How to Order a Medrol Dose Pack
A Medrol Dose Pack is typically ordered as a 4 mg methylprednisolone tablet in a 21-tablet package with a specific tapering schedule over 6 days, providing a total of 84 mg methylprednisolone. 1, 2
Standard Dosing Schedule
- Day 1: 24 mg (6 tablets of 4 mg each), typically divided as 2 tablets at breakfast, 1 at lunch, 1 at dinner, and 2 at bedtime 1
- Day 2: 20 mg (5 tablets of 4 mg each), typically divided as 2 tablets at breakfast, 1 at lunch, 0 at dinner, and 2 at bedtime 1
- Day 3: 16 mg (4 tablets of 4 mg each), typically divided as 2 tablets at breakfast, 1 at lunch, 0 at dinner, and 1 at bedtime 1
- Day 4: 12 mg (3 tablets of 4 mg each), typically divided as 1 tablet at breakfast, 1 at lunch, 0 at dinner, and 1 at bedtime 1
- Day 5: 8 mg (2 tablets of 4 mg each), typically divided as 1 tablet at breakfast, 0 at lunch, 0 at dinner, and 1 at bedtime 1
- Day 6: 4 mg (1 tablet of 4 mg), taken at breakfast 1
Prescription Information
- Medication: Methylprednisolone 4 mg tablets 2
- Quantity: DOSEPAK™ Unit of Use (21 tablets) NDC 59762-4440-2 2
- Sig: Take as directed in the package insert 2
- Refills: As clinically indicated (typically 0-1 for short-term use) 1
Clinical Considerations
- The Medrol Dose Pack provides a total of 84 mg methylprednisolone over 6 days, equivalent to approximately 105 mg of prednisone 1
- This standardized tapering regimen is designed to minimize adrenal suppression while providing anti-inflammatory effects 2
- For some conditions, this dose may be insufficient compared to recommended therapeutic doses for severe inflammatory conditions 1
- For maximum therapeutic effect in inflammatory conditions, higher doses equivalent to prednisone 1 mg/kg/day may be required 1
Monitoring and Precautions
- Monitor for common side effects including hyperglycemia, increased thirst, and sleep disturbances 1
- Glucose intolerance is reported as the most common complication (37% of cases) 3
- The FDA recommends that dosage requirements are variable and must be individualized based on the disease being treated and patient response 2
Alternative Dosing Considerations
- For conditions requiring higher doses, individualized regimens may be prescribed instead of the standard Dose Pack 2
- The initial dosage of methylprednisolone tablets may vary from 4 mg to 48 mg per day, depending on the specific condition being treated 2
- For severe inflammatory conditions, a higher initial dose with a more gradual taper may be more appropriate 1
Remember that while the Medrol Dose Pack offers convenience with its pre-packaged taper, the dose and duration should be appropriate for the specific condition being treated 1, 2.