Methylprednisolone

Major Uses

Methylprednisolone is a glucocorticoid that is primarily used for replacement of glucocorticoid activity in animals with adrenal insufficiency, as an antiflammatory, and as an immunosuppressive. It can be used to treat endocrine conditions, theumatic diseases, collagen diseases, allergic states, respiratory diseases, dermtologic diseases, hematologic disorders, neoplasias, nervous system disorders, GI diseases, and renal diseases.

Common Precautions

Methylprednisolone should not be used in animals suffering from viral infections, arrested tuberculosis, acute psychoses, peptic ulcer, corneal ulcer, and cushingoid syndrome. It should also not be used in animals with diabetes, osteoporosis, chronic psychotic reactions, predisposition to thrombophlebitis, hypertension, CHF, or renal insufficiency.

Some side effects associated with methylprednisolone include the retardation of growth in young animals, diarrhea, blood in stool, vomiting, GI bleeding, and annorexia. polydipsia, polyphagia, and polyuria may occur in dogs taking this drug. Dogs may also experience dry and dull haircoat, panting, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated liver enzymes, weight gain, pancreatis, GI ulceration, lipidemias, activation or worsening of diabetes mellitus, muscle wasting, and behavioral changes. Common symptoms in cats include polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, weight gain, depression, and diarrhea.

Methylprednisolone should not be used in animals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug. A veterinarian should be contacted immediately if any unusual symptoms occur or an overdose is suspected.

Storage

Methylprednisolone should be kept at room temperature in a tight, light resistant, childproof container. The injection form should be kept away from conditions that may cause freezing. When the formula is reconstituted, it should be kept at room temperature and used within 48 hours.

Administration

A typical oral dose of methylprednisolone in dogs is 2-8 mg, depending on weight, divided and given in intervals of 10 hours. When given to dogs as an injection, the typical dose is 2-120 mg weekly, unless the package suggests a different rate of administration. An oral dose is cats ranges from 2-4 mg divided in doses to be given every 6-10 hours. When being used as an anti-inflammatory in horses, a typical dose is 200 mg, and should be repeated as necessary. If a dose is forgotten, it should be administered as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the subsequent dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular administration schedule should be returned to. Two doses should never be given at the same time.

Doses may vary in different species, when the drug is given by a different route or concurrently with other medications, and with regards to a patient's age, breed, and health status. A veterinarian's dosing instructions and/or those printed on the medication label should be followed closely.