Clinical data | |
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Trade names | Medrol, others |
Other names | 6α-Methylprednisolone; 11β,17,21-trihydroxy-6α-methyl-δ1-progesterone; 11β,17,21-Trihydroxy-6α-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
MedlinePlus | a682795 |
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Routes of administration | By mouth, intramuscular, intra-articular, intravenous |
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Pharmacokinetic data | |
Protein binding | 78% |
Metabolism | Liver primarily, kidney, tissues; CYP3A4 |
Elimination half-life | 1.8–2.6 hours |
Excretion | Urine |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.001.343 |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C22H30O5 |
Molar mass | 374.477 g·mol−1 |
3D model (JSmol) | |
Melting point | 228 to 237 °C (442 to 459 °F) |
Solubility in water | 1.20x10+2 |
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Methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol, Medrol, Solu-Medrol) is a synthetic glucocorticoid, primarily prescribed for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects.[4][5][6] It is either used at low doses for chronic illnesses or used concomitantly at high doses during acute flares. Methylprednisolone and its derivatives can be administered orally or parenterally.[7]
Regardless of route of administration, methylprednisolone integrates systemically as exhibited by its effectiveness to quickly reduce inflammation during acute flares.[8] It is associated with many adverse reactions that require tapering off the drug as soon as the disease is under control.[9] Serious side effects include iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome, hypertension, osteoporosis, diabetes, infection, and skin atrophy.[9]
Chemically, methylprednisolone is a synthetic pregnane steroid hormone derived from hydrocortisone and prednisolone. It belongs to a class of synthetic glucocorticoids and more generally, corticosteroids. It acts as a mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptor agonist. In comparison to other exogenous glucocorticoids, methylprednisolone has a higher affinity to glucocorticoid receptors than to mineralocorticoid receptors.
Glucocorticoid's name was derived after the discovery of their involvement in regulating carbohydrate metabolism.[9] The cellular functions of glucocorticoids, such as methylprednisolone, are now understood to regulate homeostasis, metabolism, development, cognition, and inflammation.[9] They play a critical role in adapting and responding to environmental, physical and emotional stress.[9]
Methylprednisolone was first synthesized and manufactured by The Upjohn Company (now Viatris) and FDA approved in the United States in October 1957.[10] In 2022, it was the 153rd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 3 million prescriptions.[11][12] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[13]