Solu-Medrone V
Active substance
ATC code
Species
Dogs and cats.
Indications
Corticosteroid: For administration to dogs and cats, as a glucocorticoid where a pharmacologically active massive dose is required with a rapid onset of activity; for example in the treatment of overwhelming infections/toxicity, shock (as evidenced by collapse of peripheral circulation with clinical signs of pallor, weak and rapid pulse, shallow respiration) and spinal cord compression.
Dose to be administered and administration route
Reconstitution: Reconstitute aseptically by adding the contents of the solvent provided to the freeze-dried powder. Shake well to ensure the contents are fully dissolved before use. Reconstituted solution should be used immediately.
Intramuscular or intravenous. Where onset of activity is required within 30-180 minutes the intravenous route should be used; the required dose should be injected slowly over several minutes given by intravenous infusion.
For intravenous infusion, the initially prepared solution may be diluted with 5% dextrose in water, isotonic saline solution or 5% dextrose in isotonic saline.
When treating overwhelming infections/toxicity or shock, the dose should be 20 to 30 mg methylprednisolone/kg bodyweight (0.32-0.48 ml/kg); this may be repeated at 4-6 hours for 24-48 hours.
When treating spinal cord compression, the dose should be 30 mg methylprednisolone/kg bodyweight (0.48 ml /kg) and should be given within the first two hours of trauma for maximum clinical benefit. The need for conjunctive surgery or other medicinal treatment should be considered according to individual clinical status.
Following use at high dosage, there is no need for gradual tailing off, i.e. therapy can be stopped as soon as clinical examination demonstrates a stable and improving patient state.
Adverse reactions
Vomiting may occur as a side effect of rapid intravenous treatment. Transient polydipsia, polyuria and hyperaesthesia are also possible side effects. A drop in systemic blood pressure may be produced by a high dose of methylprednisolone sodium succinate.
Gastrointestinal (g.i.t.) ulceration has been reported in animals treated with corticosteroids and g.i.t. ulceration may be exacerbated by steroids in patients given non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and in corticosteroid treated animals with spinal cord trauma. Steroids may cause enlargement of the liver (hepatomegaly) with increased serum hepatic enzymes.
Corticosteroids may delay wound healing and the immunosuppressant actions may weaken resistance to or exacerbate existing infections. In the presence of bacterial infection, antibacterial drug cover is usually required when steroids are used. In the presence of viral infections, steroids may worsen or hasten the progress of the disease.
