Deflazit 24 mg

Description

Indications Deflazit is prescribed for the treatment of various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including:

• Anaphylaxis, asthma, and severe hypersensitivity reactions
• Rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile chronic arthritis, and polymyalgia rheumatica
• Systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, mixed connective tissue disease (excluding systemic sclerosis), polyarteritis nodosa, and sarcoidosis
• Pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, and pyoderma gangrenosum
• Minimal change nephrotic syndrome and acute interstitial nephritis
• Rheumatic carditis
• Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
• Uveitis and optic neuritis
• Autoimmune hemolytic anemia and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
• Acute and lymphatic leukemia, malignant lymphoma, and multiple myeloma
• Immunosuppression in transplant recipients

Take this medication only as prescribed by a registered physician.

Pharmacology Deflazacort exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the Phospholipase A2 enzyme, which plays a crucial role in prostaglandin synthesis. Additionally, Deflazacort reduces the release of immune system chemicals responsible for inflammatory responses, thereby offering immunosuppressive benefits.

Dosage & Administration

Adults:

• Acute conditions: An initial dose of up to 120 mg/day may be necessary. Maintenance doses generally range from 3-18 mg/day.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Maintenance doses typically range from 3-18 mg/day. The lowest effective dose should be used and adjusted as needed.
• Bronchial asthma: During an acute attack, higher doses of 48-72 mg/day may be required, gradually reducing once symptoms are controlled. For chronic asthma, the maintenance dose should be tailored to the lowest effective level.
• Other conditions: Dosage is based on clinical needs and adjusted accordingly. The initial dose can be estimated based on a conversion ratio of 5 mg prednisone or prednisolone to 6 mg Deflazacort.

Children: While clinical exposure to Deflazacort in pediatric patients is limited, the indications remain similar to those in adults. The lowest effective dose should always be used, and alternate-day administration may be considered. Typical dosage ranges include:

• Juvenile chronic arthritis: 0.25-1.0 mg/kg/day as a maintenance dose.
• Nephrotic syndrome: An initial dose of 1.5 mg/kg/day, followed by dose adjustment based on clinical response.
• Bronchial asthma: Based on potency ratio, the initial dose is typically 0.25-1.0 mg/kg on alternate days.

Withdrawal: For patients taking systemic corticosteroids at doses exceeding physiological levels (approximately 9 mg/day or equivalent) for more than three weeks, abrupt withdrawal should be avoided. The tapering schedule depends on the likelihood of disease relapse as corticosteroid dosage is reduced.

Take this medication only as prescribed by a registered physician.

Drug Interactions Deflazit is metabolized in the liver, and its dose may need adjustment when co-administered with liver enzyme-inducing or inhibiting drugs:

• Enzyme inducers (e.g., rifampicin, rifabutin, carbamazepine, phenobarbitone, phenytoin, primidone, aminoglutethimide) may reduce drug effectiveness, necessitating a higher maintenance dose.
• Enzyme inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) may increase drug levels, requiring dose reduction.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to Deflazacort or any of its ingredients
• Patients receiving live virus vaccines

Side Effects Possible side effects include:

• Gastrointestinal disturbances
• Musculoskeletal and endocrine complications
• Neuropsychiatric symptoms
• Ophthalmic conditions
• Fluid and electrolyte imbalances
• Increased susceptibility to infections
• Delayed wound healing
• Skin-related issues such as atrophy, striae, telangiectasia, and acne
• Rare cases of myocardial rupture following recent myocardial infarction
• Risk of thromboembolism

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Pregnancy: Deflazacort crosses the placenta and, when used for prolonged periods, may contribute to intrauterine growth restriction. It should only be prescribed if the benefits outweigh the risks to the mother and child.
• Nursing Mothers: Although specific data on Deflazacort excretion in breast milk is unavailable, corticosteroids are generally excreted in breast milk. Doses up to 50 mg/day are unlikely to cause systemic effects in infants. Higher doses may lead to mild adrenal suppression in infants, but the benefits of breastfeeding usually outweigh potential risks.

Precautions & Warnings Special monitoring is required in patients with:

• Cardiac conditions: Including congestive heart failure, hypertension, and thromboembolic disorders. Deflazacort may cause salt and water retention while increasing potassium excretion. Dietary salt restriction and potassium supplementation may be necessary.
• Gastrointestinal disorders: Such as gastritis, esophagitis, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis (with risk of perforation), fresh intestinal anastomosis, and active peptic ulcers.
• Metabolic conditions: Including diabetes mellitus (or family history), osteoporosis, and myasthenia gravis.
• Neurological and psychiatric conditions: Such as emotional instability, psychotic disorders, epilepsy, and previous corticosteroid-induced myopathy.
• Liver and kidney diseases: Liver failure, hypothyroidism, and cirrhosis may enhance glucocorticoid effects.
• Ocular conditions: Patients with ocular herpes simplex require caution due to the risk of corneal perforation.

Use in Special Populations

• Hepatic Impairment: Patients with liver dysfunction may experience increased drug levels. Dose adjustments should be made to maintain the minimum effective dose.
• Renal Impairment: No additional precautions are required beyond standard glucocorticoid therapy considerations.
• Elderly Patients: While no specific precautions are necessary, systemic corticosteroid side effects may have more pronounced consequences in older adults.

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.

Packaging Deflazit 24 mg Tablet (Image Available)