Deflacort 30

Indications:

Deflacort is prescribed for various 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), polyartritis 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
• Immune suppression in transplantation

Pharmacology:

Deflazacort exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the enzyme Phospholipase A2, which is responsible for prostaglandin synthesis. Additionally, it reduces the release of certain immune system chemicals, providing immunosuppressive action.

Dosage & Administration:

For adults:

• Acute disorders may require initial doses of up to 120 mg/day, with maintenance doses typically ranging from 3-18 mg/day.
• In rheumatoid arthritis, the maintenance dose usually falls within 3-18 mg/day, with the smallest effective dose recommended.
• Bronchial asthma treatment during an acute attack may require doses of 48-72 mg/day initially, gradually reducing once the attack is controlled. Maintenance doses should be adjusted to the lowest effective dose.
• Children’s doses range from 0.25-1.5 mg/kg/day, with specific guidelines for various conditions such as juvenile chronic arthritis and nephrotic syndrome.

Interaction:

Deflacort metabolism occurs primarily in the liver. Co-administration with liver enzyme inducers like rifampicin may require an increase in the maintenance dose, while inhibitors like ketoconazole may allow for a reduction in the maintenance dose.

Contraindications:

Deflacort should not be used in individuals with hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients or in patients receiving live virus immunization.

Side Effects:

Common side effects may include gastrointestinal disturbances, musculoskeletal issues, endocrine abnormalities, neuropsychiatric symptoms, ophthalmic effects, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and susceptibility to infections.

Pregnancy & Lactation:

Deflazacort crosses the placenta and may increase the risk of intrauterine growth retardation when used extensively during pregnancy. It is excreted in breast milk, with higher doses potentially causing systemic effects in infants.

Precautions & Warnings:

Special caution is advised in patients with certain clinical conditions such as cardiac disease, hypertension, thromboembolic disorders, gastritis, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, emotional instability, liver failure, ocular herpes simplex, and others. Monitoring and adjustment of dosage may be necessary.

Use in Special Populations:

In patients with hepatic impairment, careful monitoring and adjustment of Deflacort dosage may be required. No special precautions are necessary in renally impaired or elderly patients, although the common adverse effects of systemic corticosteroids may have more serious consequences in the elderly.

Therapeutic Class:

Deflacort belongs to the class of glucocorticoids.

Storage Conditions:

Store Deflacort in a cool (below 25°C) and dry place, protected from light and moisture, and keep it out of reach of children.