Methylprednisolone Injection is a synthetic corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation, suppress the immune system, and treat a variety of medical conditions. It is a potent glucocorticoid with minimal mineralocorticoid activity.

Here are the key details:

1. Composition and Form

• Active ingredient: Methylprednisolone sodium succinate (commonly used form for injection).

• Supplied as a sterile solution or lyophilized powder for reconstitution.

• Administered via intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) injection.

2. Mechanism of Action

• Mimics endogenous cortisol, a natural glucocorticoid.

• Binds to glucocorticoid receptors in the cytoplasm → modulates gene expression → reduces production of inflammatory mediators (cytokines, prostaglandins, leukotrienes).

• Suppresses immune cell activity, stabilizes lysosomal membranes, and reduces capillary permeability.

• Overall effect: anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and anti-allergic.

3. Indications

• Inflammatory and autoimmune disorders: rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, severe allergic reactions.

• Respiratory conditions: asthma exacerbations, COPD flare-ups.

• Shock or severe systemic inflammation: anaphylaxis, septic shock (adjunct therapy).

• Neurological disorders: multiple sclerosis exacerbations, spinal cord injury.

• Dermatological conditions: severe eczema or psoriasis flare-ups.

• Organ transplantation: to prevent or treat graft rejection.

4. Administration

• IV injection: for rapid systemic effect, often in severe acute conditions.

• IM injection: for slower absorption or when IV access is not available.

• Dose and frequency depend on the condition, severity, and patient weight.

• High-dose “pulse therapy” may be used in acute severe cases.

5. Side Effects

Short-term use:

• Hyperglycemia, fluid retention, increased blood pressure.

• Mood changes, insomnia, headache.

• Mild gastrointestinal upset.

Long-term or high-dose use:

• Suppression of adrenal gland function.

• Increased risk of infections.

• Osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and delayed wound healing.

• Cushingoid appearance (weight gain, facial rounding, fat redistribution).

• Gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding.

Rare but serious:

• Severe allergic reaction, psychiatric disturbances, or cardiovascular events.

6. Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to methylprednisolone or corticosteroids.

• Systemic fungal infections.

• Caution in patients with active infections, uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, or peptic ulcer disease.

7. Precautions

• Monitor blood pressure, blood glucose, and electrolytes, especially during prolonged therapy.

• Gradually taper dosage when discontinuing high-dose or long-term therapy to avoid adrenal insufficiency.

• Use caution in patients with heart, liver, kidney, or gastrointestinal disorders.

• Avoid live vaccines during systemic immunosuppression.

8. Storage

• Store in a cool, dry place, protected from light.

• Use aseptically; single-use vials should be discarded after opening.