Depo Medrol 40mg/ml (methylprednisolone acetate)
Methylprednisolone acetate sterile aqueous suspension, an anti-inflammatory steroid recommended for IM and intrasynovial injection in horses and dogs, and IM injection in cats.
DEPO-MEDROL�
Zoetis
brand of methylprednisolone acetate
sterile aqueous suspension
20 mg per mL and 40 mg per mL
For Use in Animals Only
DESCRIPTION
These preparations are recommended for intramuscular and intrasynovial injection in horses and dogs, and intramuscular injection in cats. DEPO-MEDROL Sterile Aqueous Suspension is available in two concentrations.
METABOLIC AND HORMONAL EFFECTS
Methylprednisolone, an anti-inflammatory steroid synthesized and developed in the Research Laboratories of The Upjohn Company, is the 6-methyl derivative of prednisolone. Exceeding prednisolone in anti-inflammatory potency and having even less tendency than prednisolone to induce sodium and water retention, methylprednisolone offers the advantage over older corticosteroids of affording equally satisfactory anti-inflammatory effect with the use of lower doses and with an enhanced split between anti-inflammatory and mineralocorticoid activities. Estimates of the relative potencies of methylprednisolone and prednisolone range from 1.13 to 2.1, with an average of 1.5. In anti-inflammatory activity, as measured by the granuloma pouch assay, methylprednisolone is twice as active as prednisolone. In mineralocorticoid activity (ie, the capacity to induce retention of sodium and water in the adrenalectomized rat) methylprednisolone is slightly less active than prednisolone. The duration of plasma steroid levels following rapid intravenous injection in intact dogs is appreciably longer for methylprednisolone than for prednisolone, the respective "half-life" value for the two steroids being 80.9 � 7.5 minutes for methylprednisolone and 71.3 � 1.7 minutes for prednisolone.
Other Conditions. In certain conditions where it is desired to reduce inflammation, vascularization, fibroblastic infiltration, and scar tissue, the use of DEPO-MEDROL should be considered. Snakebite of dogs also is an indication for the use of this suspension because of its anti-toxemic, anti-shock, and anti-inflammatory activity. It is particularly effective in reducing swelling and preventing sloughing. Its employment in the treatment of such conditions is recommended as a supportive measure to standard procedures and time-honored treatments and will give comfort to the animal and hasten complete recovery.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Systemic therapy with methylprednisolone acetate, as with other corticoids, is contraindicated in animals with arrested tuberculosis, peptic ulcer, and Cushing's syndrome. The presence of active tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, renal insufficiency, predisposition to thrombophlebitis, hypertension, or congestive heart failure necessitates carefully controlled use of corticosteroids. Intrasynovial, intratendinous, or other injections of corticosteroids for local effect are contraindicated in the presence of acute infectious conditions. Exacerbation of pain, further loss of joint motion, with fever and malaise following injection may indicate that the condition has become septic. Appropriate antibacterial therapy should be instituted immediately.
WARNING
Clinical and experimental data have demonstrated that corticosteroids administered orally or parenterally to animals may induce the first stage of parturition when administered during the last trimester of pregnancy and may precipitate premature parturition followed by dystocia, fetal death, retained placenta and metritis.
Additionally, corticosteroids administered to dogs, rabbits, and rodents during pregnancy have resulted in cleft palate in offspring. Corticosteroids administered to dogs during pregnancy have also resulted in other congenital anomalies, including deformed forelegs, phocomelia, and anasarca.
Not for human use.
NTRAMUSCULAR ADMINISTRATION AND DOSAGE
Following intramuscular injection of methylprednisolone acetate, a prolonged systemic effect results. The dose varies with the size of the animal patient, the severity of the condition under treatment, and the animal's response to therapy.
Dogs and Cats. The average intramuscular dose for dogs is 20 mg. In accordance with the size of the dog and severity of the condition under treatment, the dose may range from 2 mg in miniature breeds to 40 mg in medium breeds, and even as high as 120 mg in extremely large breeds or dogs with severe involvement.
The average intramuscular dose for cats is 10 mg with a range up to 20 mg.
Injections may be made at weekly intervals or in accordance with the severity of the condition and clinical response.
Horses. The usual intramuscular dose for horses is 200 mg repeated as necessary.
For maintenance therapy in chronic conditions, initial doses should be reduced gradually until the smallest effective (ie, individualized) dose is established. MEDROL� Tablets containing methylprednisolone may also be used for maintenance in dogs and cats, administered according to the recommended dose.
orses. The average initial dose for a large synovial space in horses is 120 mg with a range from 40 to 240 mg. Smaller spaces will require a correspondingly lesser dose.
Dogs. The average initial dose for a large synovial space in dogs is 20 mg. Smaller spaces will require a correspondingly lesser dose.
HOW SUPPLIED
DEPO-MEDROL Sterile Aqueous Suspension, 20 mg/mL, is available in 10 mL and 20 mL vials, and 40 mg/mL is available in 5 mL vials.
Store at controlled room temperature 20� to 25�C (68� to 77�F)
Caution: Federal (USA) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
