Class
Description
Onset and Duration
Indications
Contraindications
Adverse Reactions
Drug Interactions
How Supplied
Dosage and Administration
Special Considerations
Glucocorticoid
Methylprednisolone is a synthetic steroid that suppresses acute and chronic inflammation. In addition, it potentiates vascular smooth muscle relaxation by beta-adrenergic agonists and may alter airway hyperactivity. A newer usage is for reduction of posttraumatic spinal cord edema.
Anaphylaxis
Bronchodilator for unresponsive asthma
Shock (controversial)
Acute spinal cord injury
Use with caution in patients with GI bleeding and diabetes mellitus.
Headache
Hypertension
Sodium and water retention
Hypokalemia
Alkalosis
Hypoglycemic responses to insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents may be blunted.
Potassium-depleting agents may potentiate hypokalemia induced by corticosteroids.
40-, 125-, 500-, 1000-mg vials
Pregnancy safety: Not established.
Crosses the placenta and may cause fetal harm.