Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol) Flashcards
Generic/Trade Name
METHYLPREDNISOLONE
Solu-Medrol®
Generic/Trade Name
Solu-Medrol®
METHYLPREDNISOLONE
METHYLPREDNISOLONE (Solu-Medrol®)
Drug Classification:
Corticosteroid
Anti-inflammatory
METHYLPREDNISOLONE (Solu-Medrol®)
Mechanism of Action:
Diffuses across the cell membrane, binds to DNA, regulates gene expression and increases synthesis of proteins and enzymes that inhibit inflammatory agents (cytokines, interleukin, interferon); inhibits synthesis of pro-inflammatory enzymes
*Is an immunosuppressant*
(Works within cell membrane to regulate gene expression and inhibit synthesis of inflammatory agents)
METHYLPREDNISOLONE (Solu-Medrol®)
Pharmacokinetics
- Onset of Action = 2-6 hours
- Peak Effects = 4-8 days
- Duration of Effect = 1-5 weeks
- Half-Life = 3.5 hours
METHYLPREDNISOLONE (Solu-Medrol®)
Indications & Contraindications
Indications/Field Use:
• Severe anaphylaxis, hives
• Asthma, COPD
• Spinal cord injury
Contraindications:
• None EMS
METHYLPREDNISOLONE (Solu-Medrol®)
Side Effects/Adverse Reactions:
Fluid retention, CHF, HTN,
abd. distention, hiccups
vertigo, HA, nausea, malaise,
METHYLPREDNISOLONE (Solu-Medrol®)
Adult & Pedi Dose:
Asthma/Anaphylaxis (ADULT): 125-250mg IV, IO
Spinal cord injury (ADULT): 30mg/kg IV, IO over 15min, maintenance 5.4mg/kg/hr for 24-48h
Asthma/Anaphylaxis (PEDI): 2mg/kg IV, IO, IM; max dose 80mg
METHYLPREDNISOLONE (Solu-Medrol®)
Precautions:
- Give only one dose prehospitally
- LT steroid use can cause GI bleeding
- Prolonged wound healing, and suppression of adrenocortical steroids
METHYLPREDNISOLONE (Solu-Medrol®)
Drug-Drug Interactions:
- Lasix and Thiazide diuretics increase potassium loss
- decreased effect with phenytoin, phenobarbital, and rifampin due to increased metabolism of steroids
