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Corticosteroids

Methylprednisolone (Respiratory)

Brand names: Solu-Medrone

Methylprednisolone is a systemic corticosteroid used in respiratory practice for severe asthma or COPD exacerbations and inflammatory or interstitial lung disease, given orally or intravenously. This entry covers its systemic respiratory use rather than any inhaled product.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It is a glucocorticoid that binds the glucocorticoid receptor to suppress airway inflammation and the transcription of multiple inflammatory mediators.

Prescribing in practice

  • Do not stop prolonged or high-dose systemic corticosteroid therapy abruptly because of the risk of adrenal insufficiency; withdraw gradually and provide steroid-sickness advice.
  • Monitor for and manage hyperglycaemia, hypertension, infection risk and mood or sleep disturbance, especially in diabetes.
  • Co-prescribe gastroprotection and consider bone-protection assessment when used with other risk factors or for longer courses.

Monitoring

Monitor blood glucose, blood pressure, weight, mood and signs of infection during treatment, with bone health review for prolonged courses.

Counselling the patient

  • Carry a steroid alert card and do not stop the steroid suddenly.
  • Report signs of infection, mood changes or excessive thirst.
  • Take oral doses with food to reduce stomach upset.

Evidence & guidelines

Established UK guidance supports systemic corticosteroids in acute asthma and COPD exacerbations and in selected inflammatory lung diseases.

Reference: BTS/SIGN Asthma Guidelines 2022; NICE NG80; ABPA ISHAM Guidelines 2013; BTS ILD Guidelines 2008; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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