Solu-Medrol/ Methylprednisolone

Question 1

Solu-Medrol Class

Answer 1

• Synthetic glucocorticoid

* Corticosteroid

Question 2

Solu-Medrol Action

Answer 2

• Anti-inflammatory actions of corticosteroids, inhibiting the release of the precursor molecule arachidonic acid.
• It inhibits acute and chronic inflammation, and stabilizes cell membranes
• Additionally, it potentiates vascular smooth muscle relaxation by beta-adrenergic agonists and may alter airway hyperactivity

Question 3

Solu-Medrol Indications

Answer 3

• Anaphylaxis
• Bronchodilator-unresponsive reactive airway disease (asthma, COPD)
• Acute spinal cord injury (with deficits)

Question 4

Solu-Medrol Contraindications

Answer 4

• Systemic fungal infections (many clinicians believe this is relative as long as appropriate antimicrobial treatment is administered simultaneously)
• TB
• Cushing’s disease

Question 5

Solu-Medrol Precautions

Answer 5

• Psychosis
• Renal/Hepatic disease
• Diabetes
• Seizure disorders
• Myasthenia gravis
• GI disease
• Coagulopathies
• Pregnancy (C)
• Recent MI (has been associated with left ventricular free-wall rupture)
• Heart failure, Hypertension (can cause edema)

Question 6

Solu-Medrol Dosage

Answer 6

Adults:
• IV/IM: 125 mg
Pediatrics:
• 1-2 mg/kg IV

Question 7

Solu-Medrol Onset/ Duration

Answer 7

• Onset: 1-2 hours

* Duration: 8-24 hours

Question 8

Solu-Medrol Side Effects

Answer 8

Most side effects seen in long term steroid use 
• Sodium and water retention
• CHF
• HTN
• HA
• Vertigo
• Hypokalemia
• Seizures
• N/V
• Dysrhythmias

Question 9

Solu-Medrol Interactions

Answer 9

• Increases blood glucose levels, may require adjustment of insulin dosage
• Potassium-wasting effects can be exacerbated by concomitant administration of diuretics