SPL Set ID: eaa9c932-c659-4ef6-bf5a-186545d87320

Methylprednisolone tablets contain methylprednisolone which is a glucocorticoid. Glucocorticoids are adrenocortical steroids, both naturally occurring and synthetic, which are readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Methylprednisolone, USP occurs as a white to practically white, odorless, crystalline powder. It melts at about 240°C, with some decomposition. It is practically insoluble in water, sparingly soluble in ethanol (96 %), in dioxane, in methanol and slightly soluble in acetone, in methylene chloride and in chloroform, very slightly soluble in ether. The chemical name for methylprednisolone is pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione, 11, 17, 21-trihydroxy-6-methyl-,(6α,11β)- and the molecular weight is 374.48. The structural formula is represented below: C 22 H 30 O 5 Each methylprednisolone tablet USP, contains 4 mg, 8 mg, 16 mg or 32 mg of methylprednisolone. In addition each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, and sodium starch glycolate. ACTIONS Naturally occurring glucocorticoids (hydrocortisone and cortisone), which also have salt-retaining properties, are used as replacement therapy in adrenocortical deficiency states. Their synthetic analogs are primarily used for their potent anti-inflammatory effects in disorders of many organ systems. Glucocorticoids cause profound and varied metabolic effects. In addition, they modify the body's immune responses to diverse stimuli. methylpredisolone