00009-0047-25-solu-medrol-act-o-vial-sdv.jpg

METHYLPREDNISOLONE SODIUM SUCCINATE

(Solu-Medrol®)

CLASS:

  • corticosteroid

  • anti-inflammatory

ACTIONS:

  • anti inflammatory by stabilizing mast cell/lysosomal membranes (suppresses migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes) and Decrease capillary permeability

  • Potentiates vascular smooth muscle relaxation by B2 agonists (bronchodilation)

INDICATIONS:

  • status asthmaticus

  • exacerbations of COPD

  • anaphylaxis

  • Acute or Chronic Adrenal insufficiency

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

  • Hypersensitivity

  • systemic fungal infections

STANDARD PREP:

1 gm in 8 cc Act-o-Dose vial

125 mg/2 cc

DOSAGE / ROUTE: - See Hawai’i S.O.

PEDS DOSE: - Asthma/anaphylaxis = 1-2 mg/kg IV

SIDE EFFECTS:

  • Tachycardia

  • Headache

  • Diarrhea

  • Constipation

  • Most serious effects are from chronic steroid use and include hypertension, sodium & water retention (moon face), prolonged wound healing, suppression of adrenocortical steroid production, gastric ulcer (GI bleeding), paper thin skin-easily torn, reactivation of healed TB.

  • Dispose Act-o-Dose vial after using since mixture is only good for 48 hrs after mixing

  • Onset of action is 2 to 4 hours

  • Cirrhosis

  • Not that helpful for spinal cord injuries