Medicine Information

Methipred

Name: Methipred
Brand: Methipred

Injection (Powder for Solution)1 gmCorticosteroids (Systemic)ATC: H02AB04

Generic Name

Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate

Manufacturer

Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
methipred 1 gm injection	৳ 1,000.00	N/A

Description

Overview of the medicine

Methipred 1 gm Injection contains Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate, a potent synthetic glucocorticoid. It is used for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects in various conditions.

Uses & Indications

Severe allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, severe asthma)

Acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis

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

Skin diseases (e.g., severe psoriasis, pemphigus)

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

Respiratory diseases (e.g., severe asthma, COPD exacerbations)

Hematologic disorders (e.g., hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia)

Neoplastic diseases (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma)

Organ transplant rejection prophylaxis and treatment

Adrenal insufficiency

Dosage

Adults

Dosage varies widely based on condition. For severe acute conditions, 10-500 mg IV may be given every 4-6 hours, sometimes higher (e.g., pulse therapy 1000 mg/day for 3-5 days). For less severe conditions, initial doses range from 10-250 mg daily, adjusted as needed.

Elderly

No specific dose adjustments needed for elderly patients, but use with caution due to increased risk of side effects.

Renal_impairment

No specific dose adjustment required for renal impairment, as methylprednisolone is primarily metabolized in the liver. However, caution is advised.

How to Take

For intravenous (IV) administration, dissolve the powder in the provided diluent or Sterile Water for Injection, then administer over a period of at least 30 minutes for higher doses (e.g., >250 mg) or as a bolus for lower doses. For intramuscular (IM) administration, dissolve and inject deep into a large muscle mass.

Mechanism of Action

Methylprednisolone works by binding to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, modifying gene expression to regulate inflammatory and immune responses. It inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators and suppresses the activity of immune cells.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Within minutes to hours depending on route and condition; IV onset is rapid.

Excretion

Excreted mainly in urine as metabolites.

Half life

Plasma elimination half-life is 2-3 hours for free methylprednisolone. Biological half-life is 18-36 hours.

Absorption

Rapidly and almost completely absorbed after parenteral administration (IV or IM). The succinate ester is rapidly hydrolyzed to free methylprednisolone.

Metabolism

Primarily hepatic, metabolized by CYP3A4 to inactive metabolites.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Systemic fungal infections
Known hypersensitivity to methylprednisolone or any component of the formulation
Live or live-attenuated vaccines when receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids

Drug Interactions

Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin)

Effects may be altered; close monitoring of INR is required.

Diuretics (e.g., thiazides, loop diuretics)

Enhanced potassium depletion.

NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)

Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration.

Antidiabetics (e.g., insulin, oral hypoglycemics)

May increase blood glucose levels, requiring dose adjustment of antidiabetics.

CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenobarbital, phenytoin)

May decrease methylprednisolone levels and efficacy.

CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin, diltiazem)

May increase methylprednisolone levels and potential for side effects.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature (20°C to 25°C), protected from light. Do not freeze. Reconstituted solution should be stored at room temperature and used promptly.

Overdose

Acute overdose is rare and usually does not lead to life-threatening situations. Chronic overdose, however, can lead to signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome, including fluid retention, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and adrenal suppression. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive; gradual withdrawal of the corticosteroid is necessary.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. Infants born to mothers who have received substantial doses of corticosteroids during pregnancy should be carefully observed for signs of hypoadrenalism. Methylprednisolone is excreted in breast milk; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing mother.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Systemic fungal infections
Known hypersensitivity to methylprednisolone or any component of the formulation
Live or live-attenuated vaccines when receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids

Drug Interactions

Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin)

Effects may be altered; close monitoring of INR is required.

Diuretics (e.g., thiazides, loop diuretics)

Enhanced potassium depletion.

NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)

Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration.

Antidiabetics (e.g., insulin, oral hypoglycemics)

May increase blood glucose levels, requiring dose adjustment of antidiabetics.

CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenobarbital, phenytoin)

May decrease methylprednisolone levels and efficacy.

CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin, diltiazem)

May increase methylprednisolone levels and potential for side effects.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature (20°C to 25°C), protected from light. Do not freeze. Reconstituted solution should be stored at room temperature and used promptly.

Overdose

Pregnancy & Lactation

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

1 vial with diluentPack of 5 vials

Shelf Life

2-3 years when stored unopened. Once reconstituted, solutions should be used within 48 hours.

Availability

Pharmacies, Hospitals

Approval Status

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

Patent Status

Generically available (original patent expired)

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Methylprednisolone has been extensively studied in numerous clinical trials across a wide range of inflammatory, autoimmune, and oncologic conditions, demonstrating efficacy in acute exacerbations and chronic management. Ongoing research continues to refine its use and explore new applications.

Lab Monitoring

Blood glucose levels
Electrolyte levels (especially potassium)
Blood pressure
Bone mineral density (for long-term use)
Ophthalmologic examination (for long-term use)
Growth in children (for long-term use)

Doctor Notes

High-dose methylprednisolone (pulse therapy) requires careful monitoring for cardiovascular events, electrolyte disturbances, and psychiatric effects.
Patients should be advised about the importance of gradual tapering to prevent adrenal insufficiency.
Immunosuppressed patients are at increased risk of opportunistic infections; prophylaxis may be considered in certain populations.

Patient Guidelines

Do not stop this medicine abruptly; doses must be tapered gradually under medical supervision.
Report any signs of infection (fever, sore throat) immediately to your doctor.
Monitor blood sugar levels regularly, especially if diabetic.
Avoid contact with people who have chickenpox or measles if you have not had these illnesses or been vaccinated.
Carry a steroid treatment card if you are on long-term therapy.

Missed Dose Advice

If a dose is missed, administer it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose. For prolonged therapy, consult your doctor.

Driving Precautions

Methylprednisolone generally does not impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you experience dizziness, visual disturbances, or mood changes, avoid these activities.