Douglas J. Rhee, MD

B. SPECIFIC REGIMENS(1) Giant Cell ArteritisNotes: 1. Opinions on treatment varies between rheumatologists and among neuro-ophthalmologists. Some think oral prednisone 10 mgBID is sufficient. 1 Others have written that if no visual symptoms have occurred, oral prednisone 60–80 mg QD 2 as discussedis adequate. 22. Most patients have visual symptoms and we recommend high dose intravenous methylprednisolone. 3Drug Trade Preparation Dosage Notes 5methylprednisolone Solu-Medrol IV Soln 250 mg IV Q6 hr × 3 daysday 4: begin taper with oral prednisone(2) Optic Neuritis 4Notes: 1. Intravenous steroids may speed the recovery of visual acuity.2. Oral steroids do not hasten recovery time of visual acuity and may worsen the relapse rate.Drug Trade Preparation Dosage Notes 5methylprednisolone Solu-Medrol IV Soln 250 mg IV Q6 hr × 3 days1 mg/kg/day for 11 days then, 4 day taper oforal prednisone (20 mg, 10 mg, 0 mg,then 10 mg)Neuro-Ophthalmology 71