Generic
Methylprednisolone Acetate
11 brands available in the market
At a glance
Methylprednisolone Acetate is a potent corticosteroid used for inflammation, allergies, rheumatic disorders, skin and eye diseases, and joint pain.
Description
Methylprednisolone Acetate is a synthetic corticosteroid with mainly glucocorticoid activity and minimal mineralocorticoid properties. It is available for intra-articular, intralesional, and intramuscular administration. It inhibits leukocyte infiltration at the site of inflammation and decreases capillary permeability. Intra-articular injection is effective for joint inflammation and pain relief.
Indications
- Rheumatic Disorders (Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Gout)
- Skin Diseases (Contact Dermatitis, Psoriasis, Pemphigus)
- Allergies (Bronchial Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis)
- Ophthalmic Diseases (Iritis, Keratitis)
- Collagen Diseases (SLE, Dermatomyositis)
- Hematologic Disorders
- Neoplastic Diseases
- Adrenocortical Insufficiency
Therapeutic class
Glucocorticoids
Pharmacological class
Synthetic Corticosteroid
Pharmacology
Methylprednisolone Acetate binds to and activates intracellular glucocorticoid receptors. Activated receptors bind to promoter regions of DNA, modifying transcription and protein synthesis. It inhibits leukocyte infiltration at the site of inflammation, interferes with mediators of inflammatory response, and suppresses humoral immune responses.
Mechanism of action
Reduces inflammation by suppressing migration of inflammatory cells and decreasing capillary permeability.
Dosage
Adult Dose:
- Intra-articular: Small joints: 4-10 mg; Medium joints: 10-40 mg; Large joints: 20-80 mg. Repeat every 1-5 weeks.
- Intralesional: 20-60 mg every 1-5 weeks (for dermatoses)
- Intramuscular (Systemic): 10-80 mg every 1-2 weeks
- Adrenogenital Syndrome: 40 mg IM every 2 weeks
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Maintenance: 40-120 mg weekly IM
- Acute Dermatitis (Poison Ivy): 80-120 mg single IM dose
- Asthma/Allergic Rhinitis: 80-120 mg IM
Administration
- Injections administered by trained healthcare professionals
- Take the dose and duration as advised by your doctor
- Intra-articular injection is given directly into the joint
Missed dose
Not applicable (injection)
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Skin thinning
- Increased risk of infection
- Reduction in bone density
- Weight gain
- Mood changes
- Upset stomach
- Behavioral changes
Injection-related:
- Congestive heart failure
- Hypertension, sodium retention
- Muscle weakness, osteoporosis
- Peptic ulcer, abdominal distention
- Convulsions, headache
- Menstrual irregularities
- Increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma
- Allergic/hypersensitivity reactions
- Urticaria, hyperpigmentation/hypopigmentation
Precautions & warnings
- Do not stop abruptly (risk of adrenal insufficiency)
- Inform doctor if signs of infection occur
- Do not receive live vaccines
- Monitor blood glucose if diabetic
- Caution in osteoporosis, mood disorders, hypertension, liver disease
- Caution in ocular herpes simplex (corneal perforation)
- Caution with aspirin in hypoprothrombinemia
Contraindications
- Systemic fungal infections
- Intrathecal administration (contraindicated)
- Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (IM contraindicated)
- Known hypersensitivity to components
Drug interactions
- Cyclosporine: Convulsions may occur
- Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Rifampicin: Increased clearance
- Troleandomycin, Ketoconazole: Inhibits metabolism, decreases clearance
- Aspirin (high dose): Increased clearance
- Anticoagulants (Warfarin): Enhanced or diminished effects (conflicting reports)
Food interactions
Avoid dietary sodium. Alcohol is unsafe.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy (Category C): Possibly unsafe. Adequate human reproduction studies not done. Weigh benefits against potential risks.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Safe. Human studies suggest the drug does not pass into breastmilk in significant amounts and is not harmful to the baby.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established.
Geriatric use
Dose selection for elderly should be cautious.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Safe - no dose adjustment required.
Hepatic Impairment: Limited information available. Consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
Reports of acute toxicity/death are rare. No specific antidote; supportive and symptomatic treatment. Monitor serum electrolytes.
Storage conditions
Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Methylprednisolone Acetate