Deflacort 6 mg

Description

Indications

Deflacort is used in the treatment of various medical conditions, including:

• Allergic Reactions: Management of severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, asthma, and other hypersensitivity responses.
• Rheumatic Disorders: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile chronic arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, and rheumatic carditis.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, mixed connective tissue disease (excluding systemic sclerosis), polyarteritis nodosa, and sarcoidosis.
• Skin Disorders: Pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, and pyoderma gangrenosum.
• Nephrotic Conditions: Minimal change nephrotic syndrome and acute interstitial nephritis.
• Gastrointestinal Diseases: Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
• Ophthalmic Conditions: Uveitis and optic neuritis.
• Blood Disorders: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
• Cancer Treatment: Used in the management of acute and lymphatic leukemia, malignant lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
• Transplantation: To provide immune suppression in organ transplantation.

Note: Follow the guidance of a registered healthcare professional when using this medication.

Pharmacology

Deflacort is a synthetic corticosteroid that works primarily by inhibiting the enzyme phospholipase A2, which is responsible for the synthesis of prostaglandins, compounds involved in inflammation. It also suppresses the release of certain immune system chemicals, providing both anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects.

Dosage & Administration

• For Adults:
  • Acute Conditions: Initially, up to 120 mg per day may be required. Maintenance doses generally range between 3-18 mg per day, depending on the condition being treated.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: The maintenance dose typically falls within 3-18 mg per day. The dose should be adjusted to the smallest effective amount.
  • Bronchial Asthma: For acute asthma attacks, high doses of 48-72 mg per day may be necessary, gradually reducing once the attack is controlled. For maintenance, the dose should be titrated to the lowest level that controls symptoms.
  • Other Conditions: Doses will depend on clinical need, with maintenance typically requiring the lowest effective dose.
• For Children:
  • Deflacort use in children requires special care, and the dose should always be kept to the minimum effective dose. Dosages usually range from 0.25 to 1.5 mg/kg/day, depending on the condition.
  • For juvenile chronic arthritis, the usual dose is between 0.25-1.0 mg/kg/day.
  • For nephrotic syndrome, the initial dose is generally 1.5 mg/kg/day, gradually reduced based on clinical need.
  • For asthma, the starting dose is between 0.25-1.0 mg/kg on alternate days.
• Deflacort Withdrawal: When discontinuing the medication, especially after prolonged use, the dosage should be reduced gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms and to monitor for disease relapse.

Note: Always follow the instructions of a registered healthcare provider for dosage adjustments.

Interactions

Deflacort is metabolized in the liver. If taken alongside drugs that induce liver enzymes (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine), a dose increase may be required. Conversely, drugs that inhibit liver enzymes (e.g., ketoconazole) may require a reduction in Deflacort’s dose. Always inform your doctor about all medications being taken.

Contraindications

Deflacort should not be used by individuals who have:

• Known hypersensitivity to the drug or its ingredients.
• Received live virus vaccinations.

Side Effects

Deflacort, like other corticosteroids, may cause several side effects, especially with prolonged use. These may include:

• Gastrointestinal: Nausea, ulcers, and gastrointestinal perforation.
• Musculoskeletal: Weakening of the bones, myopathy, and muscle atrophy.
• Endocrine: Disruptions in metabolism, increased glucose levels, and adrenal suppression.
• Psychiatric: Mood swings, anxiety, and other neuropsychiatric disturbances.
• Ophthalmic: Increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, and cataracts.
• Infections: Increased risk of infections due to suppressed immunity.

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Pregnancy: Deflacort crosses the placenta. Prolonged use during pregnancy may increase the risk of intrauterine growth retardation. It should only be prescribed if the benefits outweigh the risks.
• Lactation: Deflacort is excreted in breast milk. While low doses are unlikely to affect the infant, higher doses may cause adrenal suppression in the infant. Breastfeeding should be avoided if high doses of Deflacort are used.

Precautions & Warnings

Deflacort should be used with caution in patients with the following conditions:

• Cardiovascular: Heart failure, hypertension, and thromboembolic disorders.
• Gastrointestinal: History of ulcers, diverticulitis, or peptic ulcers.
• Endocrine: Diabetes, osteoporosis, or adrenal insufficiency.
• Psychiatric: Emotional instability, psychotic tendencies, and epilepsy.
• Infection Risk: Increased risk of infection due to suppressed immune function.

Regular monitoring and dose adjustments are essential in patients with these conditions.

Use in Special Populations

• Hepatic Impairment: Monitor carefully as liver dysfunction may increase Deflacort’s blood levels.
• Renal Impairment: No special precautions are necessary.
• Elderly: Older adults may experience more serious consequences from the common side effects of corticosteroids. Close monitoring is recommended.

Therapeutic Class

• Glucocorticoids

Storage Conditions

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