DEFLACORT 24 mg

Description

Indications

Deflazacort is used in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions, including:

• Allergic and Respiratory Disorders: Anaphylaxis, asthma, severe hypersensitivity reactions.

• Rheumatic Diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile chronic arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica.

• Autoimmune and Connective Tissue Disorders: Systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, mixed connective tissue disease (excluding systemic sclerosis), polyarteritis nodosa, sarcoidosis.

• Dermatological Conditions: Pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, pyoderma gangrenosum.

• Renal Disorders: Minimal change nephrotic syndrome, acute interstitial nephritis.

• Cardiac Conditions: Rheumatic carditis.

• Gastrointestinal Diseases: Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease.

• Ophthalmic Disorders: Uveitis, optic neuritis.

• Hematological Disorders: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

• Oncological Conditions: Acute and lymphatic leukemia, malignant lymphoma, multiple myeloma.

• Post-Transplant Care: Immune suppression to prevent graft rejection.

Take this medication only as directed by a registered physician.

Pharmacology

Deflazacort is a corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. It inhibits the enzyme Phospholipase A2, which is responsible for prostaglandin synthesis, thus reducing inflammation. Additionally, it suppresses the release of certain immune-related chemicals, thereby modulating the immune response.

Dosage & Administration

Adults:

• Acute Disorders: Up to 120 mg/day may be required initially. Maintenance doses typically range from 3-18 mg/day.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Maintenance doses generally range from 3-18 mg/day. The smallest effective dose should be used and adjusted as needed.

• Bronchial Asthma: For acute attacks, 48-72 mg/day may be required, with gradual dose reduction once the attack is controlled. Maintenance doses should be titrated to the lowest effective dose.

• Other Conditions: Doses should be individualized based on clinical need and titrated to the lowest effective maintenance dose.

Children:
Deflazacort should be used with caution in children. The lowest effective dose is recommended, and alternate-day administration may be appropriate.

• Juvenile Chronic Arthritis: Maintenance doses range from 0.25-1.0 mg/kg/day.

• Nephrotic Syndrome: Initial doses of 1.5 mg/kg/day, with gradual adjustment based on clinical response.

• Bronchial Asthma: Initial doses range from 0.25-1.0 mg/kg on alternate days.

Withdrawal: Gradual tapering is necessary for patients receiving systemic corticosteroids for more than three weeks to prevent withdrawal symptoms and disease relapse.

Take this medication only as directed by a registered physician.

Interactions

Deflazacort is metabolized in the liver. Dosage adjustments may be required when taken with:

• Enzyme Inducers: Rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, aminoglutethimide.

• Enzyme Inhibitors: Ketoconazole may necessitate dose reduction.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to Deflazacort or its components.

• Patients undergoing live virus immunization.

Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Gastrointestinal disturbances

• Musculoskeletal issues

• Endocrine and neuropsychiatric effects

• Susceptibility to infections, impaired healing

• Skin changes (e.g., atrophy, striae, acne)

• Fluid and electrolyte imbalances

• Cardiovascular complications (e.g., thromboembolism)

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy: Deflazacort crosses the placenta. Prolonged use during pregnancy may increase the risk of intrauterine growth retardation. Prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Lactation: While Deflazacort is excreted in breast milk, doses up to 50 mg/day are unlikely to affect the infant. Higher doses may cause adrenal suppression in infants, but breastfeeding benefits often outweigh risks.

Precautions & Warnings

Caution is advised in patients with:

• Cardiac conditions (e.g., congestive heart failure, hypertension)

• Gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis)

• Diabetes mellitus

• Osteoporosis

• Liver or renal impairment

• Emotional instability, psychosis, or epilepsy

Monitor closely and adjust dosage as needed.

Use in Special Populations

• Hepatic Impairment: Adjust doses as necessary due to increased drug levels.

• Renal Impairment: Standard glucocorticoid precautions apply.

• Elderly: Standard precautions apply, but side effects may be more severe in older patients.

Therapeutic Class

Glucocorticoids

Storage Conditions

Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.