Intensive induction therapy for giant cell arteritis
Patients with evolving visual loss or a recent history of transient visual loss associated with giant cell arteritis require initial intensive induction therapy with pulse intravenous methylprednisolone; the usual dosage is:
methylprednisolone sodium succinate 0.5 to 1 g intravenously, over 1 hour, daily for 3 days, then switch to oral prednisolone (or prednisone) as below. methylprednisolone sodium succinate methylprednisolone methylprednisolone
For patients without evolving visual loss or a recent history of transient visual loss, intensive induction therapy may be initiated with high-dose oral corticosteroids, the usual dosage is:
prednisolone (or prednisone) 1 mg/kg up to 80 mg orally, daily for a minimum of 4 weeks. Depending on tolerability, the dose may be given in 2 divided doses. prednis ol one prednis(ol)one prednis(ol)one