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SOLU-MEDROL

methylprednisolone sodium succinate · Injection, Powder, for Solution

Prescription NDA TE AP RLD Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
SOLU-MEDROL
Generic name
methylprednisolone sodium succinate
Dosage form
Injection, Powder, for Solution
Route
Intramuscular
Marketing category
NDA · NDA
Labeler
Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
7
NDC product codes
23
Packages
30
Data completeness
82% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate 1 g/8mL 311659 View
Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate 1 g/mL 311659 View
Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate 125 mg/2mL 311659 View
Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate 2 g/30.6mL 311659 View
Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate 40 mg/mL 311659 View
Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate 500 mg/4mL 311659 View
Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate 500 mg/mL 311659 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Injection, Powder, for Solution
Route of administration
Intramuscular
Presentations
53

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Corticosteroid Hormone Receptor Agonists [MoA] MoA All 215 members
Corticosteroid [EPC] EPC All 215 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
011856
Application type
NDA · New Drug Application
Approval date
May 18, 1959
Sponsor
PHARMACIA AND UPJOHN
Products on application
5
Submissions recorded
48
Products approved under application 011856.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
011856-003 SOLU-MEDROL INJECTABLE METHYLPREDNISOLONE SODIUM SUCCINATE Prescription AP RLD RS
011856-004 SOLU-MEDROL INJECTABLE METHYLPREDNISOLONE SODIUM SUCCINATE Prescription AP RLD RS
011856-005 SOLU-MEDROL INJECTABLE METHYLPREDNISOLONE SODIUM SUCCINATE Prescription AP RLD RS
011856-006 SOLU-MEDROL INJECTABLE METHYLPREDNISOLONE SODIUM SUCCINATE Prescription AP RLD RS
011856-007 SOLU-MEDROL INJECTABLE METHYLPREDNISOLONE SODIUM SUCCINATE Prescription AP RLD RS

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AP
Reference Listed Drug
Yes
Reference Standard
Yes

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated (parenteral aqueous solutions)

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 011856.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 143 Labeling Approved November 4, 2025 Standard
Supplement 144 Labeling Approved June 5, 2024 Standard
Supplement 141 Labeling Approved December 20, 2023 Standard
Supplement 139 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved October 27, 2021 N/A
Supplement 136 Labeling Approved May 27, 2021 Standard
Supplement 133 Labeling Approved July 24, 2018 Standard
Supplement 131 Labeling Approved March 28, 2018 Standard
Supplement 126 Labeling Approved September 8, 2016 Standard
Supplement 124 Labeling Approved September 8, 2016 Standard
Supplement 127 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved August 6, 2015 Standard
Supplement 121 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved July 22, 2014 Standard
Supplement 123 Labeling Approved July 3, 2014 Standard
Supplement 122 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 9, 2014 Standard
Supplement 116 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved April 4, 2014 Standard
Supplement 119 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved March 28, 2014 Standard
Supplement 104 Labeling Approved October 20, 2011 Unknown
Supplement 103 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved October 20, 2011 Standard
Supplement 107 Labeling Approved June 24, 2010 Unknown
Supplement 94 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved October 21, 2002 Standard
Supplement 93 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved April 3, 2000 Standard
Supplement 92 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved March 16, 1999 Standard
Supplement 91 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved February 26, 1998 Standard
Supplement 87 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved September 15, 1994 Standard
Supplement 72 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved April 22, 1994 Standard
Supplement 84 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved April 6, 1994 Standard
Supplement 81 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved March 25, 1994 Standard
Supplement 78 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved November 5, 1993 Standard
Supplement 77 Labeling Approved September 4, 1991 —
Supplement 73 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved December 7, 1990 Standard
Supplement 69 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved April 24, 1990 Standard
Supplement 67 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved October 2, 1989 Standard
Supplement 68 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved July 11, 1989 Standard
Supplement 55 Labeling Approved March 22, 1989 —
Supplement 62 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved December 8, 1986 Standard
Supplement 58 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved December 8, 1986 Standard
Supplement 59 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved February 14, 1986 Standard
Supplement 60 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved January 31, 1986 Standard
Supplement 61 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved January 23, 1986 Standard
Supplement 57 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved March 28, 1985 Standard
Supplement 53 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved February 27, 1985 Standard
Supplement 54 Labeling Approved May 3, 1983 —
Supplement 49 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved October 16, 1981 Standard
Supplement 44 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved August 11, 1981 Standard
Supplement 50 Labeling Approved February 20, 1981 —
Supplement 47 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved September 30, 1980 Standard
Supplement 46 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved April 28, 1980 Standard
Supplement 43 Labeling Approved November 13, 1979 —
Original application 1 Type 2 - New Active Ingredient Approved May 18, 1959 Standard

