COMPARISON OF METHYLPREDNISOLONE (1-G IV) WITH PREDNISOLONE (1-G ORALLY) IN RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS - A PHARMACOKINETIC AND CLINICAL-STUDY

  • 1 February 1988
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 15  (2) , 224-228
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 methylpredisolone 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.