Solu-Medrol (Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate)

Question 1

Class (3)

Answer 1

• Steroid
• Glucocorticoid
• Anti-inflammatory

Question 2

Actions (3)

Answer 2

• Anti-inflammatory by stabilizing mast cell/lysosomal membranes and decrease capillary permeability
• Relieves edema of spinal cord tissue (theoretical)
• Potentiates vascular smooth muscle relaxation by B2 agonists (bronchodilation)

Question 3

Indications (4)

Answer 3

• Spinal cord trauma
• Status asthmaticus
• Exacerbation of COPD
• Anaphylaxis

Question 4

Dose/Route

Answer 4

See HI S.O.

Question 5

Standard Prep

Answer 5

1 mg in 8cc Act-o-Dose vial, 125 mg/2cc

Question 6

Peds dose

Answer 6

Asthma/anaphylaxis=1-2 mg/kg IV

Question 7

Side Effects (8)

Answer 7

• Most serious effects are from chronic steroid use and include:
• HTN
• Na & H2O retention (moon face)
• prolonged wound healing
• suppression of adrenocortical steroid production
• gastric ulcer (GI bleeding)
• paper thin skin-easily torn
• reactivation of healed TB
• There are virtually no serious side effects from 1-2 large doses

Question 8

Precautions

Answer 8

• Dispose Act-o-Dose vial after using since mixture is only good for 48 hrs after mixing
• Onset of action is 2-4 hrs