Review documents

  • 0 · Supplement · November 7, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · November 5, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · June 7, 2024
  • 0 · Supplement · June 6, 2024
  • 0 · Supplement · December 22, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · December 21, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · November 29, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · June 4, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · May 28, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · July 26, 2018
  • 0 · Supplement · July 25, 2018
  • 0 · Supplement · April 1, 2018
  • 0 · Supplement · April 1, 2018
  • 0 · Supplement · September 9, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · September 9, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · September 9, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · September 9, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · July 9, 2014
  • 0 · Supplement · July 7, 2014
  • 0 · Supplement · October 25, 2011
  • 0 · Supplement · October 25, 2011
  • 0 · Supplement · October 25, 2011
  • 0 · Supplement · October 25, 2011
  • 0 · Supplement · July 1, 2010
  • 0 · Supplement · June 28, 2010

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260625). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260625 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260604 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20251219 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20251218

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

INDICATIONS AND USAGE When oral therapy is not feasible, and the strength, dosage form, and route of administration of the drug reasonably lend the preparation to the treatment of the condition, the intravenous or intramuscular use of SOLU-MEDROL Sterile Powder is indicated as follows: Allergic states Control of severe or incapacitating allergic conditions intractable to adequate trials of conventional treatment in asthma, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, drug hypersensitivity reactions, perennial or seasonal allergic rhinitis, serum sickness, transfusion reactions. Dermatologic diseases Bullous dermatitis herpetiformis, exfoliative erythroderma, mycosis fungoides, pemphigus, severe erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson syndrome). Endocrine disorders Primary or secondary adrenocortical insufficiency (hydrocortisone or cortisone is the drug of choice; synthetic analogs may be used in conjunction with mineralocorticoids where applicable; in infancy, mineralocorticoid supplementation is of particular importance), congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hypercalcemia associated with cancer, nonsuppurative thyroiditis. Gastrointestinal diseases To tide the patient over a critical period of the disease in regional enteritis (systemic therapy) and ulcerative colitis. Hematologic disorders Acquired (autoimmune) hemolytic anemia, congenital (erythroid) hypoplastic anemia (Diamond-Blackfan anemia), idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in adults (intravenous administration only; intramuscular administration is contraindicated), pure red cell aplasia, selected cases of secondary thrombocytopenia. Miscellaneous Trichinosis with neurologic or myocardial involvement, tuberculous meningitis with subarachnoid block or impending block when used concurrently with appropriate antituberculous chemotherapy. Neoplastic diseases For the palliative management of leukemias and lymphomas. Nervous System Acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis; cerebral edema associated with primary or metastatic brain tumor, or craniotomy. Ophthalmic diseases Sympathetic ophthalmia, uveitis and ocular inflammatory conditions unresponsive to topical corticosteroids. Renal diseases To induce diuresis or remission of proteinuria in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome or that due to lupus erythematosus. Respiratory diseases Berylliosis, fulminating or disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis when used concurrently with appropriate antituberculous chemotherapy, idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonias, symptomatic sarcoidosis. Rheumatic disorders As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration (to tide the patient over an acute episode or exacerbation) in acute gouty arthritis; acute rheumatic carditis; ankylosing spondylitis; psoriatic arthritis; rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy). For the treatment of dermatomyositis, temporal arteritis, polymyositis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION NOTE: Some of the SOLU-MEDROL formulations contain benzyl alcohol (see DESCRIPTION , WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS, Pediatric Use ) Because of possible physical incompatibilities, SOLU-MEDROL should not be diluted or mixed with other solutions. Use only the accompanying diluent or Bacteriostatic Water For Injection with Benzyl Alcohol when reconstituting SOLU-MEDROL (see DESCRIPTION ). Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. This preparation may be administered by intravenous injection, by intravenous infusion, or by intramuscular injection, the preferred method for initial emergency use being intravenous injection. Following the initial emergency period, consideration should be given to employing a longer acting injectable preparation or an oral preparation. There are reports of cardiac arrhythmias and/or cardiac arrest following the rapid administration of large intravenous doses of SOLU-MEDROL ( greater than 0.5 gram administered over a period of less than 10 minutes ). Bradycardia has been reported during or after the administration of large doses of methylprednisolone sodium succinate, and may be unrelated to the speed or duration of infusion. When high dose therapy is desired, the recommended dose of SOLU-MEDROL Sterile Powder is 30 mg/kg administered intravenously over at least 30 minutes . This dose may be repeated every 4 to 6 hours for 48 hours. In general, high dose corticosteroid therapy should be continued only until the patient's condition has stabilized; usually not beyond 48 to 72 hours. In other indications, initial dosage will vary from 10 to 40 mg of methylprednisolone depending on the specific disease entity being treated. However, in certain overwhelming, acute, life-threatening situations, administrations in dosages exceeding the usual dosages may be justified and may be in multiples of the oral dosages. It Should Be Emphasized that Dosage Requirements are Variable and Must Be Individualized on the Basis of the Disease Under Treatment and the Response of the Patient. After a favorable response is noted, the proper maintenance dosage should be determined by decreasing the initial drug dosage in small decrements at appropriate time intervals until the lowest dosage which will maintain an adequate clinical response is reached. Situations which may make dosage adjustments necessary are changes in clinical status secondary to remissions or exacerbations in the disease process, the patient's individual drug responsiveness, and the effect of patient exposure to stressful situations not directly related to the disease entity under treatment. In this latter situation, it may be necessary to increase the dosage of the corticosteroid for a period of time consistent with the patient's condition. If after long-term therapy the drug is to be stopped, it is recommended that it be withdrawn gradually rather than abruptly. SOLU-MEDROL may be administered by intravenous or intramuscular injection or by intravenous infusion, the preferred method for initial emergency use being intravenous injection. To administer by intravenous (or intramuscular) injection, prepare solution as directed. The desired dose may be administered intravenously over a period of several minutes. If desired, the medication may be administered in diluted solutions by adding Water for Injection or other suitable diluent (see below) to the Act-O-Vial and withdrawing the indicated dose. To prepare solutions for intravenous infusion, first prepare the solution for injection as directed. This solution may then be added to indicated amounts of 5% dextrose in water, isotonic saline solution, or 5% dextrose in isotonic saline solution. From a microbiological point of view, unless the method of opening/reconstitution/dilution precludes the risk of microbial contamination, the product should be used immediately. If not use …

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

CONTRAINDICATIONS SOLU-MEDROL Sterile Powder is contraindicated: • in systemic fungal infections and patients with known hypersensitivity to the product and its constituents. The SOLU-MEDROL 40 mg presentation includes lactose monohydrate produced from cow's milk. This presentation is therefore contraindicated in patients with a known or suspected hypersensitivity to cow's milk or its components or other dairy products because it may contain trace amounts of milk ingredients. • for intrathecal administration. Reports of severe medical events have been associated with this route of administration. Intramuscular corticosteroid preparations are contraindicated for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Additional contraindication for the use of SOLU-MEDROL Sterile Powder preserved with benzyl alcohol: Formulations preserved with benzyl alcohol are contraindicated for use in premature infants (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS, Pediatric Use ).

