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Methylprednisolone

Prescription
Intermediate-acting glucocorticoid
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
4 available
Interactions
2 documented
Formulations
5

Mechanism of action

Synthetic glucocorticoid with potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties; slightly more potent than prednisolone with less mineralocorticoid activity

At a glance

Class
Intermediate-acting glucocorticoid
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C. Reconstituted sodium succinate: use within 48 hours.

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Anti-inflammatory (oral)
Dose
0.4–1 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID-BID
Max dose
40 mg/dose; 80 mg/day
Duration: 5-7 days then taper
Spinal cord injury / CNS inflammation (methylprednisolone sodium succinate)
Dose
15–30 mg/kg
Route
IV
Frequency
Single dose (controversial)
Max dose
1000 mg
Duration: Single bolus within 8 hours of injury
Depot injection (methylprednisolone acetate) — allergic skin disease
Dose
1–2 mg/kg
Route
IM, SC
Frequency
Every 2-4 weeks as needed
Max dose
40 mg
Duration: Not for chronic repeated use
🐈

Cat

Anti-inflammatory / allergic disease
Dose
0.4–1 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
8 mg
Duration: 5-7 days then taper
Depot injection — feline asthma / eosinophilic granuloma complex
Dose
10–20 mg/cat
Route
IM
Frequency
Every 2-4 weeks (max 3 doses)
Max dose
20 mg
Duration: Transition to oral prednisolone for long-term management

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 2

Strength
4mg
Available in India
Strength
16mg
Available in India
💉

Injectable (acetate depot) — 1

Strength
40mg/mL
Available in India
💉

Injectable (sodium succinate) — 2

Strength
125mg vial
Available in India
Strength
500mg vial
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C. Reconstituted sodium succinate: use within 48 hours.

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Systemic fungal infections
    Immunosuppression worsens fungal disease
  • Concurrent NSAIDs
    GI ulceration risk
    MeloxicamCarprofen

Use with caution

  • Diabetes mellitus
    Insulin resistance — depot form causes prolonged hyperglycaemia
  • Cats — diabetes risk from depot
    Cats are particularly susceptible to steroid-induced diabetes; depot injections carry higher risk

Adverse effects

Common
PU/PD
Polyphagia
Weight gain
Serious
GI ulceration
Diabetes mellitus (especially depot in cats)
Iatrogenic Cushing syndrome
Adrenal suppression

Monitoring parameters

Blood glucose (especially cats)Liver enzymesBody weightSkin and coat condition

Interactions

Major — 2

Meloxicam
major
NSAID + corticosteroid: additive GI mucosal injury from prostaglandin inhibition combined with impaired mucosal healing.
Management: Do not combine. Allow washout before transitioning between drug classes.
Insulin, Glargine
major
Corticosteroid-induced insulin resistance destabilizes diabetic control.
Management: Avoid. If steroid needed, budesonide may have less systemic glucose effect. Monitor glucose curves.

Brands

International

Medrol
Pfizer
Depo-Medrol
Pfizer
Solu-Medrol
Pfizer

India

Medrol
Pfizer

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Methylprednisolone?
Methylprednisolone is a intermediate-acting glucocorticoid used in pets. Synthetic glucocorticoid with potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties; slightly more potent than prednisolone with less mineralocorticoid activity
›What is Methylprednisolone used for in pets?
Methylprednisolone is used in veterinary medicine for: Anti-inflammatory (oral); Spinal cord injury / CNS inflammation (methylprednisolone sodium succinate); Depot injection (methylprednisolone acetate) — allergic skin disease; Anti-inflammatory / allergic disease; Depot injection — feline asthma / eosinophilic granuloma complex.
›What is the Methylprednisolone dose for dogs?
For dogs, Methylprednisolone is typically dosed as follows — Anti-inflammatory (oral): 0.4–1 mg/kg PO SID-BID; Spinal cord injury / CNS inflammation (methylprednisolone sodium succinate): 15–30 mg/kg IV Single dose (controversial); Depot injection (methylprednisolone acetate) — allergic skin disease: 1–2 mg/kg IM/SC Every 2-4 weeks as needed. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Methylprednisolone dose for cats?
For cats, Methylprednisolone is typically dosed as follows — Anti-inflammatory / allergic disease: 0.4–1 mg/kg PO SID; Depot injection — feline asthma / eosinophilic granuloma complex: 10–20 mg/cat IM Every 2-4 weeks (max 3 doses). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Methylprednisolone?
Common: PU/PD, Polyphagia, Weight gain. Serious (call your vet immediately): GI ulceration, Diabetes mellitus (especially depot in cats), Iatrogenic Cushing syndrome, Adrenal suppression.
›Does Methylprednisolone need a prescription?
Yes. Methylprednisolone is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Methylprednisolone not be used?
Do not use Methylprednisolone if: Systemic fungal infections; Concurrent NSAIDs.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Related medicines

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