Depomed 4 mg (Tablet)
Medicine Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Generic | Methylprednisolone |
| Company | Drug international ltd |
| Also available as |
Indications
- Endocrine Disorders
- Rheumatic Disorders
- Collagen Diseases
- Dermatologic Diseases
- Allergy
- Ophthalmic Diseases
- Respiratory Diseases
- Hematological Disorders
- Neoplastic Diseases
- Edematous States
- Gastrointestinal Disease
- CNS Disease
Description
Depomed is a potent anti-inflammatory steroid with greater potency than Prednisolone and less tendency to induce sodium and water retention.
Pharmacology
- Pharmacodynamic properties: Methylprednisolone is a potent anti-inflammatory agent with the capacity to profoundly inhibit the immune system. It primarily binds to and activates intracellular glucocorticoid receptors.
- Pharmacokinetic properties: Methylprednisolone has high absolute bioavailability, rapid absorption, wide tissue distribution, crosses the blood-brain barrier and placental barrier, and is secreted in breast milk. It is metabolized in the liver and haemodializable.
Dosage & Administration
- Usual range of 2-48 mg daily in divided doses
- Initial dosage may vary from 4-48 mg per day depending on the specific disease entity being treated
- Maintenance dosage should be determined by decreasing the initial drug dosage until the lowest dosage maintaining an adequate clinical response is reached
- Specific dosage regimen for multiple sclerosis treatment
Interaction
- Inhibition of metabolism by Erythromycin, Clarithromycin, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Rifampin, and Ketoconazole
- Increased effect with Estrogens
- Cyclosporine and Depomed mutual metabolism reduction
- Effect on blood thinners such as Warfarin
Contraindications
Systemic fungal infections and known hypersensitivity to components
Side Effects
Wide range from mild annoyances to serious irreversible bodily damage including fluid retention, weight gain, high blood pressure, potassium loss, headache, muscle weakness, hair growth on the face, glaucoma, cataracts, and psychological disturbances. Prolonged use can depress the body's ability to produce corticosteroids.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy category C. Use in nursing mothers has not been adequately evaluated.
Precautions & Warnings
- Adrenocortical insufficiency may persist for months after therapy discontinuation
- Enhanced effect on patients with hypothyroidism and cirrhosis
- Cautious use in patients with ocular herpes simplex and hypoprothrombinemia
- Careful observation of infants and children on prolonged corticosteroid therapy
Overdose Effects
Report of acute toxicity and/or death following an overdose of glucocorticoid is rare. No specific antidote is available; treatment is supportive and symptomatic.
Therapeutic Class
Glucocorticoids
Storage Conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, away from light