Cortan
Generic Name
Prednisolone
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| cortan 2 mg tablet | ৳ 0.80 | ৳ 8.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Cortan 2 mg tablet contains Prednisolone, a synthetic corticosteroid. It is primarily used for its potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties to treat a wide range of conditions including allergic disorders, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, and breathing disorders.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Dosage varies widely based on condition and severity. Typical initial dose ranges from 5 mg to 60 mg daily, often tapered down. For Cortan 2mg, it might be used as part of a tapering regimen or for less severe conditions.
Elderly
Use with caution due to increased risk of side effects like osteoporosis and fluid retention. Lower initial doses may be appropriate.
Renal_impairment
No specific dose adjustment is usually required for renal impairment, but caution is advised in severe cases.
How to Take
Take orally, preferably with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal upset. Do not crush or chew the tablet. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding dose and duration.
Mechanism of Action
Prednisolone acts by binding to glucocorticoid receptors in the cytoplasm, forming a complex that translocates into the nucleus. This complex then 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 the immune response by inhibiting the function of lymphocytes and macrophages.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Anti-inflammatory effects typically begin within a few hours.
Excretion
Excreted mainly in the urine as inactive metabolites.
Half life
Biological half-life is 18-36 hours; plasma half-life is 2-4 hours.
Absorption
Readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak plasma concentrations occurring 1-2 hours after oral administration.
Metabolism
Primarily metabolized in the liver to inactive metabolites; converted to its active form, prednisolone, from prednisone.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Systemic fungal infections
- Hypersensitivity to prednisolone or any component of the formulation
- Live or live-attenuated vaccines during immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids
Drug Interactions
Warfarin
Potentiates or inhibits the anticoagulant effect; monitor INR.
Antidiabetic agents
May increase blood glucose levels, requiring dose adjustment of antidiabetic drugs.
Oral contraceptives
May increase prednisolone effects.
Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Rifampicin
May decrease prednisolone levels by increasing its metabolism.
Diuretics (e.g., Thiazides, Loop diuretics)
Increased potassium loss.
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)
Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Acute overdose is rare. Symptoms may include fluid retention, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. Management is primarily supportive and symptomatic. Gastric lavage or activated charcoal may be considered if ingestion is recent.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Prednisolone is excreted in breast milk; caution is advised during breastfeeding. Consult your doctor.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Systemic fungal infections
- Hypersensitivity to prednisolone or any component of the formulation
- Live or live-attenuated vaccines during immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids
Drug Interactions
Warfarin
Potentiates or inhibits the anticoagulant effect; monitor INR.
Antidiabetic agents
May increase blood glucose levels, requiring dose adjustment of antidiabetic drugs.
Oral contraceptives
May increase prednisolone effects.
Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Rifampicin
May decrease prednisolone levels by increasing its metabolism.
Diuretics (e.g., Thiazides, Loop diuretics)
Increased potassium loss.
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)
Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Acute overdose is rare. Symptoms may include fluid retention, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. Management is primarily supportive and symptomatic. Gastric lavage or activated charcoal may be considered if ingestion is recent.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Prednisolone is excreted in breast milk; caution is advised during breastfeeding. Consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from manufacturing date.
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by regulatory authorities in most countries (e.g., FDA, DGDA)
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Prednisolone has been extensively studied in numerous clinical trials for its efficacy across a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. It is a well-established and widely used corticosteroid.
Lab Monitoring
- Blood glucose levels (especially in diabetic patients)
- Electrolyte levels (particularly potassium)
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Bone mineral density (for long-term use)
- Ophthalmic examinations (for long-term use)
Doctor Notes
- Always consider the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration to minimize adverse effects.
- Patients on long-term therapy should be advised on bone protection (e.g., calcium, vitamin D, bisphosphonates) and monitored for signs of adrenal suppression.
- Vaccination status should be reviewed, and live vaccines are generally contraindicated during immunosuppressive doses.
Patient Guidelines
- Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly, especially if you have been on it for a long time, as it may lead to withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will advise on how to gradually reduce the dose.
- Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
- Report any unusual side effects or worsening of your condition to your doctor immediately.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Prednisolone can cause dizziness, fatigue, or visual disturbances in some individuals. If you experience these effects, avoid driving or operating machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a balanced diet, potentially low in sodium and high in potassium, as advised by your doctor.
- Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise to help maintain bone density, if medically appropriate.
- Avoid contact with people who have infections, especially chickenpox or measles, as corticosteroids can weaken your immune system.
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