Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate (Solu-medrol)

Question 1

Class

Answer 1

Corticosteroid

Antiinflammatory

Question 2

Actions

Answer 2

Smooth muscle relaxation by beta 2 agonists causes bronchodilation.
Relieves edema of the spinal cord (theoretical).
Antiinflammatory by stabalizing mast cells/lysomal membranes and decreasing capillary permeability (suppresses the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes)

Question 3

Indications

Answer 3

Status asthmaticus
Anaphylaxis..
Exacerbation of COPD.
Acute or chronic adrenal insufficiency

Question 4

Contraindications

Answer 4

hypersensitivity

systemic fungal infections

Question 5

Side effects

Answer 5

Most serious side effects are from chronic steroid use and include: prolonged wound healing, sodium and water retention (moon face), reactivation of tb, paper thin easily torn skin, hypertension, gastric ulcers / gi bleed, adreno cortical steriod production supression.
There are virtually no SE from 1 or 2 large doses, but…
HA
tachycardia
diarrhea
constipation

Question 6

Precautions

Answer 6

Cirrhosis
Onset is 2 to 4 hours
Not that helpful for spinal injuries