Deltasone 5 mg

Description

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

• Rheumatic Disorders: Psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute and subacute bursitis, acute nonspecific tenosynovitis, acute gouty arthritis, post-traumatic osteoarthritis.
• Endocrine Disorders: Primary or secondary adrenocortical insufficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, nonsuppurative thyroiditis, and hypercalcemia linked to cancer.
• Dermatologic Diseases: Pemphigus, bullous dermatitis herpetiformis, severe erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, mycosis fungoides, and severe psoriasis.
• Allergic Reactions: Seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, serum sickness, and drug-induced hypersensitivity reactions.
• Respiratory Conditions: Symptomatic sarcoidosis, berylliosis, fulminant, and aspiration pneumonitis.
• Hematologic Disorders: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, secondary thrombocytopenia, acquired (autoimmune) hemolytic anemia, and erythroblastopenia (RBC anemia).
• Edematous Conditions: Used to promote diuresis and remission of proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome (idiopathic or lupus-related) without uremia.
• Gastrointestinal Conditions: Management of ulcerative colitis and regional enteritis.

Use this medication under the guidance of a registered physician.

Pharmacology
Prednisolone, the active ingredient in Deltasone, is a synthetic corticosteroid with strong glucocorticoid activity. It works by inhibiting the Phospholipase A2 enzyme, which plays a role in inflammation by producing mediators like leukotrienes, SRS-A, and prostaglandins. When taken orally, prednisolone is rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. It binds to plasma proteins (70-90%) and has a plasma half-life of 2 to 4 hours. The liver metabolizes prednisolone, and it is primarily excreted in the urine.

Dosage & Administration

For Adults:

• Nephrotic Syndrome:
  • Initial: 2 mg/kg/day (max 80 mg/day) in 3-4 divided doses until urine remains protein-free for 3 consecutive days (maximum: 28 days).
  • Follow-up: 1 to 1.5 mg/kg every other day for 4 weeks.
  • Maintenance: 0.5 to 1 mg/kg every other day for 3 to 6 months.
• Anti-inflammatory Therapy: 5 to 60 mg per day in 1 to 4 divided doses.
• Acute Asthma: 40-60 mg/day, taken once daily or in two divided doses for 3-10 days.
• Allergic Conditions:
  • Day 1: 10 mg before breakfast, 5 mg after lunch, 5 mg after dinner, and 10 mg at bedtime.
  • Day 2: 5 mg before breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and 10 mg at bedtime.
  • Day 3: 5 mg before breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and at bedtime.
  • Day 4: 5 mg before breakfast, after lunch, and at bedtime.
  • Day 5: 5 mg before breakfast and at bedtime.
  • Day 6: 5 mg before breakfast.

For Children:

• 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 Therapy: 0.05 to 2 mg/kg/day in 1 to 4 divided doses.
• Immunosuppression: 0.05 to 2 mg/kg/day in 1 to 4 divided doses.

Use this medication under the guidance of a registered physician.

Drug Interactions
The effectiveness of Deltasone may be reduced when used with aminoglutethimide, antacids, barbiturates, carbamazepine, griseofulvin, mitotane, phenylbutazone, phenytoin, primidone, and rifampin. Deltasone can cause potassium depletion, which may increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias when used with digitalis. Immunization should be done with caution.

Contraindications
Deltasone should not be used in individuals with:

• Systemic infections unless receiving appropriate antimicrobial treatment.
• Hypersensitivity to any of its components.
• Ocular herpes simplex, due to the risk of corneal perforation.

Side Effects

• Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalance: Sodium and fluid retention, potassium loss, hypertension, and congestive heart failure in susceptible individuals.
• Musculoskeletal Effects: Muscle weakness, loss of muscle mass, osteoporosis, vertebral fractures, aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads, and pathological bone fractures.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, pancreatitis, and abdominal discomfort.
• Dermatologic Reactions: Delayed wound healing, thinning skin, bruising, facial redness, and excessive sweating.
• Neurological Symptoms: Dizziness, headache, increased intracranial pressure, and potential seizures.
• Endocrine Effects: Menstrual irregularities, Cushingoid appearance, growth suppression in children, adrenal insufficiency, and increased blood sugar levels.
• Ophthalmic Effects: Increased intraocular pressure, cataracts, and glaucoma.
• Metabolic Effects: Protein breakdown leading to negative nitrogen balance.

Use During Pregnancy & Lactation
Deltasone should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Corticosteroids may pass into breast milk, potentially affecting infant growth, hormone production, or causing other side effects.

Precautions & Warnings

• Patients on immunosuppressive corticosteroids should avoid exposure to measles or chickenpox and seek immediate medical attention if exposed.
• Those undergoing stress (e.g., surgery, trauma) may require increased doses.
• Prolonged use may lead to eye complications such as cataracts or glaucoma.
• Corticosteroids can mask infections and lower the body’s ability to fight them.
• Long-term use may cause salt and water retention, leading to increased blood pressure.
• Vaccination should be avoided while on high-dose corticosteroids due to the risk of inadequate immune response.

Use in Special Populations

• Pediatric Use: Children on long-term corticosteroids should be monitored for growth suppression and immune system suppression. Infants born to mothers using corticosteroids during pregnancy should be checked for adrenal insufficiency.
• Elderly Use: Special caution is needed due to an increased risk of osteoporosis and other side effects.

Overdose Effects
Excessive use over a prolonged period may lead to serious side effects. Management includes gradual dose reduction and symptomatic treatment.

Therapeutic Class
Glucocorticoids

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