Methylprednisolone: ​​how does it work?

You have probably administered methylprednisolone in some unspecified time in the future in your profession, because it has a wide selection of clinical applications and affects most of our body systems. Have you ever wondered how it really works? Let’s have a look at the mechanisms of motion of methylprednisolone.
AND

How does methylprednisolone work?

Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid that stops the body from releasing substances that cause inflammation. Tissue damage or trauma results in tissue irritation, swelling, inflammation and the production of scar tissue. Methylprednisolone counteracts the initial effects of tissue injury, promoting healing. It achieves this by reversing capillary permeability, suppressing the movement of fibroblasts and leukocytes, controlling protein synthesis and stabilizing lysosomes on the cellular level. It also exerts various physiological effects, including the regulation of carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism and the upkeep of fluid and electrolyte homeostasis (Lexicomp, n.d.).

Indications for methylpredisolone (Facts and comparisons, 2023)

Methylprednisolone, an anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressant approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is indicated for the treatment of many conditions, including:

• Hematologic: immune thrombocytopenia and autoimmune hemolytic anemia
• Allergic: asthma, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, drug hypersensitivity, serum sickness, post-fusion reactions, new-onset urticaria
• Gastrointestinal tract: acute exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease
• Neurological: acute exacerbation of multiple sclerosis
• Rheumatic diseases: anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-related vasculitis, dermatomyositis/polymyositis, giant cell arteritis, gout (acute flare), mixed cryoglobulinemia syndrome, arteritis nodosa, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus
• Ophthalmological: uveitis, scleritis, chorioretinitis, ciliary body iridocyclitis, keratitis, optic neuritis, retinal vasculitis and allergic conjunctivitis

Nursing Considerations for Methylprednisolone (Facts and Comparisons, 2023)

The following general administration recommendations apply to adult patients. Please follow the foundations and procedures applicable in a given institution.

• : give the tablets after meals or with food or milk to alleviate gastrointestinal upset. If prescribed once each day, administer within the morning.
• (acetate, succinate): avoid injection into the deltoid muscle and avoid injection or leakage into the dermis. Do not inject into areas where there may be an acute local infection.
• (IV) (succinate):
  • Intravenous injection: Administer as a slow intravenous injection over several minutes to not less than 5 minutes for doses greater than or equal to 250 mg.
  • Intravenous infusion: rate will depend on dose and severity of condition; normally given as an intermittent infusion over 15 to 60 minutes. Doses greater than 250 mg needs to be administered over not less than 30 to 60 minutes. Monitor for serious opposed effects equivalent to hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, and sudden death.
  • Intra-articular or soft tissue (acetate) and intralesional injections needs to be performed by a professional healthcare skilled. Detailed information could be found on the manufacturer’s label.

AND

Methylprednisolone affects the physiology of the cardiovascular, immune, musculoskeletal, endocrine and neurological systems. The following parameters and unwanted effects needs to be monitored when administering methylprednisolone:

• Cardiovascular system: fluid retention, edema, hypertension, atherosclerotic disease, arrhythmias, hyperlipidemia
• Gastrointestinal tract: gastritis, ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding
• Metabolic/endocrine: hyperglycemia, inhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, increased insulin requirement, Cushing’s syndrome (facial rounding, edema, fat deposition, “moon face”)
• Immunological: increased susceptibility to infections
• Hematological: leukocytosis and neutrophilia
• Neuropsychiatric: mood disorders, psychoses, memory disorders, insomnia
• Bones and muscles: osteoporosis, osteonecrosis, myopathy, muscle atrophy
• Ophthalmological: routine eye examinations to detect cataracts, increased pressure in the attention, proptosis
• Dermatological: skin thinning, petechiae, steroid-induced pimples
• Other: increased appetite, weight gain, redistribution of fat from the limbs to the trunk and neck; growth and development of youngsters and adolescents
• Laboratory tests: blood glucose level, electrolytes, glycosuria

AND
Full information could be present in the medication’s package leaflet or within the Nursing2024 Medicines Manual + medicines updates.
AND

AND

Facts and Comparisons (2023, May 2). MethylPREDNIsolone sodium succinate injection. https://fco.factsandcomparisons.com/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid/fc_dfc/5548633?cesid=9CgigTvANrZ&searchUrl=%2Flco%2Faction%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dmethylprednisone%26t%3Dname%26acs%3Dfalse%26acq%3Dmethylprednisone %26nq%3True

AND
Lexicomp (n.d.). Methylprednisolone. . Accessed May 4, 2023 from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/methylprednisolone-drug-information

AND
Ocejo, A., & Correa, R. (2022, December 11). Methylprednisolone. . https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544340/

AND