20 to 50     : Dose as in normal renal function
10 to 20     : Dose as in normal renal function
<10           : Dose as in normal renal function
DOSE IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPIES
CAPD                :Dialysed. Dose as in normal renal function
HD                     :Dialysed. Dose as in normal renal function
HDF/high flux   :Dialysed. Dose as in normal renal function
CAV/VVHD      :Dialysed. Dose as in normal renal function
IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTIONS
Potentially hazardous interactions with other drugs
Antibacterials: metabolism accelerated by rifampicin; metabolism possibly inhibited by erythromycin and clarithromycin
Anticoagulants: efficacy of coumarins may be altered
Anti-epileptics: metabolism accelerated by carbamazepine, barbiturates, phenytoin and primidone
Antifungals: increased risk of hypokalaemia with amphotericin – avoid concomitant use; metabolism possibly inhibited by itraconazole and ketoconazole
Antivirals: concentration possibly increased by ritonavir
Ciclosporin: rare reports of convulsions in patients on ciclosporin and high-dose corticosteroids; levels of ciclosporin increased with high dose methylprednisoloneCytotoxics: increased risk of haematological toxicity with methotrexate
Diuretics: enhanced hypokalaemic effects of acetazolamide, loop diuretics and thiazide diureticsVaccines: high dose corticosteroids can impair immune response to vaccines; avoid concomitant use with live vaccines
ADMINISTRATION
Reconstition
Use solvent supplied (Solu-medrone) or see manufacturer’s recommendations
Route
Oral, IM, IV peripherally or centrally
Rate of Administration
30 minutes
Comments
NB: Rapid bolus injection may be associated with arrhythmias or cardiovascular collapse
OTHER INFORMATION
A single dose of 500 mg –1 g is often given at transplantationThree 500 mg – 1 g doses at 24 hour intervals are often used as first line for reversal of acute rejection episodes. (Some units use 300–500 mg daily for 3 days.)