Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate (Solu-Medrol)

Question 1

Class

Answer 1

Steriod
Glucocorticoid
Anti-inflammatory

Question 2

Actions

Answer 2

Anti inflammatory by stabilizing mast cell/lysosomal membranes and decrease capillary permeability
Relieves edema if spinal cord tissue (theoretical)
Potentiates vascular smooth muscle relaxation by B2 agonists (bronchodilation)

Question 3

Indications

Answer 3

Spinal cord trauma
status asthmaticus
exacerbations of COPD
anaphylaxis

Question 4

Dosage

Answer 4

125 mg IV.

Question 5

Side Effects

Answer 5

Most serious effects are from chronic steroid use and include hypertension, sodium and water retention (moon face), prolonged wound healing, suppression of adrenocortical steriod production, gastric ulcer (GI bleeding), paper thin skin easily torn, reactivation of healed TB.

Question 6

Precautions

Answer 6

Dispose Act-o-Dose vial after using since mixture is only good for 48 hours after mixing.
Onset of action is 2-4 hours