HYDELTRASOL
Clinical safety rating: caution
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for HYDELTRASOL (HYDELTRASOL).
Corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties; suppresses multiple inflammatory cytokines and induces lipocortin synthesis.
| Metabolism | Primarily hepatic via CYP3A4. |
| Excretion | Renally eliminated: ~80% as metabolites, <10% unchanged. Biliary/fecal: minor. |
| Half-life | Terminal half-life ~2-3 hours; clinically, adrenal suppression may persist >24h. |
| Protein binding | ~70% bound primarily to corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) and albumin. |
| Volume of Distribution | Vd ~0.2-0.4 L/kg; indicates distribution primarily into extracellular fluid. |
| Bioavailability | Oral: ~80-90%; IM: ~100%; topical: ~1-10% (variable). |
| Onset of Action | IV: rapid (minutes); IM: 1-2 hours; oral: 2-4 hours; topical: 2-3 days. |
| Duration of Action | Duration of HPA suppression: 1.25-1.5 days. Anti-inflammatory: 12-36 hours. |
| Molecular Weight | 360.44 |
Intravenous: Initial dose 100-250 mg, then repeat every 10-30 minutes as needed. Intramuscular: 100-250 mg every 10-30 minutes. Intra-articular: 10-40 mg per joint every 1-2 weeks.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | No specific dose adjustment recommended. Use with caution in severe renal impairment due to potential fluid retention. |
| Liver impairment | Child-Pugh A: No adjustment. Child-Pugh B: Reduce dose to 50% of normal. Child-Pugh C: Avoid use or use with extreme caution. |
| Pediatric use | Intravenous/Intramuscular: 0.5-2 mg/kg/day divided every 6-12 hours. Intra-articular: 5-20 mg per joint depending on size. |
| Geriatric use | Initiate at lowest effective dose; monitor closely for hyperglycemia, osteoporosis, and hypertension. Consider reduced starting doses due to increased sensitivity. |
| 1st trimester | Avoid unless essential; associated with increased risk of cleft palate (odds ratio 3.35) in first trimester. Use lowest effective dose. |
| 2nd trimester | Use with caution; may cause fetal adrenal suppression. Monitor for intrauterine growth restriction. |
| 3rd trimester | Use with caution; prolonged use may cause neonatal adrenal suppression, hypoglycemia, and poor weight gain. Taper if used near term. |
Clinical note
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for HYDELTRASOL (HYDELTRASOL).
| Placental transfer | Prednisolone crosses the placenta; placental enzyme (11β-HSD2) converts ~80% to inactive prednisone, limiting fetal exposure. Active drug reaches fetal circulation at ~10% of maternal levels. |
| Breastfeeding | Prednisolone (active form of hydeltrasol) is excreted into breast milk in low concentrations. No adverse effects reported with maternal doses <40mg/day. High doses may require discarding milk for 4 hours post-dose. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
None.
| Serious Effects |
Systemic fungal infectionsHypersensitivity to any componentLive or attenuated virus vaccines (concomitant use)
| Precautions | Immunosuppression and increased susceptibility to infections; adrenal suppression with prolonged use; osteoporosis; gastrointestinal perforation; behavioral/mood disturbances; masking of infection symptoms. |
| Food/Dietary | Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they may increase drug levels. Limit sodium intake to reduce fluid retention. Increase potassium-rich foods (bananas, oranges) to counteract hypokalemia. Avoid alcohol as it may increase GI irritation. |
| Clinical Pearls |
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| Lactation Rating | L2 (Safer) |
| Teratogenic Risk | HyDELTRASOL (prednisolone) crosses the placenta. First trimester: increased risk of cleft palate (odds ratio 3.4). Second/third trimester: prolonged use may cause fetal adrenal suppression, growth restriction, and premature birth. Corticosteroids are associated with preterm delivery and low birth weight. Overall risk-benefit must be assessed. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Maternal: blood pressure, blood glucose, weight, signs of infection, adrenal insufficiency, and bone density with long-term use. Fetal: ultrasound for growth restriction; monitor for preterm labor and congenital anomalies if exposed in first trimester. |
| Fertility Effects | No direct studies on fertility in humans. Corticosteroids may alter hormone levels and menstrual cycle. In men, high doses may suppress spermatogenesis. Effects are likely reversible upon discontinuation. |
| HydeltraSol (prednisolone sodium phosphate) is a water-soluble corticosteroid for IV/IM use. Onset of action is rapid (within 1 hour). Monitor for hyperglycemia, especially in diabetic patients. Taper dose to avoid adrenal insufficiency. Contraindicated in systemic fungal infections. Avoid live vaccines during therapy. |
| Patient Advice | Take exactly as prescribed; do not stop suddenly without consulting your doctor. · May cause increased appetite, weight gain, or insomnia. · Report any signs of infection (fever, sore throat) or unusual bruising/bleeding. · Avoid close contact with people who have chickenpox or measles. · Carry a medical alert card indicating you are taking corticosteroids. |