Methylprednisolone

What it is and how it works

Mechanism class: Corticosteroid Hormone Receptor Agonists

Indications

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Methylprednisolone tablets are indicated in the following conditions: 1. Endocrine Disorders Primary or secondary adrenocortical insufficiency (hydrocortisone or cortisone is the first choice; synthetic analogs may be used in conjunction with mineralocorticoids where applicable; in infancy mineralocorticoid supplementation is of particular importance). Congenital adrenal hyperplasia Nonsuppurative thyroiditis Hypercalcemia associated with cancer 2. Rheumatic Disorders As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration (to tide the patient over an acute episode or exacerbation) in: Rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy) Ankylosing spondylitis Acute and subacute bursitis Synovitis of osteoarthritis Acute nonspecific tenosynovitis Post-traumatic osteoarthritis Psoriatic arthritis Epicondylitis Acute gouty arthritis 3.

Dosage and administration (summary)

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The initial dosage of methylprednisolone tablets may vary from 4 mg to 48 mg of methylprednisolone per day depending on the specific disease entity being treated. In situations of less severity lower doses will generally suffice while in selected patients higher initial doses may be required. The initial dosage should be maintained or adjusted until a satisfactory response is noted. If after a reasonable period of time there is a lack of satisfactory clinical response, methylprednisolone tablets should be discontinued and the patient transferred to other appropriate therapy.

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS Systemic fungal infections and known hypersensitivity to components.

Warnings and precautions

WARNINGS In patients on corticosteroid therapy subjected to unusual stress, increased dosage of rapidly acting corticosteroids before, during, and after the stressful situation is indicated. Corticosteroids may mask some signs of infection, and new infections may appear during their use. Infections with any pathogen including viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan or helminthic infections, in any location of the body, may be associated with the use of corticosteroids alone or in combination with other immunosuppressive agents that affect cellular immunity, humoral immunity, or neutrophil function…

Storage and supply

HOW SUPPLIED Methylprednisolone tablets, USP are available in the following strengths and package sizes: 4 mg (white, flat faced, oval shaped with a beveled edge. The upper layer is quadrisected and debossed “42/16/V” with the “42/16” above the lengthwise bisect and the “V” in the lower righthand corner.

Source: Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) — US FDA prescribing information, 2024-04-12, DailyMed. Summarised and shortened; the full label governs. Iranian registration, indications and labelling may differ.