title: Comparison of methylprednisolone (1 g i.v.) with prednisolone (1 g orally) in rheumatoid arthritis: a pharmacokinetic and clinical study.
abstract: Methylprednisolone pulse therapy is often used in patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To compare clinical and pharmacokinetic variables of methylprednisolone and oral prednisolone in patients with RA, a controlled crossover study was carried out. Pharmacokinetic variables for methylprednisolone were Vd of 69.9 l, t1/2 of 2.96 h, total plasma clearance of 17.5 l/h. Pharmacokinetic variables for prednisolone were Vd of 47.5 l, t1/2 of 3.08 h and total plasma clearance of 11.3 l/h. During the elimination phase, a secondary rise in methylprednisolone concentration occurred which may be related to enterohepatic circulation. Clinical response to both prednisolone and methylprednisolone was short-lived with neither lasting more than 6 weeks.
authors: Department of Rheumatology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards N.S.W., Australia.
authors: C J
authors: CJ
authors: Needs
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Smith
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Boutagy
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Donovan
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Cosh
authors: M
authors: M
authors: McCredie
authors: P M
authors: PM
authors: Brooks
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D011239:Prednisolone; D008775:Methylprednisolone