Solu-Medrol
Generic Name
Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate
Manufacturer
Pfizer
Country
USA
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| solu medrol 125 mg injection | ৳ 768.28 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Solu-Medrol 125 mg Injection contains methylprednisolone sodium succinate, a synthetic corticosteroid. It is used to treat a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Dosage is highly individualized and depends on the disease being treated and the patient's response. Typical starting doses for severe conditions range from 10 mg to 250 mg intravenously or intramuscularly, repeated every 4-6 hours or as a single daily dose. For pulse therapy in very severe cases, doses up to 1000 mg/day for 3-5 days may be used.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment is generally required, but caution should be exercised due to increased susceptibility to adverse effects (e.g., osteoporosis, fluid retention).
Renal_impairment
No dose adjustment is typically necessary for patients with renal impairment, as methylprednisolone is primarily metabolized by the liver.
How to Take
Solu-Medrol 125 mg Injection is administered by a healthcare professional, either intravenously (IV) as a bolus or infusion, or intramuscularly (IM).
Mechanism of Action
Methylprednisolone acts by binding to glucocorticoid receptors, which then modulate gene expression to inhibit the synthesis of inflammatory mediators (e.g., prostaglandins, leukotrienes) and suppress immune responses. It reduces capillary permeability and inhibits leukocyte migration, thus reducing inflammation.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Rapid (within minutes for IV, within hours for IM).
Excretion
Excreted mainly in the urine as inactive metabolites.
Half life
Plasma elimination half-life is approximately 2-3 hours; biological half-life is longer (18-36 hours).
Absorption
Rapidly and completely absorbed after intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) administration.
Metabolism
Primarily hepatic, mainly by CYP3A4 enzymes.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Systemic fungal infections
- Known hypersensitivity to methylprednisolone or any component of the formulation
- Administration of live or live-attenuated vaccines in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids
Drug Interactions
Warfarin
Corticosteroids may potentiate or inhibit the effects of anticoagulants; close monitoring of INR is required.
Diuretics (e.g., Thiazides, Loop diuretics)
Enhanced potassium depletion.
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)
Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration.
CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., Phenobarbital, Rifampicin, Phenytoin)
May increase the metabolism of methylprednisolone, leading to decreased plasma concentrations and reduced therapeutic effect.
CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole, Erythromycin, Grapefruit juice)
May decrease the metabolism of methylprednisolone, leading to increased plasma concentrations and potential for increased adverse effects.
Storage
Store the unreconstituted powder at controlled room temperature (20-25°C). Protect from light. Do not freeze. Reconstituted solutions should be used promptly or stored as per manufacturer's instructions.
Overdose
Acute overdose is rare and generally not life-threatening. Symptoms may include fluid retention, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. No specific antidote is available. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Methylprednisolone is excreted in breast milk; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Systemic fungal infections
- Known hypersensitivity to methylprednisolone or any component of the formulation
- Administration of live or live-attenuated vaccines in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids
Drug Interactions
Warfarin
Corticosteroids may potentiate or inhibit the effects of anticoagulants; close monitoring of INR is required.
Diuretics (e.g., Thiazides, Loop diuretics)
Enhanced potassium depletion.
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)
Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration.
CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., Phenobarbital, Rifampicin, Phenytoin)
May increase the metabolism of methylprednisolone, leading to decreased plasma concentrations and reduced therapeutic effect.
CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole, Erythromycin, Grapefruit juice)
May decrease the metabolism of methylprednisolone, leading to increased plasma concentrations and potential for increased adverse effects.
Storage
Store the unreconstituted powder at controlled room temperature (20-25°C). Protect from light. Do not freeze. Reconstituted solutions should be used promptly or stored as per manufacturer's instructions.
Overdose
Acute overdose is rare and generally not life-threatening. Symptoms may include fluid retention, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. No specific antidote is available. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Methylprednisolone is excreted in breast milk; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Refer to the manufacturer's label for specific shelf life. Once reconstituted, solutions should be used within a limited time frame (e.g., 48 hours for Solu-Medrol).
Availability
Hospitals and retail pharmacies
Approval Status
Approved by major regulatory bodies globally
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Methylprednisolone, including Solu-Medrol, has been extensively studied and used in clinical practice for decades, supporting its efficacy and safety profile across numerous indications.
Lab Monitoring
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Blood glucose levels (especially in diabetic patients)
- Electrolyte levels (particularly potassium)
- Bone mineral density (for long-term therapy)
- Growth monitoring in pediatric patients
- Ophthalmic examinations (for long-term therapy)
Doctor Notes
- Always individualize the dose based on disease severity and patient response.
- Monitor for signs of infection, fluid retention, hypertension, and hyperglycemia.
- Gradual tapering of dose is crucial to prevent adrenal crisis, especially after prolonged therapy.
- Consider calcium and Vitamin D supplementation for patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy to mitigate osteoporosis risk.
Patient Guidelines
- Do not stop this medicine suddenly, especially after long-term use, as it may lead to withdrawal symptoms or adrenal crisis. Tapering must be done under medical supervision.
- Report any signs of infection (fever, sore throat, chills) immediately, as corticosteroids can mask symptoms of infection.
- Avoid live vaccines while on immunosuppressive doses of this medication.
- Carry a steroid treatment card if you are on long-term therapy.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, contact your doctor or nurse immediately for advice. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Solu-Medrol may cause dizziness, vertigo, or visual disturbances in some individuals. Patients should be advised to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until they are reasonably certain that the medication does not adversely affect their ability to perform such activities.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a diet low in sodium and rich in potassium, calcium, and Vitamin D to counteract potential side effects.
- Engage in regular, moderate exercise to help maintain bone density and muscle strength.
- Avoid exposure to people with chickenpox or measles if you have not had them or been vaccinated, as these infections can be severe.
- Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking.
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