Depo-medrol 20ml

General Drug Information and Indications

Long-acting methylprednisolone acetate injectable for intra-articular or intralesional anti-inflammatory therapy. Long-acting injectable methylprednisolone acetate depot corticosteroid. Mechanism: glucocorticoid receptor agonist → gene transcriptional regulation → inhibition of phospholipase A2 (via annexin-1) → reduced prostaglandin/leukotriene synthesis. Acetate ester provides sustained release from injection site (weeks). Potent intermediate-duration corticosteroid. Key information Long-acting methylprednisolone acetate depot injection. Avoid intra-articular use in active infection. A single injection may suppress HPA axis for up to 8 weeks. Do not inject intravenously. Competition withdrawal required.

How to Give this Medication

Injectable depot: administer IM for systemic effect; intra-articular for local effect. Intra-articular: strict aseptic technique — clip, scrub (chlorhexidine/alcohol), allow to dry; inject using sterile syringe/needle; aspirate excess joint fluid before injection. Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed This medication is administered by a veterinarian or veterinary staff in a clinical setting. Missed doses are managed by your veterinary team — contact your veterinarian to reschedule.

Side Effects

Immunosuppression, increased susceptibility to infections. PU/PD/PP. Muscle wasting, poor hair coat. Laminitis (horses — with repeated or high-dose intra-articular use). GI ulceration. Adrenal suppression (HPA axis). Intra-articular overuse: cartilage erosion, post-injection septic arthritis risk. Behavioral: restlessness, excitability.

Precautions

For animals Intra-articular: aseptic technique essential; limit frequency (max 3–4/year per joint — cartilage toxicity). Monitor for GI ulceration; use with caution in animals with GI disease. Avoid in pregnant animals. Laminitis risk in horses — avoid in at-risk patients (EMS, PPID, insulin dysregulation, obesity). Avoid live vaccines during therapy. Do not use concurrently with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids. For people handling this medication Wear gloves when handling. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Corticosteroid depot injection — Injectable — administered by veterinary staff only. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. If accidentally self-injected, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Wear gloves when drawing up. Avoid skin contact. Keep out of reach of children. Pregnant women and women of childbearing age should avoid contact.

Overdose

Contact your veterinarian. Depot corticosteroid overdose causes prolonged immunosuppression and metabolic effects. Signs include excessive thirst, urination, and susceptibility to infection.

Depo-medrol 20ml dosage forms

ProductStrengthFormSizeType
DEPO-MEDROL 20ML 20 MG/ML INJECTABLE20 MG/MLInjectable1Commercial

Sources

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual – Corticosteroids in Animals (https://www.merckvetmanual.com/pharmacology/inflammation/corticosteroids-in-animals); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)