Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate

Question 1

Trade name

Answer 1

Solu-medrol

Question 2

Class

Answer 2

Corticosteroid, glucocorticoid, anti-inflammatory

Question 3

Mechanism of Action

Answer 3

Enters target cells and causes many complex reactions that are responsible for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects; thought to stabilize cellular and intracellular membranes

Question 4

Indications

Answer 4

Reactive airway disease, acute exacerbation of emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma. Anaphylaxis. Burns potentially involving airway

Question 5

Contraindications

Answer 5

Preterm infants

Question 6

Advers effects

Answer 6

None from single dose

Question 7

Incompatibility/ drug interactions

Answer 7

None

Question 8

routs of admin

Answer 8

IV/IO/IM

Question 9

Onset of Action

Answer 9

Onset of 1-6 hrs, peak of 8hrs and duration of 18-36 hrs

Question 10

Adult dose

Answer 10

125mg slow IV/IO bolus

Must use Acetate salt for IM route

Question 11

Pediatric dose

Answer 11

2mg/kg slow IV/IO; max dose of 80mg
Maintenance: 0.5mg/kg IV/IO every 6hrs or 1mg/kg every 12 hrs up to 120mg/kg
Must use acetate for IM route

Question 12

Special considerations

Answer 12

Use for spinal cord injury currently not recommended

Pregnancy safety not established. Crosses the placenta and may cause fetal harm

Question 13

Protocols used

Answer 13

A-2: Allergic reaction
A-4: Asthma
A-14: Emphysema/COPD
B-10: Pediatric Allergic reaction
B-11: Pediatric Asthma