WARNINGS Serious Neurologic Adverse Reactions with Epidural Administration Serious neurologic events, some resulting in death, have been reported with epidural injection of corticosteroids. Specific events reported include, but are not limited to, spinal cord infarction, paraplegia, quadriplegia, cortical blindness, and stroke. These serious neurologic events have been reported with and without use of fluoroscopy. The safety and effectiveness of epidural administration of corticosteroids have not been established, and corticosteroids are not approved for this use. General Formulations with preservative (see DESCRIPTION ) contain benzyl alcohol, which is potentially toxic when administered locally to neural tissue. Exposure to excessive amounts of benzyl alcohol has been associated with toxicity (hypotension, metabolic acidosis), particularly in neonates, and an increased incidence of kernicterus, particularly in small preterm infants. There have been rare reports of deaths, primarily in preterm infants, associated with exposure to excessive amounts of benzyl alcohol. The amount of benzyl alcohol from medications is usually considered negligible compared to that received in flush solutions containing benzyl alcohol. Administration of high dosages of medications containing this preservative must take into account the total amount of benzyl alcohol administered. The amount of benzyl alcohol at which toxicity may occur is not known. If the patient requires more than the recommended dosages or other medications containing this preservative, the practitioner must consider the daily metabolic load of benzyl alcohol from these combined sources (see PRECAUTIONS, Pediatric Use ). Injection of SOLU-MEDROL may result in dermal and/or subdermal changes forming depressions in the skin at the injection site. In order to minimize the incidence of dermal and subdermal atrophy, care must be exercised not to exceed recommended doses in injections. Injection into the deltoid muscle should be avoided because of a high incidence of subcutaneous atrophy. Rare instances of anaphylactoid reactions have occurred in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ). In patients receiving the 40 mg presentation of SOLU-MEDROL during the treatment for acute allergic conditions and where these symptoms worsen or any new allergic symptoms occur, consideration should be given to the potential for hypersensitivity reactions to cow's milk ingredients (see CONTRAINDICATIONS ). If appropriate, administration of SOLU-MEDROL should be stopped, and the patient's condition should be treated accordingly. Alternative treatments, including the use of corticosteroid formulations that do not contain ingredients produced from cow's milk, should be considered for acute allergy management, where appropriate. Increased dosage of rapidly acting corticosteroids is indicated in patients on corticosteroid therapy who are subjected to any unusual stress before, during, and after the stressful situation. Results from one multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled study with methylprednisolone hemisuccinate, an intravenous corticosteroid, showed an increase in early (at 2 weeks) and late (at 6 months) mortality in patients with cranial trauma who were determined not to have other clear indications for corticosteroid treatment. High doses of systemic corticosteroids, including SOLU-MEDROL, should not be used for the treatment of traumatic brain injury. Cardio-renal Average and large doses of corticosteroids can cause elevation of blood pressure, salt and water retention, and increased excretion of potassium. These effects are less likely to occur with the synthetic derivatives except when used in large doses. Dietary salt restriction and potassium supplementation may be necessary. All corticosteroids increase calcium excretion. Literature reports suggest an apparent association between the use of corticosteroids and left ventricular free wall rupture after a recent …

