Deflazit 6 mg

Description

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

• Allergic and Respiratory Disorders: Anaphylaxis, asthma, severe hypersensitivity reactions
• Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile chronic arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, 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
• Hematologic Conditions: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
• Oncological Uses: Acute and lymphatic leukemia, malignant lymphoma, multiple myeloma
• Transplantation: Immune suppression in organ transplant patients

Use this medication only as prescribed by a registered physician.

Pharmacology
Deflazacort is a glucocorticoid that exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the enzyme phospholipase A2, which plays a key role in prostaglandin synthesis. Additionally, Deflazacort suppresses the release of specific immune-related chemicals, thereby exerting an immunosuppressive action.

Dosage & Administration

Adults:

• Acute Disorders: An initial dose of up to 120 mg/day may be required. Maintenance therapy typically ranges from 3-18 mg/day.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Maintenance dose usually ranges from 3-18 mg/day, with the lowest effective dose preferred.
• Bronchial Asthma: During acute attacks, 48-72 mg/day may be required, with a gradual reduction once symptoms are controlled. For chronic asthma, the maintenance dose should be adjusted to the lowest effective level.
• Other Conditions: Dosing is based on individual clinical needs and should be adjusted to the lowest effective maintenance dose. The starting dose can be estimated using a 5 mg prednisone/prednisolone to 6 mg Deflazacort ratio.

Children:

• Juvenile Chronic Arthritis: Maintenance doses typically range from 0.25-1.0 mg/kg/day.
• Nephrotic Syndrome: Initial dose of 1.5 mg/kg/day, with gradual titration based on clinical response.
• Bronchial Asthma: Initial dose typically falls between 0.25-1.0 mg/kg on alternate days.
• Withdrawal Considerations: If patients have been on systemic corticosteroids exceeding 9 mg/day for more than three weeks, withdrawal should be gradual to prevent disease relapse.

Use this medication only as prescribed by a registered physician.

Drug Interactions
Deflazit is metabolized in the liver, and its dosage may need adjustment when taken with other medications.

• Enzyme Inducers (which may require an increased Deflazit dose): Rifampicin, rifabutin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, aminoglutethimide.
• Enzyme Inhibitors (which may allow for a reduced Deflazit dose): Ketoconazole.

Contraindications

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

Side Effects
Common adverse effects may include:

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Indigestion, nausea, gastric irritation
• Musculoskeletal Effects: Muscle weakness, osteoporosis
• Endocrine Effects: Weight gain, glucose intolerance
• Neurological Effects: Mood swings, insomnia, headaches
• Ophthalmic Concerns: Cataracts, increased intraocular pressure
• Other Effects: Increased infection susceptibility, slow wound healing, skin atrophy, acne, thromboembolism, and in rare cases, myocardial rupture post-heart attack.

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Pregnancy: Deflazacort crosses the placenta. Prolonged or repeated use may increase the risk of intrauterine growth restriction. It should only be used if the benefits outweigh the risks.
• Breastfeeding: Though no specific data exist for Deflazacort, corticosteroids are excreted in breast milk. Daily doses up to 50 mg are unlikely to affect the infant. Higher doses may lead to mild adrenal suppression in the newborn, though breastfeeding benefits generally outweigh the risks.

Precautions & Warnings
Careful monitoring is required in patients with the following conditions:

• Cardiovascular Disorders: Heart failure, hypertension, thromboembolic diseases (may require dietary salt restriction and potassium supplementation).
• Gastrointestinal Diseases: Gastritis, ulcerative colitis, peptic ulcers, diverticulitis.
• Metabolic Disorders: Diabetes, osteoporosis, renal impairment.
• Neurological Conditions: Emotional instability, psychosis, epilepsy, myopathy.
• Liver Dysfunction: Liver failure, hypothyroidism, cirrhosis (may increase glucocorticoid effect).
• Ophthalmic Concerns: Ocular herpes simplex due to the risk of corneal perforation.

Use in Special Populations

• Hepatic Impairment: Blood levels of Deflazit may be elevated, necessitating careful dose adjustments.
• Renal Impairment & Elderly Patients: No specific precautions beyond standard glucocorticoid therapy considerations. However, older adults may experience heightened adverse effects.

Therapeutic Class
Glucocorticoids

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