ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/methylprednisolone
US brand names:Medrol
Methylprednisolone is dosed at 0.5–2 mg/kg PO q12-24h, then taper in cats, per Yu A. What's New in Atopic Dermatitis in Cats? Proceedings 66th Convention of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. Published online 2014.; Ganz EC, Griffin CE, Keys DA, Flatgard TA. Evaluation of methylprednisolone and triamcinolone for the induction and maintenance treatment of pruritus in allergic cats: a double-blinded, randomized, prospective study. Vet Dermatol. 2012;23(5):387-e72. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3164.2012.01058.x — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.893 (2026-08-01).. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Intermediate-acting synthetic glucocorticoid that suppresses inflammation and immune responses via glucocorticoid receptor-mediated gene transcription changes.
PU/PD, polyphagia, hepatomegaly with chronic use. Taper gradually. Less mineralocorticoid effect than cortisone or hydrocortisone.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
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A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 0.5–2 mg/kg | q12-24h, then taper | Strong | Yu A. What's New in Atopic Dermatitis in Cats? Proceedings 66th Convention of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. Published online 2014.; Ganz EC, Griffin CE, Keys DA, Flatgard TA. Evaluation of methylprednisolone and triamcinolone for the induction and maintenance treatment of pruritus in allergic cats: a double-blinded, randomized, prospective study. Vet Dermatol. 2012;23(5):387-e72. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3164.2012.01058.x — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.893 (2026-08-01). |
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 0.5–2 mg/kg | q12-24h, then taper | Strong | BSAVA Small Animal Formulary 10th Ed, Part A - Canine and Feline, p.260 (corpus PDF p.276), Methylprednisolone, DOSES, Dogs — 0.2-0.5 mg/kg p.o. q12h (inflammation) and 1-3 mg/kg p.o. q12h (immunosuppression); mid-range corroborated by Plumb's 9th Ed p.865 0.4-0.8 mg/kg PO q12-24h |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.