Product Name: Methylprednisolone
Synonyms: 6α-Methylprednisolone, Medrol
Chemical Formula: C22H30O5
CAS Number: 83-43-2
Manufacturer: Pfizer, other pharmaceutical producers
Recommended Uses: Anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressant agent in pharmaceuticals
Emergency Contact: Local poison control center or hospital
Hazard Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
Potential Health Effects: Eye irritation, skin irritation, respiratory tract irritation after dust inhalation, possible endocrine disruption if chronically exposed
NFPA Ratings: Health: 2, Flammability: 1, Reactivity: 0
Signal Word: None required
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhalation and contact with skin or eyes
Symptoms of Exposure: Nausea, headache, suppressed immune response, localized irritation
Chemical Name: Methylprednisolone
CAS Number: 83-43-2
Concentration: Typically 100% (pure substance for research or pharmaceutical compounding)
Impurities/Additives: Trace excipients or process residues may be present but are not part of the active principle
Inhalation: Remove from exposure, keep in a warm, well-ventilated area, seek medical attention if symptoms such as coughing persist
Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, consult a physician if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, seek immediate medical help if discomfort continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly with water, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical attention
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, foam
Unsuitable Media: Strong jets of water may spread powder
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, unknown irritant fumes
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective clothing
Special Procedures: Evacuate area, prevent runoff of contaminated water
Personal Precautions: Ventilate area, avoid creating dust, wear gloves and suitable eye protection
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, sewers, water courses, notify authorities if large spills threaten groundwater or wildlife
Clean Up Methods: Sweep up carefully using damp methods to avoid dust, collect in tightly closed container for proper disposal, clean area with water and detergent
Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas, minimize dust generation, use local exhaust if available, avoid ingestion and contact with eyes or skin, wash hands after handling
Storage: Store in original, tightly closed container, keep out of reach of children, keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers or acids, maintain temperature between 15–30°C
Occupational Exposure Limits: No OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV established, use pharmaceuticals workplace practice
Engineering Controls: Provide adequate ventilation, use biological safety cabinet or powder handling hood for weighing or compounding
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirator when working with powders or dusts
Skin Protection: Protective disposable gloves (nitrile or latex preferred), lab coat
Eye Protection: Safety goggles or face shield
Hygiene Recommendations: Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area, wash hands after handling, remove contaminated clothing/routes
Form: White or off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 235–239°C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, more soluble in alcohol and acetone
pH in Solution: Neutral to slightly acidic
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Flash Point: Not applicable for solid form
Partition Coefficient (log Pow): Approximately 1.6–1.8
Appearance: Pure form as fine powder
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage conditions, can degrade upon prolonged exposure to light or heat
Reactivity: No violent reactions noted under expected conditions, avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents and strong acids
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flame, direct sunlight
Decomposition Products: May form hazardous fumes of carbon oxides upon burning or decomposition
Polymerization: Does not occur
Acute Toxicity: Oral rat LD50 reported above 2,000 mg/kg, considered low toxicity
Chronic Toxicity: Prolonged exposure may result in immunosuppression, hormonal effects, possible endocrine system disruption
Irritation: May cause mild skin and eye irritation
Sensitization: No evidence of sensitization in clinical experience, but powder may cause asthmatic reactions in sensitive persons
Carcinogenicity: No classification by NTP, IARC, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: Negative in standard bacterial mutagenicity assays
Reproductive Toxicity: Embryotoxic and teratogenic effects observed in animal studies at high doses
Potential for Aspiration Hazard: None known for solid pharmaceutical form
Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic life at expected concentrations, yet pharmaceuticals may accumulate and disrupt aquatic hormone cycles in the long term
Mobility: Limited mobility in soil, most binds to organic material
Persistence/Degradability: Degrades slowly; traces may persist in environment and may bioaccumulate
Bioaccumulative Potential: Not significant for a single use, greater concern from chronic pharmaceutical releases
Aquatic Release: Formulated steroidal pharmaceuticals linked in some studies to fish reproductive problems
Safe Disposal Methods: Place in sealed container for disposal according to local regulations, do not flush into sewer or allow to enter water systems
Incineration: Preferred method for expired or contaminated powder, high-temperature incineration breaks down steroids
Contaminated Packaging: Treat as unused material, follow facility guidelines; avoid landfill for large amounts
Special Precautions: Keep pharmaceuticals out of regular municipal waste systems wherever possible
UN Number: Not regulated as hazardous for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as dangerous goods
Transport Hazard Class: None assigned
Packing Group: None
Marine Pollutant: Not designated
Special Precautions During Transport: Protect from moisture and physical damage, avoid extreme temperatures
Labeling: Not specifically regulated in bulk under GHS or OSHA as hazardous, but finished pharmaceutical labeling must comply with regulations
U.S. Federal Regulations: Not subject to TSCA, regulated as a pharmaceutical under FDA guidelines, follow DEA requirements for prescriptions
EU Regulations: Subject to requirements for medicinal products, not listed as hazardous chemical
Canada: Controlled substance per Prescription Drug List, not WHMIS-classified
Other Local Guidelines: Disposal and use covered under pharmaceutical and environmental protection laws