Medicine Information

Depo-Medrol

Name: Depo-Medrol
Brand: Depo-Medrol
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Injection (Suspension)40 mg/mLCorticosteroidsATC: H02AB04

Generic Name

Methylprednisolone Acetate

Manufacturer

Pfizer

Country

USA

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
depo medrol 40 mg injection	৳ 270.50	N/A

Description

Overview of the medicine

Depo-Medrol 40 mg injection contains methylprednisolone acetate, a potent glucocorticoid used to treat various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including arthritis, allergic reactions, skin disorders, and certain cancers. It is administered via intramuscular, intra-articular, or intralesional injection.

Uses & Indications

Rheumatic disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis)

Allergic states (e.g., severe asthma, allergic rhinitis, serum sickness)

Dermatologic diseases (e.g., severe psoriasis, contact dermatitis)

Respiratory diseases (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations)

Endocrine disorders (e.g., primary or secondary adrenocortical insufficiency)

Gastrointestinal diseases (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)

Neoplastic diseases (palliative management of leukemias and lymphomas)

Dosage

Adults

Dosage varies widely based on the condition treated and route of administration. For intramuscular use, 40-120 mg every 1-4 weeks. For intra-articular use, 4-80 mg depending on joint size.

Elderly

No specific dose adjustment for elderly, but use with caution due to increased susceptibility to adverse effects. Start with the lowest effective dose.

Renal_impairment

No specific dose adjustment is generally required, but monitor fluid and electrolyte balance.

How to Take

Depo-Medrol is administered by deep intramuscular injection for systemic effect, or by intra-articular, intralesional, or soft tissue injection for local effect. It should NOT be administered intravenously.

Mechanism of Action

Methylprednisolone acetate exerts its effects by binding to glucocorticoid receptors, leading to altered gene expression. This results in potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions, reducing the production of inflammatory mediators, suppressing immune cell function, and decreasing vascular permeability.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Onset of action typically occurs within hours to days, depending on the route of administration and the condition being treated.

Excretion

Excreted mainly by the kidneys as inactive metabolites.

Half life

The biological half-life is approximately 18-36 hours, but the duration of clinical effect can extend for weeks due to slow absorption.

Absorption

Slowly absorbed from the site of intramuscular or intra-articular injection, providing a prolonged duration of action.

Metabolism

Primarily metabolized in the liver by CYP3A4 enzymes.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Systemic fungal infections
Known hypersensitivity to methylprednisolone acetate or any component of the formulation
Intrathecal administration (due to severe adverse events)
Epidural administration (due to severe adverse events)
Live or live-attenuated vaccines when on immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids

Drug Interactions

NSAIDs

Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration.

Warfarin

Altered anticoagulant effect (can increase or decrease).

Live or attenuated vaccines

Risk of severe infection if given while on immunosuppressive doses.

CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., Rifampin, Phenytoin)

May decrease corticosteroid levels, reducing efficacy.

Diuretics (e.g., Thiazides, Loop diuretics)

Enhanced potassium depletion.

CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole, Erythromycin)

May increase corticosteroid levels, increasing risk of side effects.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature (20°C to 25°C or 68°F to 77°F). Protect from light. Do not freeze.

Overdose

Acute overdose is rare. Management involves symptomatic and supportive treatment. Prolonged use of excessive doses may lead to signs of Cushing's syndrome, for which the dose should be gradually reduced or discontinued under medical supervision.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Use in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Methylprednisolone is excreted in breast milk; advise caution or consider alternative feeding methods during treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

1 mL vial (40 mg/mL)

Shelf Life

Typically 2-3 years from the date of manufacture, specific to batch.

Availability

Pharmacies, Hospitals

Approval Status

Approved by major regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, EMA)

Patent Status

Generic available, original patent expired

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Methylprednisolone acetate is a well-established drug. Clinical trials typically focus on new indications, comparative effectiveness with other treatments, or long-term safety profiles in specific patient populations.

Lab Monitoring

Blood glucose levels (especially in diabetic patients)
Electrolyte levels (particularly potassium)
Blood pressure monitoring
Bone mineral density (for long-term use)
Adrenal function tests (after prolonged therapy)
Ophthalmic examinations (for long-term use)

Doctor Notes

Emphasize the importance of gradual dose tapering, especially after long-term therapy, to prevent adrenal crisis.
Monitor patients for signs of infection, hyperglycemia, and gastrointestinal complications.
Advise patients on calcium and vitamin D supplementation for bone protection with chronic use.
Caution against live vaccines during immunosuppressive therapy.

Patient Guidelines

Do not stop the medication abruptly, especially after prolonged use, as it may lead to withdrawal symptoms or adrenal insufficiency. Tapering must be done under medical supervision.
Report any signs of infection (fever, sore throat, pain) immediately to your doctor.
Avoid close contact with people who have chickenpox or measles if you have not had them or been vaccinated.
Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.
Wear a medical alert tag if you are on long-term corticosteroid therapy.

Missed Dose Advice

If you miss a scheduled injection, contact your doctor or healthcare provider for advice. Do not double the dose.

Driving Precautions

Depo-Medrol may cause dizziness, vertigo, or visual disturbances in some individuals. Patients should be cautious when driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them.

Lifestyle Advice

Maintain a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to support bone health, especially with long-term use.
Engage in regular, moderate exercise to maintain muscle strength and bone density.
Limit sodium intake to help control fluid retention and blood pressure.
Avoid alcohol, which can exacerbate gastrointestinal side effects.