Methylprednisolone

• IUPAC: 11β, 17α ,21 -trihydroxy- 6α - methylpregna -1 ,4 -diene-3 ,20 -dione
• Latin: Methylprednisolonum

• D07AA01
• D10AA02
• H02AB04

White to almost white, crystalline powder and polymorphic

Glucocorticoids

232.5 ° C

Practically insoluble in water (120 mg · l-1 at 25 ° C), slightly soluble in ethanol, sparingly soluble in acetone and dichloromethane

• 2292 mg · kg -1 ( LD50, mouse, ip)
• > 4000 mg · kg -1 ( LD50, rat, oral)

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

Methylprednisolone is a synthetic glucocorticoid. It is available as a finished product for oral administration in tablet form, for infusion and injection, as well as a cream, fatty ointment, emulsion and solution for topical use on the skin.

Methylprednisolone reduces swelling and inflammation and is, among others, for the treatment of allergic and autoimmune diseases, skin diseases, and as an adjunct in cancer and pain therapy. Intravenous administration is used in anaphylactic shock, brain edema, to thrust therapy in multiple sclerosis, severe asthma attack and status asthmaticus, as well as a few other life- threatening conditions.

In the U.S., methylprednisolone is administered nationwide in spinal cord injury with a dose of 30 mg / kg in the early acute phase. The goal is to reduce cytotoxic edema, inflammation, and the release of glutamate and free radicals. In Europe, it will not be used because of increased complication rate (wound infections, gastrointestinal bleeding, pancreatitis, pneumonia) in all centers for this indication.

The main side effects of methylprednisolone include nausea and vomiting in high doses, for long- term use weight gain and stem obesity, cataracts, osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, and psychosis. Since the sudden discontinuation of long -term therapy may ( more than three to four weeks) lead to a secondary Addison's disease, the therapy in these cases must be stopped slowly tapered off.