Melpred 16 mg (Tablet)

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

Potent anti-inflammatory steroid with greater potency than Prednisolone and less tendency to induce sodium and water retention

Pharmacology

• Pharmacodynamic properties: Potent anti-inflammatory agent with profound immune system inhibition. Influences various systems including kidney, fluid & electrolyte balance, lipid, protein, and carbohydrate metabolism, cardiovascular system, immune system, nervous system, and endocrine system
• Pharmacokinetic properties: High bioavailability, rapid absorption, wide tissue distribution, crosses blood-brain barrier, metabolized in the liver, haemodializable

Dosage & Administration

Usual range of 2-48 mg daily in divided doses for specific diseases. Initial dosage varies based on disease severity and individual patient response. Maintenance dosage determined by gradual decrement. Specific dosing for multiple sclerosis and severe allergy

Interaction

• Erythromycin, Clarithromycin, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Rifampin, and Ketoconazole inhibit Melpred metabolism
• Estrogens, including birth control pills, can increase corticosteroid effect by 50%
• Cyclosporin affects Melpred metabolism and vice versa
• Melpred may increase or decrease blood thinner effect

Contraindications

Systemic fungal infections and known hypersensitivity to components

Side Effects

Mild side effects for short courses, potential serious side effects for long term, high doses including fluid retention, weight gain, high blood pressure, potassium loss, headache, muscle weakness, hair growth, glaucoma, cataracts, ulcers, growth retardation, convulsions, and psychological disturbances

Pregnancy & Lactation

Category C; Use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk to the fetus. Not adequately evaluated in nursing mothers

Precautions & Warnings

• Adrenocortical insufficiency may persist for months after therapy discontinuation
• Enhanced effect of corticosteroids on patients with hypothyroidism and cirrhosis
• Cautious use in patients with ocular herpes simplex and hypoprothrombinemia
• Careful observation of growth and development in infants and children on prolonged therapy

Overdose Effects

Rare reports of acute toxicity/death following overdose. No specific antidote available; treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Monitor serum electrolytes

Therapeutic Class

Glucocorticoids

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool, dry place away from light. Keep out of reach of children