International reference: 6 US FDA recalls for this ingredient
Presence of Particulate Matter: API contaminated with glass particulate was used to produce sterile injectable drugs. (injectable)
Lack of Assurance of Sterility (injectable)
Lack of Assurance of Sterility (injectable)
Lack of assurance of sterility (injectable)
Lack of assurance of sterility (injectable)
Lack of Sterility Assurance: All lots of sterile products compounded by the pharmacy that are not expired due to concerns associated with quality control procedures that present a potential risk to sterility assurance that were observed during a recent FDA inspection. (injectable)
US-market enforcement records (OpenFDA), shown for reference - not specific to this product in Kenya.
DEPO-PRED
METHYLPREDNISOLONE ACETATE INJECTABLE SUSPENSION USP
What it does
This is an injectable medication used to treat various health conditions.
Commonly used for: infections, pain relief, nausea, allergic reactions
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 20:50:55 · updated 2026-07-26 11:41:26
Drug Interactions
53Pharmacodynamic Warnings
Methylprednisolone appears in TABLE 17: Drugs that reduce serum potassium
Severe (1)
Mifamurtide - decreases efficacy
Corticosteroidsarepredictedtodecreasetheefficacyof mifamurtide.Avoid.rTheoretical
Moderate (32)
Corticosteroids - increases exposure
Dronedarone is predicted to increase the exposure to corticosteroids (methylprednisolone). Monitor and adjust dose.
Corticosteroids - increases concentration
Miconazole is predicted to increase the concentration of corticosteroids (methylprednisolone). Monitor and adjust dose.
Corticosteroids - increases exposure
Antifungals, azoles (fluconazole, isavuconazole, posaconazole) are predicted to increase the exposure to corticosteroids (methylprednisolone). Monitor and adjust dose.
Corticosteroids - decreases exposure
Cenobamate is predicted to decrease the exposure to corticosteroids (fluticasone). Adjust dose.
Corticosteroids - decreases efficacy
Mifepristone is predicted to decrease the efficacy of corticosteroids. Use with caution and adjust dose.
Unknown (20)
Aspirin - decreases concentration
Corticosteroids are predicted to decrease the concentration of aspirin (high-dose) and aspirin (high-dose) increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding when given with corticosteroids.
Choline Salicylate - decreases concentration
Corticosteroids are predicted to decrease the concentration of cholinesalicylate. Ciclesonide → see corticosteroids Ciclosporin → see TABLE 2 p. 1517 (nephrotoxicity), TABLE 16 p. 1521 (increased seru
Corticosteroids - increases exposure
Cobicistat is predicted to increase the exposure to corticosteroids (beclometasone) (risk with beclometasone is likely to be lower than with other corticosteroids).
Corticosteroids - increases risk of gastrointestinal perforation
Erlotinib is predicted to increase the risk of gastrointestinal perforation when given with corticosteroids.
Corticosteroids - increases exposure
Idelalisib is predicted to increase the exposure to corticosteroids (betamethasone, budesonide, ciclesonide, deflazacort, dexamethasone, fludrocortisone, fluticasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolon
Data from BNF 85 (British National Formulary). This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Matched via: class
About injectable
This is an injectable medication used to treat various health conditions.
What it treats
- infections
- pain relief
- nausea
- allergic reactions
How it works
The medication is delivered directly into the body through a needle, allowing it to act quickly.
Who it's for
This medication is for patients who need immediate treatment for certain conditions.
Cautions
- • May cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
- • Use with caution in patients with certain medical conditions.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
About methylprednisolone
Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.
What it treats
- allergic reactions
- asthma
- arthritis (joint inflammation)
- skin conditions
- autoimmune diseases
How it works
It works by decreasing inflammation and suppressing the activity of the immune system.
Who it's for
This medication is for people dealing with severe allergies, breathing problems, or certain autoimmune conditions.
