| Class: |
Synthetic Glucocorticoid |
| Route: |
IV or IO |
Adult Dose: |
Standing order for refractory bronchospasm and status asthmaticus: 60 – 125 mg push |
| Pediatric Dose: |
BIOTEL AUTHORIZATION required: 2 mg/kg |
| Drug Action: |
potent anti-inflammatory steroid |
| Onset: |
60 – 120 minutes, clinical response in 4 – 6 hours |
| Duration: |
12 – 36 hours |
| Indications: |
Helps reduce swelling associated with bronchospasm
- Wheezing refractory to inhaled bronchodilators
- Status asthmaticus
|
| Precautions: |
- Methylprednisolone is an adjunct to, not a substitute for bronchodilator therapy in acute asthma exacerbation
- Safety in pregnancy is unclear – administer to gravid females, nursing mothers, and
women of childbearing potential only when the anticipated benefits outweigh the known
risks
|
| Side Effects: |
- May produce hypertension
- Rare instances of
- Anaphylactic reactions
- Exacerbation of congestive heart failure
- Seizure
- Most side effects are related to dosages higher than typically used in EMS
|
| Contraindications: |
Known hypersensitivity to the product and its constituents |