Indications And Usage

Allergic states, Dermatologic diseases, Endocrine disorders, Endocrine disorders, Gastrointestinal diseases, Hematologic disorders, Miscellaneous, Neoplastic diseases, Nervous System, Ophthalmic diseases, Renal diseases, Respiratory diseases, Rheumatic disorders

Administration

Use only the Bacteriostatic Water For Injection with Benzyl Alcohol when reconstituting Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate, Use within 48 hours after mixing.

When administering Methylprednisolone sodium succinate in high doses intravenously it should be given over a period of at least 30 minutes. Doses up to 250 mg should be given intravenously over a period of at least five minutes.

Contraindications

Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate sterile powder is contraindicated:

In systemic fungal infections and patients with known hypersensitivity to the product and its constituents;

For intrathecal administration. Reports of severe medical events have been associated with this route of administration.

Precautions

This product, like many other steroid formulations, is sensitive to heat. Therefore, it should not be autoclaved when it is desirable to sterilize the exterior of the vial.

The lowest possible dose of corticosteroid should be used to control the condition under treatment. When reduction in dosage is possible, the reduction should be gradual.

Since complications of treatment with glucocorticoids are dependent on the size of the dose and the duration of treatment, a risk/benefit decision must be made in each individual case as to dose and duration of treatment and as to whether daily or intermittent therapy should be used.

Kaposi's sarcoma has been reported to occur in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy, most often for chronic conditions. Discontinuation of corticosteroids may result in clinical improvement.

Adverse Reactions

Allergic reactions, Blood and lymphatic system disorders, Cardiovascular, Dermatologic, Endocrine, Fluid and electrolyte disturbances, Gastrointestinal, Metabolic, Musculoskeletal, Neurologic/Psychiatric, Ophthalmic

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy: Corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Infants born to mothers who have received corticosteroids during pregnancy should be carefully observed for signs of hypoadrenalism.

Renal and liver Impairment

In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

Laboratory Tests