Drug class
Corticosteroids
Cautions
- • Be careful if you are taking drugs that lower potassium levels in your blood.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: injectable
Injectable drugs are medications administered via a syringe and needle directly into the body. This route of administration allows for rapid absorption and onset of action, making injectables ideal for acute situations or when oral administration is not possible. Various formulations exist, including solutions, suspensions, and emulsions, designed for intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous delivery. The choice of injectable formulation depends on the drug's properties and the desired therapeutic effect.
Indications
- Acute pain management
- Nausea and vomiting control
- Antibiotic therapy
- Vaccinations
- Insulin administration for diabetes
- Chemotherapy for cancer treatment
- Emergency medications for cardiac arrest or anaphylaxis
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for appropriate dosing.
Adults: Refer to specific drug guidelines in the BNF for appropriate dosing.
Mechanism of action
The mechanism of action for injectable drugs varies widely depending on the specific drug. Generally, injectable medications can act through various pathways such as receptor agonism or antagonism, enzyme inhibition, or modulation of cellular processes. For instance, antibiotics may inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis, while analgesics may act on pain receptors in the nervous system.
Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacodynamics refers to the effects of injectable drugs on the body and their mechanisms of action at the target sites. This includes the relationship between drug concentration and effect, the duration of action, therapeutic indices, and potential side effects. Injectable drugs may exhibit dose-dependent effects, with higher doses typically leading to more pronounced therapeutic or adverse effects.
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetics describes the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of injectable drugs. Following injection, drugs rapidly enter the bloodstream, allowing for immediate therapeutic action. Factors that influence pharmacokinetics include the injection site, formulation, and patient-specific variables such as age, weight, and organ function. The drug's half-life will determine the frequency of dosing and the potential for accumulation in the body.
Pregnancy
The use of injectable drugs during pregnancy depends on the specific drug. It is essential to assess the risk versus benefit for both mother and fetus. Some injectable drugs may be contraindicated during pregnancy.
Breast-feeding
Many injectable drugs can pass into breast milk. It is crucial to consider the safety of the drug for the breastfeeding infant and the necessity of the drug for the mother.
Storage
Injectable drugs should be stored according to manufacturer specifications, typically in a cool, dry place, away from light. Some may require refrigeration.
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Clinical monograph: Methylprednisolone
BNF-referencedMethylprednisolone is a synthetic glucocorticoid corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. It is primarily used to treat a variety of conditions that involve inflammation or overactive immune responses. The drug is effective in managing conditions such as allergies, asthma, autoimmune diseases, and certain cancers. Its therapeutic effects are attributed to its ability to modulate gene expression and inflammatory processes.
Indications
- Suppression of inflammatory and allergic disorders
- Cerebral oedema associated with malignancy
- Management of graft rejection reactions
- Treatment of autoimmune diseases
- Severe allergic reactions
Dosage
Children: For paediatric dosing, refer to the BNF for Children for specific guidance.
Adults: Initially 10-500 mg by intravenous infusion, or 2-40 mg orally daily, depending on the condition being treated.
Mechanism of action
Methylprednisolone exerts its effects primarily through binding to the glucocorticoid receptor, leading to decreased vasodilation and permeability of capillaries, as well as suppression of leukocyte migration to sites of inflammation. It inhibits phospholipase A2, reducing the formation of arachidonic acid derivatives, and inhibits inflammatory transcription factors such as NF-kappa B. This results in a net anti-inflammatory effect, promoting the expression of anti-inflammatory genes like interleukin-10, while higher doses can impart immunosuppressive effects.
Pharmacodynamics
As a glucocorticoid, methylprednisolone influences various physiological processes, including the modulation of the immune response and inflammation. It has a wide therapeutic window, allowing for flexibility in dosing. Long-term use can lead to suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, increasing the risk of infections and other side effects associated with corticosteroid therapy.