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions have been reported with SOLU-MEDROL or other corticosteroids: Allergic reactions: Allergic or hypersensitivity reactions, anaphylactoid reaction, anaphylaxis, angioedema. Blood and lymphatic system disorders: Leukocytosis. Cardiovascular: Bradycardia, cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac enlargement, circulatory collapse, congestive heart failure, fat embolism, hypertension, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in premature infants, myocardial rupture following recent myocardial infarction (see WARNINGS ), pulmonary edema, syncope, tachycardia, thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis, vasculitis. Dermatologic: Acne, allergic dermatitis, burning or tingling (especially in the perineal area after intravenous injection), cutaneous and subcutaneous atrophy, dry scaly skin, ecchymoses and petechiae, edema, erythema, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, impaired wound healing, increased sweating, rash, sterile abscess, striae, suppressed reactions to skin tests, thin fragile skin, thinning scalp hair, urticaria. Endocrine: Decreased carbohydrate and glucose tolerance, development of cushingoid state, glycosuria, hirsutism, hypertrichosis, increased requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents in diabetes, manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus, menstrual irregularities, secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness (particularly in times of stress, as in trauma, surgery, or illness), suppression of growth in pediatric patients. Fluid and electrolyte disturbances: Congestive heart failure in susceptible patients, fluid retention, hypokalemic alkalosis, potassium loss, sodium retention. Gastrointestinal: Abdominal distention, bowel/bladder dysfunction (after intrathecal administration), elevation in serum liver enzyme levels (usually reversible upon discontinuation), hepatomegaly, increased appetite, nausea, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer with possible perforation and hemorrhage, perforation of the small and large intestine (particularly in patients with inflammatory bowel disease), ulcerative esophagitis. Hepatobiliary: Hepatitis (see WARNINGS, Drug-Induced Liver Injury ). Metabolic: Negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism. Musculoskeletal: Aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads, Charcot-like arthropathy, loss of muscle mass, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, pathologic fracture of long bones, postinjection flare (following intra-articular use), steroid myopathy, tendon rupture, vertebral compression fractures. Neurologic/Psychiatric: Convulsions, depression, emotional instability, euphoria, headache, increased intracranial pressure with papilledema (pseudotumor cerebri) usually following discontinuation of treatment, insomnia, mood swings, neuritis, neuropathy, paresthesia, personality changes, psychic disorders, vertigo. Arachnoiditis, meningitis, paraparesis/paraplegia, and sensory disturbances have occurred after intrathecal administration (see WARNINGS, Neurologic ). Ophthalmic: Exophthalmos, glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, posterior subcapsular cataracts, rare instances of blindness associated with periocular injections. Vascular: Flushing. Other: Abnormal fat deposits, decreased resistance to infection, hiccups, increased or decreased motility and number of spermatozoa, injection site infections following non-sterile administration (see WARNINGS ), malaise, moon face, weight gain.

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

Drug Interactions Aminoglutethimide : Aminoglutethimide may lead to a loss of corticosteroid-induced adrenal suppression. Amphotericin B injection and potassium-depleting agents: When corticosteroids are administered concomitantly with potassium-depleting agents (i.e., amphotericin B, diuretics), patients should be observed closely for development of hypokalemia. There have been cases reported in which concomitant use of amphotericin B and hydrocortisone was followed by cardiac enlargement and congestive heart failure. Antibiotics : Macrolide antibiotics have been reported to cause a significant decrease in corticosteroid clearance (see Drug Interactions , Hepatic Enzyme Inhibitors ). Anticholinesterases : Concomitant use of anticholinesterase agents and corticosteroids may produce severe weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. If possible, anticholinesterase agents should be withdrawn at least 24 hours before initiating corticosteroid therapy. Anticoagulants, oral : Coadministration of corticosteroids and warfarin usually results in inhibition of response to warfarin, although there have been some conflicting reports. Therefore, coagulation indices should be monitored frequently to maintain the desired anticoagulant effect. Antidiabetics : Because corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations, dosage adjustments of antidiabetic agents may be required. Antitubercular drugs : Serum concentrations of isoniazid may be decreased. Cholestyramine : Cholestyramine may increase the clearance of corticosteroids. Cyclosporine : Increased activity of both cyclosporine and corticosteroids may occur when the two are used concurrently. Convulsions have been reported with this concurrent use. Digitalis glycosides : Patients on digitalis glycosides may be at increased risk of arrhythmias due to hypokalemia. Estrogens, including oral contraceptives : Estrogens may decrease the hepatic metabolism of certain corticosteroids, thereby increasing their effect. Hepatic Enzyme Inducers (e.g., barbiturates, phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin) : Drugs which induce cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme activity may enhance the metabolism of corticosteroids and require that the dosage of the corticosteroid be increased. Hepatic Enzyme Inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin and troleandomycin) : Drugs which inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 have the potential to result in increased plasma concentrations of corticosteroids. Ketoconazole : Ketoconazole has been reported to significantly decrease the metabolism of certain corticosteroids by up to 60%, leading to an increased risk of corticosteroid side effects. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) : Concomitant use of aspirin (or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents) and corticosteroids increases the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Aspirin should be used cautiously in conjunction with corticosteroids in hypoprothrombinemia. The clearance of salicylates may be increased with concurrent use of corticosteroids. Skin tests : Corticosteroids may suppress reactions to skin tests. Vaccines : Patients on prolonged corticosteroid therapy may exhibit a diminished response to toxoids and live or inactivated vaccines due to inhibition of antibody response. Corticosteroids may also potentiate the replication of some organisms contained in live attenuated vaccines. Routine administration of vaccines or toxoids should be deferred until corticosteroid therapy is discontinued if possible (see WARNINGS, Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infection , Vaccination ).

