Deltasone 10 mg

Description

Indications
Deltasone is prescribed for the treatment of various conditions, including:

Rheumatic Disorders: Used to manage psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis), ankylosing spondylitis, acute and subacute bursitis, acute nonspecific tenosynovitis, acute gouty arthritis, and post-traumatic osteoarthritis.

Endocrine Disorders: Effective in treating primary and secondary adrenocortical insufficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, nonsuppurative thyroiditis, and hypercalcemia associated with malignancies.

Dermatologic Conditions: Prescribed for pemphigus, bullous dermatitis herpetiformis, severe erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, mycosis fungoides, and severe psoriasis.

Allergic Reactions: Used for seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, serum sickness, and hypersensitivity reactions to medications.

Respiratory Disorders: Helps in managing symptomatic sarcoidosis, berylliosis, fulminant aspiration pneumonitis.

Hematologic Disorders: Used to treat idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, secondary thrombocytopenia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and erythroblastopenia (RBC anemia).

Edematous Conditions: Aids in promoting diuresis and remission of proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome (without uremia), whether idiopathic or related to lupus erythematosus.

Gastrointestinal Diseases: Indicated for ulcerative colitis and regional enteritis.

Take this medication only as per the advice of a registered physician.

Pharmacology
Prednisolone, the active component of Deltasone, is a synthetic adrenocortical steroid with strong glucocorticoid activity. It works by inhibiting the Phospholipase A2 enzyme, which plays a role in producing inflammatory mediators such as leukotrienes, SRS-A, and prostaglandins. Following oral administration, prednisolone is rapidly absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, with a plasma protein-binding rate of 70-90%. It has a plasma half-life of 2 to 4 hours and undergoes metabolism primarily in the liver before being excreted through urine.

Dosage & Administration

Adults:

• Nephrotic Syndrome: Initial dose: 2 mg/kg/day (maximum 80 mg/day) in 3-4 divided doses until urine remains protein-free for 3 consecutive days (up to 28 days), followed by 1-1.5 mg/kg every other day for 4 weeks. Maintenance dose: 0.5-1 mg/kg every other day for 3-6 months.
• Anti-inflammatory Treatment: 5-60 mg per day in 1-4 divided doses.
• Acute Asthma: 40-60 mg per day, either as a single dose or split every 12 hours for 3-10 days.
• Allergic Conditions:
  • Day 1: 10 mg before breakfast, 5 mg after lunch and dinner, and 10 mg at bedtime.
  • Day 2: 5 mg before breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and 10 mg at bedtime.
  • Day 3: 5 mg before breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bedtime.
  • Day 4: 5 mg before breakfast, lunch, and bedtime.
  • Day 5: 5 mg before breakfast and bedtime.
  • Day 6: 5 mg before breakfast.

Pediatric:

• Asthma:
  • 1 year: 10 mg every 12 hours (acute); 10 mg every other day (maintenance).
  • 1-4 years: 20 mg every 12 hours (acute); 20 mg every other day (maintenance).
  • 5-12 years: 30 mg every 12 hours (acute); 30 mg every other day (maintenance).
  • 12 years and older: 40 mg every 12 hours (acute); 40 mg every other day (maintenance).
• Anti-inflammatory Treatment & Immunosuppression: 0.05-2 mg/kg/day in 1-4 divided doses.

Take this medication only as per the advice of a registered physician.

Drug Interactions

• The effectiveness of Deltasone may be reduced when taken with aminoglutethimide, antacids, barbiturates, carbamazepine, griseofulvin, mitotane, phenylbutazone, phenytoin, primidone, and rifampin.
• This medication can lower potassium levels, increasing the risk of cardiac arrhythmias when used with digitalis.
• Caution should be exercised with immunization procedures during treatment.

Contraindications

• Should not be used in patients with systemic infections unless appropriate antimicrobial therapy is administered.
• Not suitable for individuals with hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.
• Contraindicated in ocular herpes simplex due to the risk of corneal perforation.

Side Effects

Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances: Sodium retention, fluid accumulation, heart failure in susceptible individuals, potassium loss, hypokalemic alkalosis, and hypertension.

Musculoskeletal Issues: Muscle weakness, steroid-induced myopathy, muscle mass loss, osteoporosis, vertebral fractures, aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads, and fractures of long bones.

Gastrointestinal Effects: Peptic ulcer with potential perforation and bleeding, pancreatitis, abdominal bloating, and ulcerative esophagitis.

Dermatologic Reactions: Delayed wound healing, fragile skin, petechiae, ecchymoses, facial redness, increased sweating, and suppressed skin test reactions.

Neurological Effects: Seizures, increased intracranial pressure, vertigo, and headaches.

Endocrine Changes: Menstrual irregularities, Cushingoid appearance, growth suppression in children, adrenal and pituitary suppression, glucose intolerance, and increased insulin needs in diabetics.

Ophthalmic Issues: Cataracts, elevated intraocular pressure, glaucoma, and bulging eyes.

Metabolic Effects: Negative nitrogen balance due to protein breakdown.

Pregnancy & Lactation
Deltasone should only be used during pregnancy if deemed necessary by a physician, as corticosteroids can cross the placenta and potentially affect fetal development. Since corticosteroids are also present in breast milk, they may interfere with infant growth or adrenal function.

Precautions & Warnings

• Patients on immunosuppressive doses should avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles, and seek medical attention immediately if exposed.
• During periods of stress (e.g., surgery or trauma), corticosteroid dosage may need to be increased.
• Long-term use may lead to cataracts, glaucoma, and increased susceptibility to infections.
• Corticosteroids can cause elevated blood pressure, fluid retention, and potassium loss, which should be monitored.
• Live vaccines, such as smallpox, should not be administered during treatment.

Use in Special Populations

• Pediatric Use: Infants born to mothers treated with corticosteroids should be monitored for adrenal insufficiency. Children on prolonged therapy require regular growth and development assessments.
• Elderly & Immunocompromised Patients: Caution is needed due to increased infection risks and potential systemic effects.

Overdose Effects
Excessive prolonged use of Deltasone may result in adverse effects related to excessive glucocorticoid activity. In such cases, gradual dose reduction and symptomatic treatment are recommended.

Therapeutic Class
Glucocorticoids

Storage Conditions
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light. Keep out of reach of children.