Jesus Alfaro
Drug name: (generic): Methylprednisolone
Drug name: (brand/trade): Depo-Medrol, Medrol, Solu-Medrol
Prefix: olone
Dose: 10 to 40 mg/day given in a single daily dose(IV) 4mg to 48mg(PO) 10 to 40mg as a single
dose(IM)
Route: IV, IM, PO
Frequency: The oral dose range is 2-60 mg daily depending on the disease. Depo-medrol doses
are 10-80 mg injected into the muscle every 1-2 weeks.
Classification: Corticosteroid, anti-inflammatory agent.
Action: Methylprednisolone binds to and activates specific nuclear receptors, resulting in altered
gene expression and inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine production.
Use/Purpose: Medrol is a prescription medicine used to treat inflammatory conditions such as
arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, allergic disorders, endocrine disorders, and
conditions that affect the skin, eyes, lungs, stomach nervous system, or blood cells.
Contraindications: Patients allergic to the medication. Patients with systemic fungal infections
should not receive corticosteroids, other contraindications include Hep B, vaccinia, varicella, and
antibiotic-resistant infections.
Side effects: Edema, Sodium retention, Congestive heart failure in susceptible patients,
Hypertension, Fluid retention, Potassium loss, Hypokalemic alkalosis
Adverse effects: Upset stomach, stomach irritation, vomiting, headache, dizziness, insomnia,
restlessness, depression.
Nursing considerations: Individualize dose based on severity, response. Give daily dose before
9 am to minimize adrenal suppression. For maint reduce the initial dose in small increments at
intervals until the lowest satisfactory clinical dose reached. Use caution in pregnancy, do not
administer to breastfeeding patients.
Patient education: Increase potassium, calcium, and protein intake. - Do not discontinue
suddenly (can precipitate adrenal crisis). Avoid OTC products unless cleared with the prescriber.
Educate on symptoms of adrenal insufficiency (anorexia, dizziness, dyspnoea, fatigue, joint pain,
nausea, and weakness.
Drug name: (generic): Methylprednisolone
Drug name: (brand/trade): Depo-Medrol, Medrol, Solu-Medrol
Prefix: olone
Dose: 10 to 40 mg/day given in a single daily dose(IV) 4mg to 48mg(PO) 10 to 40mg as a single
dose(IM)
Route: IV, IM, PO
Frequency: The oral dose range is 2-60 mg daily depending on the disease. Depo-medrol doses
are 10-80 mg injected into the muscle every 1-2 weeks.
Classification: Corticosteroid, anti-inflammatory agent.
Action: Methylprednisolone binds to and activates specific nuclear receptors, resulting in altered
gene expression and inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine production.
Use/Purpose: Medrol is a prescription medicine used to treat inflammatory conditions such as
arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, allergic disorders, endocrine disorders, and
conditions that affect the skin, eyes, lungs, stomach nervous system, or blood cells.
Contraindications: Patients allergic to the medication. Patients with systemic fungal infections
should not receive corticosteroids, other contraindications include Hep B, vaccinia, varicella, and
antibiotic-resistant infections.
Side effects: Edema, Sodium retention, Congestive heart failure in susceptible patients,
Hypertension, Fluid retention, Potassium loss, Hypokalemic alkalosis
Adverse effects: Upset stomach, stomach irritation, vomiting, headache, dizziness, insomnia,
restlessness, depression.
Nursing considerations: Individualize dose based on severity, response. Give daily dose before
9 am to minimize adrenal suppression. For maint reduce the initial dose in small increments at
intervals until the lowest satisfactory clinical dose reached. Use caution in pregnancy, do not
administer to breastfeeding patients.
Patient education: Increase potassium, calcium, and protein intake. - Do not discontinue
suddenly (can precipitate adrenal crisis). Avoid OTC products unless cleared with the prescriber.
Educate on symptoms of adrenal insufficiency (anorexia, dizziness, dyspnoea, fatigue, joint pain,
nausea, and weakness.
