Depo-Medrol: Alternative Names and Formulations
Depo-Medrol is the brand name for methylprednisolone acetate, an injectable corticosteroid formulation available as an intramuscular, intra-articular, soft tissue, or intralesional suspension. 1
Generic and Chemical Names
- Generic name: Methylprednisolone acetate 1, 2
- Chemical name: Pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione, 21-(acetyloxy)-11,17-dihydroxy-6-methyl-,(6α,11β)- 1
- Molecular relationship: Methylprednisolone acetate is the 6-methyl derivative of prednisolone 1
Alternative Formulations to Consider
Methylprednisolone sodium succinate is a distinct, soluble formulation that lacks the excipients found in Depo-Medrol and may be safer for certain routes of administration. 2 This water-soluble form is recommended when the particulate nature or excipients of methylprednisolone acetate pose safety concerns 2.
Key Differences Between Formulations:
- Methylprednisolone acetate (Depo-Medrol): Depot formulation containing polyethylene glycol 3350 (28 mg/mL) and myristyl-gamma-picolinium chloride (0.189 mg/mL) as excipients 1
- Methylprednisolone sodium succinate: Soluble formulation without these excipients, preferred for certain clinical situations 2
Clinical Context and Abbreviations
- HDMP: High-Dose Methylprednisolone, often referring to methylprednisolone sodium succinate when used in protocols like HDMP + Rituximab 3
- Depot MPA: While this abbreviation typically refers to depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (a contraceptive), it should not be confused with Depo-Medrol 3
Important Safety Consideration
The excipients in Depo-Medrol (polyethylene glycol and myristyl-gamma-picolinium chloride) can be neurotoxic when administered intrathecally, making methylprednisolone sodium succinate the preferred formulation for neuraxial routes. 2 Polyethylene glycol has been associated with cardiovascular, hepatic, respiratory, and CNS toxicity when used intrathecally 2.