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

DESCRIPTION SOLU-MEDROL Sterile Powder is an anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid, which contains methylprednisolone sodium succinate as the active ingredient. Methylprednisolone sodium succinate, USP, is the sodium succinate ester of methylprednisolone, and it occurs as a white, or nearly white, odorless hygroscopic, amorphous solid. It is very soluble in water and in alcohol; it is insoluble in chloroform and is very slightly soluble in acetone. The chemical name for methylprednisolone sodium succinate is pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione,21-(3-carboxy-1-oxopropoxy)-11,17-dihydroxy-6-methyl-monosodium salt, (6α, 11β), and the molecular weight is 496.53. The structural formula is represented below: Methylprednisolone sodium succinate is soluble in water; it may be administered in a small volume of diluent and is well suited for intravenous use in situations where high blood levels of methylprednisolone are required rapidly. SOLU-MEDROL is available in preservative and preservative-free formulations: Preservative-free Formulations 40 mg Act-O-Vial System (Single-Dose Vial) —Each mL (when mixed) contains methylprednisolone sodium succinate equivalent to 40 mg methylprednisolone; also 1.6 mg monobasic sodium phosphate anhydrous; 17.46 mg dibasic sodium phosphate dried; and 25 mg lactose hydrous. 125 mg Act-O-Vial System (Single-Dose Vial) —Each 2 mL (when mixed) contains methylprednisolone sodium succinate equivalent to 125 mg methylprednisolone; also 1.6 mg monobasic sodium phosphate anhydrous; and 17.4 mg dibasic sodium phosphate dried. 500 mg Act-O-Vial System (Single-Dose Vial) —Each 4 mL (when mixed) contains methylprednisolone sodium succinate equivalent to 500 mg methylprednisolone; also 6.4 mg monobasic sodium phosphate anhydrous; and 69.6 mg dibasic sodium phosphate dried. 1 gram Act-O-Vial System (Single-Dose Vial) —Each 8 mL (when mixed) contains methylprednisolone sodium succinate equivalent to 1 gram methylprednisolone; also 12.8 mg monobasic sodium phosphate anhydrous; and 139.2 mg dibasic sodium phosphate dried. Formulations preserved with Benzyl Alcohol 500 mg Vial —Each 8 mL (when mixed as directed) contains methylprednisolone sodium succinate equivalent to 500 mg methylprednisolone; also 6.4 mg monobasic sodium phosphate anhydrous; 69.6 mg dibasic sodium phosphate dried. This package does not contain diluent. Recommended diluent (Bacteriostatic water) contains benzyl alcohol as a preservative. 1 gram Vial —Each 16 mL (when mixed as directed) contains methylprednisolone sodium succinate equivalent to 1 gram methylprednisolone; also 12.8 mg monobasic sodium phosphate anhydrous; 139.2 mg dibasic sodium phosphate dried. This package does not contain diluent. Recommended diluent (Bacteriostatic water) contains benzyl alcohol as a preservative. 2 gram Vial —Each 30.6 mL (when mixed as directed) contains methylprednisolone sodium succinate equivalent to 2 grams methylprednisolone; also 25.6 mg monobasic sodium phosphate anhydrous; 278 mg dibasic sodium phosphate dried. This package does not contain diluent. Recommended diluent (Bacteriostatic water) contains benzyl alcohol as a preservative. 2 gram Vial with Diluent —Each 30.6 mL (when mixed as directed) contains methylprednisolone sodium succinate equivalent to 2 grams methylprednisolone; also 25.6 mg monobasic sodium phosphate anhydrous; 278 mg dibasic sodium phosphate dried. The packaged diluent (Bacteriostatic Water for Injection) contains benzyl alcohol as a preservative. IMPORTANT — Use only the accompanying diluent or Bacteriostatic Water For Injection with Benzyl Alcohol when reconstituting SOLU-MEDROL. Use within 48 hours after mixing. When necessary, the pH of each formula was adjusted with sodium hydroxide so that the pH of the reconstituted solution is within the USP specified range of 7 to 8. Chemical Structure

