Prednisolone Sodium Succinate
Prednisolone sodium succinate is a water-soluble prednisolone ester used when parenteral glucocorticoid treatment is needed. Its solubility supports rapid systemic delivery, distinguishing it from prednisolone acetate suspensions. Veterinary applications include selected acute inflammatory or immune-mediated disorders and temporary glucocorticoid replacement when oral treatment is unsuitable.
Group
Water-soluble glucocorticoid
Mechanism of Action
After administration, the succinate ester is hydrolyzed to active prednisolone. Binding to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors changes transcription of genes regulating inflammatory mediators, leukocyte activity and metabolism. Reduced inflammatory signaling and immune activation produce anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive effects according to exposure. In adrenal deficiency, it supplies glucocorticoid activity missing from normal endocrine regulation.
Dose Rates
Dogs
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shock | 15–30 mg/kg | IV | Every 4–6 h | Reported historical regimen; effectiveness is controversial. |
| CNS trauma — Initial | 15–30 mg/kg | IV | Once | Followed by taper; clinical benefit requires case-specific assessment. |
| CNS trauma — Maintenance | 1–2 mg/kg | IV | Every 12 h | Tapered dose after initial treatment. |
| Inflammation | 1 mg/kg | IV | Every 24 h | |
| Adrenal replacement | 0.25–0.5 mg/kg | IV | Every 24 h | |
| Pemphigus pulse therapy | 10 mg/kg | IV | Intermittent treatment; pulse spacing is not specified. | |
| Acute adrenal insufficiency | 2–20 mg/kg | IV | After diagnostic cortisol samples when feasible; source wide range is distinct from routine replacement. |
Cats
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shock | 15–30 mg/kg | IV | Every 4–6 h | Reported historical regimen; effectiveness is controversial. |
| CNS trauma — Initial | 15–30 mg/kg | IV | Once | Followed by taper; clinical benefit requires case-specific assessment. |
| CNS trauma — Maintenance | 1–2 mg/kg | IV | Every 12 h | Tapered dose after initial treatment. |
| Inflammation | 1 mg/kg | IV | Every 24 h | |
| Adrenal replacement | 0.25–0.5 mg/kg | IV | Every 24 h | |
| Pemphigus pulse therapy | 10 mg/kg | IV | Intermittent treatment; pulse spacing is not specified. |
Horses
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inflammation | 0.5–1 mg/kg | IM, IV | Every 12–24 h | |
| Shock | 15–30 mg/kg | IV | Every 4–6 h | Historical regimen; efficacy for shock is unestablished. |
| Glucocorticoid effects | 0.25–1 mg/kg | IV |
Cattle
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glucocorticoid effects | 0.2–1 mg/kg | IV, IM |
Pigs
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glucocorticoid effects | 0.2–1 mg/kg | IV, IM |
Reptiles
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shock | 5–10 mg/kg | IV | As needed |
Indications
- Parenteral treatment of selected acute inflammatory or immune-mediated disorders in veterinary patients.
- Temporary glucocorticoid replacement in patients with adrenal insufficiency, including selected adrenal crises within a complete emergency plan.
- Short-term systemic treatment of selected severe allergic or steroid-responsive inflammatory conditions when an injectable glucocorticoid is required.
Contraindications
- GI bleeding/ulcer risk, infection, renal disease and pregnancy require caution.
Interactions
- NSAIDs increase GI injury; do not mix with calcium-containing solutions.
Adverse effects
- HPA suppression, infection, hyperglycemia, GI bleeding and impaired healing; equine laminitis risk is uncertain.
Toxicity
Acute glucocorticoid excess may cause GI or metabolic signs; prolonged or repeated high doses increase systemic steroid toxicity.
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prednisolone sodium succinate 100 mg vial | Injection | 100 mg / vial | IV, IM |
| Prednisolone sodium succinate 500 mg vial | Injection | 500 mg / vial | IV, IM |
Monitoring and Administration
Monitor glucose, renal and liver indices, infection and adrenal effects. Historical shock benefit is controversial and trauma efficacy is not established by the dosing list alone.
Use immediately after reconstitution; do not freeze or give cloudy solution IV. Give equine IV doses slowly over 30-60 seconds.
A bird shock protocol uses 10 mg/mL solution at 0.1-0.2 mL per 100 g every 15 minutes to effect, with half amounts for larger birds; route is not specified. Do not infer IV or convert an unconfirmed route into a calculator record.