Pharmacokinetics
Methylprednisolone is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within one to two hours after oral administration. It has a half-life of approximately 18 to 36 hours, with its effects lasting longer than its plasma concentration due to its mechanism of action. The drug is primarily metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine. It binds significantly to plasma proteins, which affects its distribution in the body.
Contra-indications
- Systemic fungal infections
- Hypersensitivity to methylprednisolone or any component of the formulation
- Live vaccines in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses
- Untreated bacterial infections
Adverse effects
- Increased susceptibility to infections
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Elevated blood glucose levels
- Cushing's syndrome
- Fluid retention
- Hypertension
- Osteoporosis
- Mood changes and psychiatric effects
Interactions
- Dronedarone increases exposure to methylprednisolone
- Miconazole increases concentration of methylprednisolone
- Azole antifungals increase exposure to methylprednisolone
- Crizotinib increases exposure to methylprednisolone
- Imatinib increases exposure to methylprednisolone
- Letermovir increases exposure to methylprednisolone
- Lumacaftor decreases exposure to methylprednisolone
- Mitotane decreases exposure to methylprednisolone
- Monoclonal antibodies decrease exposure to methylprednisolone
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with a history of peptic ulcer disease
- Monitor for signs of infection and elevated blood glucose levels
- Consider dose adjustments in patients with renal or hepatic impairment
- Gradual withdrawal recommended to avoid adrenal insufficiency
Pregnancy
Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Caution is advised.
Breast-feeding
Methylprednisolone is excreted in breast milk. Caution should be exercised when administering to a nursing mother.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Oral tablets
- Oral suspension
- Solution for injection
- Modified-release tablets
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: Methylprednisolone
PubChem CID 6741Molecular formula: C22H30O5
Mechanism of action
The short term effects of corticosteroids are decreased vasodilation and permeability of capillaries, as well as decreased leukocyte migration to sites of inflammation. Corticosteroids binding to the glucocorticoid receptor mediates changes in gene expression that lead to multiple downstream effects over hours to days. Glucocorticoids inhibit neutrophil apoptosis and demargination; they inhibit phospholipase A2, which decreases the formation of arachidonic acid derivatives; they inhibit NF-Kappa B and other inflammatory transcription factors; they promote anti-inflammatory genes like interleukin-10. Lower doses of corticosteroids provide an anti-inflammatory effect, while higher doses are immunosuppressive. High doses of glucocorticoids for an extended period bind to the mineralocorticoid receptor, raising sodium levels and decreasing potassium levels. Glucocorticoids are capable of suppressing the inflammatory process through numerous pathways. They interact with specific intracellular receptor proteins in target tissues to alter the expression of corticosteroid-responsive genes. Glucocorticoid-specific receptors in the cell cytoplasm bind with steroid ligands to form hormone-receptor complexes that eventually translocate to the cell nucleus. There these complexes bind to specific DNA sequences and alter their expression. The complexes may induce the transcription of mRNA leading to synthesis of new proteins. Such proteins include lipocortin, a protein known to inhibit PLA2a and thereby block the synthesis of prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and PAF. Glucocorticoids also inhibit the production of other mediators including AA metabolites such as COX, cytokines, the interleukins, adhesion molecules, and enzymes such as collagenase. /Glucocorticoids/
Pharmacodynamics
Corticosteroids bind to the glucocorticoid receptor, inhibiting pro-inflammatory signals, and promoting anti-inflammatory signals. Corticosteroids have a wide therapeutic window as patients may require doses that are multiples of what the body naturally produces. Patients taking corticosteroids should be counselled regarding the risk of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression and increased susceptibility to infections.
Biological pathways
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.
- DEBO-METHYL-40 40MG/ML STERILE AQUEOUS SUSPENSION
- DEPO-MEDROL 40MG/ML AQUEOUS SUSPENSION
- DEPO-MEDROL 40MG/ML AQUEOUS SUSPENSION
- MEDROL 4MG TABLET
- MEDROL 4MG TABLET
- NEO-DROL 40MG/VIAL POWDER FOR INJECTION