Methylprednisolone
Brand names Depo-Medrol and Solu-Medrol
A corticosteroid medication used to suppress the immune system and decrease inflammation.
Unbound glucocorticoids cross cell membranes and bind with high affinity to specific cytoplasmic receptors, modifying transcription and protein synthesis.
The anti-inflammatory actions of corticosteroids are thought to involve phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins, lipocortins, which control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
Conditions in which it is used include skin diseases, rheumatic disorders, allergies, asthma, croup, COPD, certain cancers, multiple sclerosis.
US: C pregnancy risk.
Routes of administration IV, IM, by mouth.
Protein binding 78%.
Metabolism by liver primarily and kidney by CYP450: 3A4 substrate.
Biological half-life: 18-26h.
Serious side effects may include mental alterations and an increased risk of infection.
Common side effects with long-term use include osteoporosis, cataracts, weakness, easy bruising, and yeast infections.
Is typically used for its anti-inflammatory effects.
It has a wide range of effects, including changes to metabolism and immune responses.
Common uses include arthritis therapy and short-term treatment of bronchial inflammation or acute bronchitis due to various respiratory diseases, management of autoimmune diseases, most notably systemic lupus erythematosus.
It is also used as a treatment for multiple sclerosis.
Long-term use, as with all corticosteroids, can be associated with hyperglycemia, decreased resistance to infection, swelling of face, weight gain, congestive cardiac insufficiency, fluid and sodium retention, edema, hypertension, increased eye pressure, glaucoma, osteoporosis, adrenal insufficiency, and psychosis, especially when used at high doses.
Abrupt cessation of the drug after this occurs can result in an Addisonian crisis.