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Medrol Generic Name & Formulations
Legal Class
Rx
General Description
Methylprednisolone 2mg, 4mg, 8mg, 16mg, 32mg; scored tabs.
Pharmacological Class
Glucocorticoid.
See Also
How Supplied
Tabs 2mg—100; 4mg—100, 500; 8mg, 32mg—25; 16mg—50; Dosepak—21; Depo-Medrol multi-dose vial (20mg/mL)—1; (40mg/mL, 80mg/mL)—1, 25; Single-dose vial (40mg/mL, 80mg/mL)—1; Solu-Medrol single-dose vial (500mg, 1g)—1; (40mg, 125mg)—25; Multi-dose vial (500mg, 1g)—1; Vial with diluent (2g)—1
Manufacturer
Generic Availability
Tabs, dosepak (YES); Depo-medrol: 20mg/mL (NO); 40mg/mL, 80mg/mL (YES); Solu-medrol: 40mg, 125mg, 500mg, 1g (YES); 2g (NO)
Medrol Indications
Indications
Steroid-responsive disorders.
Medrol Dosage and Administration
Adults and Children
See full labeling. Individualize. 4–48mg daily.
Medrol Contraindications
Contraindications
Systemic fungal infections. Live vaccines. Depo-Medrol, Solu-Medrol: also premature infants (benzyl alcohol content), intrathecal administration, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (IM preparations). Allergy to cow's milk or other dairy products (Solu-Medrol 40mg).
Medrol Boxed Warnings
Not Applicable
Medrol Warnings/Precautions
Warnings/Precautions
Not for epidural use; serious neurologic events may occur. Cerebral malaria, optic neuritis: not recommended. Latent or active amebiasis. Strongyloides infestation. Ocular herpes simplex. Cirrhosis. Tuberculosis. If exposed to chickenpox or measles, consider prophylactic passive immune therapy. Ulcerative colitis if perforation pending. Peptic ulcer. Diverticulitis. Intestinal anastomoses. Myasthenia gravis. Systemic sclerosis. Recent MI. CHF. Hypertension. Renal insufficiency. Osteoporosis. Diabetes. Hypothyroidism. Kaposi's sarcoma. Supplement with additional steroids in physiologic stress. May increase risk and mask signs of infection. May cause electrolyte imbalances, adrenocortical insufficiency, psychotic derangements. Alternate, intermittent, or single-daily doses at 8 AM minimize adrenal suppression. Monitor weight, growth, fluid and electrolyte balance. IV: drug-induced liver injury; discontinue if toxic hepatitis occurs. Intrasynovial: avoid previously infected or unstable joints. Solu-Medrol 40mg: consider allergy to cow's milk if new or worsening allergic symptoms occur; use alternatives. Avoid abrupt cessation. Use lowest effective dose. Pregnancy (Cat.C). Nursing mothers: not recommended.
Medrol Pharmacokinetics
See Literature
Medrol Interactions
Interactions
Potentiated by CYP3A4 inhibitors (eg, ketoconazole, macrolides), cyclosporine, estrogens. Antagonized by CYP3A4 inducers (eg, barbiturates, phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin), cholestyramine. May potentiate cyclosporine (seizure risk). May antagonize oral anticoagulants (monitor), isoniazid. Increased risk of arrhythmias with digitalis. May need to adjust dose of antidiabetic agents. Monitor for hypokalemia with potassium-depleting drugs (eg, amphotericin B, diuretics). Concomitant neuromuscular blocking agents; increased risk of myopathy. Withdraw anticholinesterase agents at least 24hrs before initiating corticosteroid therapy. Aminoglutethimide may lead to loss of corticosteroid-induced adrenal suppression. Increased GI effects with aspirin, other NSAIDs. Caution with aspirin in hypoprothrombinemia. May suppress reactions to skin tests.
Medrol Adverse Reactions
Adverse Reactions
HPA axis suppression, increased susceptibility to infection, glaucoma, cataracts, secondary infections, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypernatremia, hypertension, CHF, psychic disorders, myopathy, osteoporosis, peptic ulcer, dermal atrophy, increased intracranial pressure, carbohydrate intolerance. Parenteral: atrophy, flare at site; intrasynovial: septic arthritis.
Medrol Clinical Trials
See Literature
Medrol Note
Not Applicable
Medrol Patient Counseling
See Literature