Overdosage Treatment of acute overdosage is by supportive and symptomatic therapy. For chronic overdosage in the face of severe disease requiring continuous steroid therapy, the dosage of the corticosteroid may be reduced only temporarily, or alternate day treatment may be introduced.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

How supplied SOLU-MEDROL® is supplied in the following dosage forms. NDC 51662-1263-1 SOLU-MEDROL® 125MG PER VIAL 2mL ACT-O-VIAL® HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst Mukilteo, WA 98275 NDC 51662-1263-2 Pouch containing a single SOLU-MEDROL® 125MG PER VIAL 2mL ACT-O-VIAL® HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst Mukilteo, WA 98275 NDC 51662-1263-3 Case of 25 pouches - SOLU-MEDROL® 125MG PER VIAL 2mL ACT-O-VIAL® HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst Mukilteo, WA 98275 Also supplied in the following manufacture supplied dosage forms SOLU-MEDROL Sterile Powder preserved with benzyl alcohol is available in the following packages: SOLU-MEDROL Sterile Powder preservative-free is available in the following packages: This product's label may have been updated. For current full prescribing information, please visit www.pfizer.com. How Supplied 1 How Supplied 2

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
46,152
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: METHYLPREDNISOLONE SODIUM SUCCINATE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
50090-0271-0 50090-0271 A-S Medication Solutions 2 mL in 1 VIAL (50090-0271-0) November 28, 2014
55154-3939-5 55154-3939 Cardinal Health 107, LLC 5 VIAL, PATENT DELIVERY SYSTEM in 1 BAG (55154-3939-5) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL, PATENT DELIVERY SYSTEM April 2, 1959
55154-3940-5 55154-3940 Cardinal Health 107, LLC 5 VIAL in 1 BAG (55154-3940-5) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL April 2, 1959
55154-3941-5 55154-3941 Cardinal Health 107, LLC 5 VIAL in 1 BAG (55154-3941-5) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL April 2, 1959
55154-3944-5 55154-3944 Cardinal Health 107, LLC 5 VIAL in 1 BAG (55154-3944-5) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL April 2, 1959
51662-1263-1 51662-1263 HF Acquisition Co. LLC, DBA HealthFirst 1 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE (51662-1263-1) September 2, 2018
51662-1263-3 51662-1263 HF Acquisition Co. LLC, DBA HealthFirst 25 POUCH in 1 CASE (51662-1263-3) / 1 mL in 1 POUCH (51662-1263-2) April 29, 2020
51662-1264-1 51662-1264 HF Acquisition Co. LLC, DBA HealthFirst 1 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE (51662-1264-1) September 2, 2018
51662-1264-3 51662-1264 HF Acquisition Co. LLC, DBA HealthFirst 25 POUCH in 1 CASE (51662-1264-3) / 1 mL in 1 POUCH (51662-1264-2) April 28, 2020
0404-9957-02 0404-9957 Henry Schein, Inc. 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 BAG (0404-9957-02) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE January 12, 2022
0404-9958-01 0404-9958 Henry Schein, Inc. 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 BAG (0404-9958-01) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE January 12, 2022
71872-7061-1 71872-7061 Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC 1 VIAL in 1 BAG (71872-7061-1) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL March 19, 2018
71872-7085-1 71872-7085 Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC 1 VIAL in 1 BAG (71872-7085-1) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL December 10, 2021
71872-7232-1 71872-7232 Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC 1 VIAL in 1 BAG (71872-7232-1) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL November 17, 2020
0009-0003-02 0009-0003 Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC 1 VIAL in 1 CARTON (0009-0003-02) / 4 mL in 1 VIAL April 2, 1959
0009-0018-20 0009-0018 Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC 1 VIAL in 1 CARTON (0009-0018-20) / 8 mL in 1 VIAL April 2, 1959
