<p>Methylprednisolone may be administered by IM or IV or by IV infusion. To administer by IM or IV injection, prepare solution as direction for reconstitution. The desired dose may be administered intravenously over a period of several minutes. When high dose therapy is desired, the recommended dose of Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate for Injection, USP is 30 mg/kg administered intravenously over at least 30 minutes. This dose may be repeated every 4 to 6 hours for 48 hours. In general, high-dose corticosteroid therapy should be continued only until the patient&rsquo;s condition has stabilized usually not beyond 48 to 72 hours.<br />
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Although adverse effects associated with high dose short-term corticoid therapy are uncommon, peptic ulceration may occur. Prophylactic antacid therapy may be indicated.<br />
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In other indications, the initial dosage will vary from 10 to 40 mg of Methylprednisolone depending on the clinical problem being treated. The larger doses may be required for short-term management of severe, acute conditions. The initial dose usually should be given intravenously over a period of several minutes. Subsequent doses may be given intravenously or intramuscularly at intervals dictated by the patient&rsquo;s response and clinical condition. Corticoid therapy is an adjunct to, and not a replacement for conventional therapy.<br />
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Dosage must be decreased or discontinued gradually when the drug has been administered for more than a few days. If a period of spontaneous remission occurs in a chronic condition, treatment should be discontinued. Routine laboratory studies, such as urinalysis, two-hour postprandial blood sugar, determination of blood pressure and body weight, and a chest X-ray should be made at regular intervals during prolonged therapy. Upper GI X-rays are desirable in patients with an ulcer history or significant dyspepsia.<br />
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In pediatric patients, the initial dose of Methylprednisolone may vary depending on the specific disease being treated. The initial dose is 0.11-1.6 mg/day in three or four divided doses. Dosage may be reduced for infants and children but should be governed more by the severity of the condition and response of the patient than by age or size but it should not be less than 0.5 mg per kg every 24 hours.<br />
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In the treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis daily doses is 160 mg daily for 3 days. Methylprednisolone powder for injection/infusion should be given as an intravenous infusion over at least 30 minutes.</p>