What is the dosing frequency for methylprednisolone sodium succinate in this postoperative regimen?

• A. Every 8 hours
• B. Every 6 hours
• C. Every 12 hours
• D. Once daily

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is to maintain steady glucocorticoid activity during the immediate postoperative period. Methylprednisolone sodium succinate given IV acts quickly but its effects don’t last long enough to cover the entire 24-hour cycle if given only once or twice daily. Don’t let the drug’s action dip between doses, because that can let inflammation and edema rebound and delay healing.

Dosing every 6 hours keeps therapeutic levels relatively constant across the day, providing continuous anti-inflammatory and anti-edema effects when the patient is most vulnerable post-surgery. Longer intervals, like every 8, 12 hours or once daily, would create gaps in coverage and reduce the intended postoperative benefit.