What it means
A corticosteroidkor-tih-koh-STER-oydA drug that acts like the hormones of the adrenal glands, used mainly to calm inflammation and the immune system.cortic/o cortex (the outer layer of the adrenal gland)-oid likeFull entry stronger than prednisone, milligram for milligram. Tablets (Medrol) are often given as a short, tapering pack. The IV form (Solu-Medrol) is used for severe asthma attacks, flares of multiple sclerosis and other serious inflammation. A long-acting suspension (Depo-Medrol) is injected into a muscle or joint and must never be given by IV. Side effects are those of other steroids, such as high blood glucose, mood changes and a higher risk of infection.
For the nurse
Check blood glucose during high-dose treatment and give oral doses with food in the morning. Check the brand and route carefully: Solu-Medrol and Solu-Cortef look alike, and Depo-Medrol is for IM or joint use only.
At a glance
| Drug class | corticosteroid (glucocorticoid) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Medrol, Solu-Medrol, Depo-Medrol |
| Spanish | metilprednisolona |
| Also written | Medrol, Solu-Medrol, Depo-Medrol |
Easy to confuse with
hydrocortisone
A corticosteroid drug that is the same as the body's own cortisol, given by mouth, IV, on the skin or rectally.
Related terms
corticosteroid
A drug that acts like the hormones of the adrenal glands, used mainly to calm inflammation and the immune system.
prednisone
A corticosteroid drug taken by mouth to reduce inflammation and calm the immune system.
hydrocortisone
A corticosteroid drug that is the same as the body's own cortisol, given by mouth, IV, on the skin or rectally.