinal cord injury:
  
  • 30 mg/kg IV over 30 minutes
    
    • Followed by infusion: 5.4 mg/kg/h
• Asthma/COPD:
  
  • 1-2 mg/kg IV

Question 8

Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate (Solu-Medrol)

Duration of action

Answer 8

• Onset of action: 1-2 hrs
• Peak effects: Variable
• Duration of action: 8-24 hrs

Question 9

Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate (Solu-Medrol)

Special considerations

Answer 9

• Preg Cat: C
• Not effective for spinal cord injury greater than 8 hrs ago
• May cross the placenta and cause fetal harm