Methylprednisolone

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Methylprednisolone
Systematic (IUPAC) name
(6α, 11β)-11,17,21-trihydroxy-6-methyl-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20 -dione
Identifiers
CAS number	83-43-2
ATC code	D07AA01 D07AC14, D10AA02, H02AB04
PubChem	6741
DrugBank	APRD00342
Chemical data
Formula	C22H30O5
Mol. mass	374.471 g/mol
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Protein binding	78%
Metabolism	liver primarily, kidney, tissues; CYP450: 3A4 substrate
Half life	urine; Half-life: 18-26h (biological)
Excretion	?
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	C
Legal status
Routes	IV, IM, IV Infusion, oral

Methylprednisolone (molecular weight 374.48) is a synthetic glucocorticoid drug which is usually taken orally. Its chemical name is pregna-1,4-diene-3,20 -dione, 11,17,21-trihydroxy-6-methyl-,(6α, 11β)- and its chemical formula is C₂₂H₃₀O₅.

Like most but not limited to adrenocortical steroids, methylprednisolone is typically used for its anti-inflammatory purposes. However, glucocorticoids have a wide range of effects, including changes to metabolism and immune responses. The list of medical conditions for which methlyprednisolone is prescribed is rather large, and is similar to other corticosteroids such as prednisolone. Common uses include arthritis therapy and short-term treatment of bronchial inflammation or acute bronchitis due to various respiratory diseases. It is used both in the treatment of acute periods and long-term controlling of autoimmune diseases, most notably SLE.

Methylprednisolone has serious side effects if taken long-term, including weight gain, glaucoma, osteoporosis and psychosis, especially when overdosed. The most serious side effect occurs after the adrenal glands cease natural production of cortisone, which methylprednisolone will replace. Abrupt cessation of the drug after this occurs can result in a condition known as Addisonian crisis, which can be fatal. To prevent this, the drug is usually prescribed with a tapering dosage, including a pre-dosed "dose pack" detailing a specific number of pills to take at designated times over a six day period.

Alternative treatments to many of the conditions currently indicated for methlyprednisolone are actively being researched. Additionally, new drugs such as budesonide are being created, which provide similar benefits but without the adrenal suppression problems.