0009-0039-06 0009-0039 Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (0009-0039-06) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL (0009-0039-05) April 2, 1959
0009-0039-28 0009-0039 Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (0009-0039-28) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL (0009-0039-30) April 2, 1959
0009-0039-32 0009-0039 Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (0009-0039-32) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL (0009-0039-33) April 2, 1959
0009-0047-04 0009-0047 Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (0009-0047-04) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL (0009-0047-03) April 2, 1959
0009-0047-22 0009-0047 Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (0009-0047-22) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL (0009-0047-25) April 2, 1959
0009-0047-26 0009-0047 Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (0009-0047-26) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL (0009-0047-27) April 2, 1959
0009-0698-01 0009-0698 Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC 1 VIAL in 1 CARTON (0009-0698-01) / 16 mL in 1 VIAL April 2, 1959
0009-0698-02 0009-0698 Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC 1 VIAL in 1 CARTON (0009-0698-02) / 16 mL in 1 VIAL April 2, 1959
0009-0758-01 0009-0758 Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC 1 VIAL in 1 CARTON (0009-0758-01) / 8 mL in 1 VIAL April 2, 1959
0009-0850-01 0009-0850 Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC 1 VIAL in 1 CARTON (0009-0850-01) / 30.6 mL in 1 VIAL December 6, 2019
84549-039-28 84549-039 ProPharma Distribution 1 mL in 1 VIAL (84549-039-28) October 10, 2025
84549-047-22 84549-047 ProPharma Distribution 2 mL in 1 VIAL (84549-047-22) August 27, 2025
70518-2023-1 70518-2023 REMEDYREPACK INC. 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (70518-2023-1) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL (70518-2023-0) April 15, 2019
85766-254-25 85766-254 Sportpharm LLC 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (85766-254-25) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL (85766-254-01) July 23, 2026
50090-0271 50090-0271 A-S Medication Solutions — April 2, 1959
55154-3939 55154-3939 Cardinal Health 107, LLC — April 2, 1959
55154-3940 55154-3940 Cardinal Health 107, LLC — April 2, 1959
55154-3941 55154-3941 Cardinal Health 107, LLC — April 2, 1959
55154-3944 55154-3944 Cardinal Health 107, LLC — April 2, 1959
51662-1263 51662-1263 HF Acquisition Co. LLC, DBA HealthFirst — September 2, 2018
51662-1264 51662-1264 HF Acquisition Co. LLC, DBA HealthFirst — September 2, 2018
0404-9957 0404-9957 Henry Schein, Inc. — January 12, 2022
0404-9958 0404-9958 Henry Schein, Inc. — January 12, 2022
71872-7061 71872-7061 Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC — April 2, 1959
71872-7085 71872-7085 Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC — April 2, 1959
71872-7232 71872-7232 Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC — April 2, 1959
0009-0003 0009-0003 Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC — April 2, 1959
0009-0018 0009-0018 Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC — April 2, 1959
0009-0039 0009-0039 Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC — April 2, 1959
0009-0047 0009-0047 Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC — April 2, 1959
0009-0698 0009-0698 Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC — April 2, 1959
0009-0758 0009-0758 Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC — April 2, 1959
0009-0850 0009-0850 Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC — April 2, 1959
84549-039 84549-039 ProPharma Distribution — April 2, 1959
84549-047 84549-047 ProPharma Distribution — April 2, 1959
70518-2023 70518-2023 REMEDYREPACK INC. — April 15, 2019
85766-254 85766-254 Sportpharm LLC — April 2, 1959

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.