Medicine Information

Cortan

Name: Cortan
Brand: Cortan

Tablet10 mgCorticosteroids, GlucocorticoidsATC: H02AB06

Generic Name

Prednisolone

Manufacturer

Acme Laboratories Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
cortan 10 mg tablet	৳ 3.23	৳ 32.30

Description

Overview of the medicine

Cortan 10 mg Tablet contains Prednisolone, a synthetic corticosteroid used for its potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. It is used to treat a wide range of conditions including allergic disorders, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, and breathing disorders.

Uses & Indications

Allergic disorders (e.g., severe asthma, allergic rhinitis, angioedema)

Inflammatory conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis)

Respiratory diseases (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sarcoidosis)

Dermatologic conditions (e.g., severe erythema multiforme, pemphigus)

Ophthalmic diseases (e.g., allergic conjunctivitis, optic neuritis)

Haematologic disorders (e.g., acquired hemolytic anemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura)

Neoplastic diseases (e.g., leukemia, lymphomas) as palliative treatment

Dosage

Adults

Dosage varies widely based on the condition being treated and patient response. Typically ranges from 5 mg to 60 mg daily, given as a single dose or divided doses. It should be tapered gradually to discontinue.

Elderly

Elderly patients may require lower doses and careful monitoring due to increased susceptibility to side effects and potential comorbidities.

Renal_impairment

No specific dose adjustment is typically required for renal impairment, but caution is advised in severe cases.

How to Take

Take Cortan 10 mg Tablet orally, preferably with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal upset. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet unless specifically advised by a doctor.

Mechanism of Action

Prednisolone works by binding to specific glucocorticoid receptors in the cytoplasm, forming a complex that translocates to the nucleus. This complex modulates gene expression, leading to the synthesis of anti-inflammatory proteins and the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators (e.g., prostaglandins, leukotrienes, cytokines). It also suppresses immune responses by reducing the activity of lymphocytes and other immune cells.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Anti-inflammatory effects can begin within 1-2 hours, but full therapeutic effect may take longer.

Excretion

Excreted mainly in the urine as inactive metabolites and, to a lesser extent, as unchanged drug. A small amount is excreted in the feces.

Half life

Plasma half-life is approximately 2-3 hours; however, the biological half-life is 18-36 hours due to prolonged tissue binding.

Absorption

Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract following oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations are typically reached within 1-2 hours.

Metabolism

Primarily metabolized in the liver to inactive metabolites, including prednisolone 20-beta-dihydro.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Systemic fungal infections
Known hypersensitivity to prednisolone or any components of the formulation
Live vaccines administration in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids

Drug Interactions

Antidiabetic agents

Prednisolone may increase blood glucose levels, requiring adjustment of antidiabetic medication.

Diuretics (Thiazide or Loop)

Increased risk of hypokalemia.

Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin)

Effects may be altered; close monitoring of INR/PT is required.

NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)

Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration.

CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., Phenobarbital, Rifampin)

May decrease prednisolone plasma concentrations, reducing its effectiveness.

CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole, Erythromycin)

May increase prednisolone plasma concentrations, increasing risk of side effects.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Acute overdose with prednisolone is rare and usually does not lead to life-threatening situations. Symptoms may include mood changes, insomnia, and gastrointestinal upset. Management is primarily supportive; no specific antidote exists. Long-term overdose can lead to severe adverse effects like Cushingoid features, adrenal suppression, and hypertension.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Prednisolone is excreted in breast milk and may cause adverse effects in nursing infants; a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Systemic fungal infections
Known hypersensitivity to prednisolone or any components of the formulation
Live vaccines administration in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids

Drug Interactions

Antidiabetic agents

Prednisolone may increase blood glucose levels, requiring adjustment of antidiabetic medication.

Diuretics (Thiazide or Loop)

Increased risk of hypokalemia.

Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin)

Effects may be altered; close monitoring of INR/PT is required.

NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)

Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration.

CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., Phenobarbital, Rifampin)

May decrease prednisolone plasma concentrations, reducing its effectiveness.

CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole, Erythromycin)

May increase prednisolone plasma concentrations, increasing risk of side effects.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Pregnancy & Lactation

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

30 tablets (in 3x10's blister packs)100 tablets (hospital pack)

Shelf Life

2 to 3 years from the date of manufacture, depending on the manufacturer.

Availability

Available in pharmacies worldwide

Approval Status

Approved by regulatory authorities (e.g., FDA, DGDA)

Patent Status

Off-patent

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Prednisolone has been extensively studied in numerous clinical trials for its various indications, supporting its efficacy and safety profile. Ongoing research continues to explore its use in new conditions and optimize dosing strategies.

Lab Monitoring

Blood glucose levels (especially in diabetic or pre-diabetic patients)
Electrolytes (e.g., potassium levels due to risk of hypokalemia)
Blood pressure
Bone mineral density (for long-term use)
Growth monitoring in children
Ophthalmic examinations (for long-term use)

Doctor Notes

Emphasize the importance of gradual tapering to prevent adrenal crisis and withdrawal symptoms.
Monitor patients for signs of infection, blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and bone density, especially during prolonged therapy.
Advise patients to report any mood changes, severe stomach pain, or visual disturbances.
Consider prophylactic measures for osteoporosis and GI protection if indicated for long-term users.

Patient Guidelines

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor; do not stop abruptly without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Take with food or milk to minimize stomach upset.
Report any unusual side effects or symptoms to your doctor immediately.
Avoid exposure to infectious diseases (e.g., chickenpox, measles) as your immune system may be suppressed.
Carry a steroid treatment card if you are on long-term therapy.

Missed Dose Advice

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Driving Precautions

Prednisolone may cause dizziness or visual disturbances in some individuals. If you experience these effects, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

Lifestyle Advice

Maintain a balanced diet, potentially low in sodium and high in potassium to counteract fluid retention and potassium loss. Ensure adequate calcium and Vitamin D intake for bone health. Engage in regular, moderate exercise. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.