Medicine Information

Cortan

Name: Cortan
Brand: Cortan

Oral Solution5 mg per mLCorticosteroidsATC: H02AB06

Generic Name

cortan-5-mg-oral-solution

Manufacturer

Specific Pharma Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
cortan 5 mg oral solution	৳ 65.00	N/A

Description

Overview of the medicine

Cortan 5 mg Oral Solution contains Prednisolone, a potent synthetic corticosteroid. It is used to treat a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, as well as certain types of cancer, by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system.

Uses & Indications

Allergic reactions (e.g., severe asthma, allergic rhinitis)

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

Dermatologic conditions (e.g., severe psoriasis, eczema)

Respiratory diseases (e.g., COPD exacerbations, severe asthma)

Hematologic disorders (e.g., hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia)

Certain neoplastic diseases (e.g., leukemias, lymphomas)

Dosage

Adults

Dosage varies widely based on condition and severity, typically 5-60 mg daily, taken as a single dose or in divided doses. Acute conditions may require higher initial doses followed by tapering. Oral solution can be dosed more precisely for lower doses.

Elderly

Use with caution; lower initial doses may be required due to increased susceptibility to side effects and potential comorbidities. Monitor for fluid retention and electrolyte imbalances.

Renal_impairment

No specific dose adjustment for renal impairment, but caution is advised in patients with severe renal disease due to potential fluid retention.

How to Take

Take the oral solution exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset. Measure the dose carefully using the provided measuring device.

Mechanism of Action

Prednisolone, a glucocorticoid, acts by binding to specific cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptors. These activated receptors then translocate to the nucleus, where they modulate gene expression, leading to the synthesis of anti-inflammatory proteins and inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators. It also suppresses immune responses by reducing the activity of lymphocytes and other immune cells.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Onset of action varies depending on the condition being treated, generally within hours.

Excretion

Excreted mainly in the urine as inactive metabolites.

Half life

Plasma half-life is 2-4 hours; biological half-life is 18-36 hours.

Absorption

Readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, achieving peak plasma concentrations within 1-2 hours.

Metabolism

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

Side Effects

Contraindications

Systemic fungal infections
Known hypersensitivity to prednisolone or any component of the formulation
Administration of live or live-attenuated vaccines in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids.

Drug Interactions

NSAIDS (e.g., Ibuprofen)

Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration.

Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide)

Increased risk of hypokalemia.

Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin)

Effects may be altered; monitor INR closely.

Antidiabetic drugs (e.g., Insulin)

Prednisolone can increase blood glucose levels, requiring dose adjustments of antidiabetic drugs.

Immunosuppressants (e.g., Cyclosporine)

Increased immunosuppression and potential for higher blood levels of cyclosporine.

Storage

Store below 25°C, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Do not refrigerate or freeze.

Overdose

Acute overdose is rare. Symptoms may include fluid retention, hypertension, and hypokalemia. Management is primarily supportive; correct electrolyte imbalances and monitor vital signs. Chronic overdose leads to Cushingoid features and adrenal suppression.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. Prednisolone is excreted in breast milk; advise caution or consider alternative feeding methods, especially with high doses or prolonged use.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Systemic fungal infections
Known hypersensitivity to prednisolone or any component of the formulation
Administration of live or live-attenuated vaccines in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids.

Drug Interactions

NSAIDS (e.g., Ibuprofen)

Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration.

Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide)

Increased risk of hypokalemia.

Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin)

Effects may be altered; monitor INR closely.

Antidiabetic drugs (e.g., Insulin)

Prednisolone can increase blood glucose levels, requiring dose adjustments of antidiabetic drugs.

Immunosuppressants (e.g., Cyclosporine)

Increased immunosuppression and potential for higher blood levels of cyclosporine.

Storage

Store below 25°C, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Do not refrigerate or freeze.

Overdose

Pregnancy & Lactation

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

30 mL bottle60 mL bottle100 mL bottle

Shelf Life

24 months from manufacturing date, when stored as per instructions.

Availability

Pharmacies, hospitals

Approval Status

Approved by relevant regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, DGDA)

Patent Status

Generic available, original patent expired

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Prednisolone has been extensively studied in numerous clinical trials for its efficacy in treating various inflammatory, autoimmune, and neoplastic conditions. Ongoing research continues to explore its optimal use and long-term effects.

Lab Monitoring

Blood pressure
Blood glucose levels
Electrolytes (especially potassium)
Bone mineral density (for long-term use)
Growth in children (for long-term use)

Doctor Notes

Emphasize the importance of gradual tapering to prevent adrenal crisis.
Monitor patients for signs of infection, especially those on immunosuppressive doses.
Advise patients about potential psychiatric disturbances and mood changes.
Regularly assess bone density and consider calcium/vitamin D supplementation for long-term users.

Patient Guidelines

Do not stop taking Cortan abruptly, especially after prolonged use, as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms and adrenal insufficiency. Your doctor will provide a tapering schedule.
Report any signs of infection (e.g., fever, sore throat) to your doctor immediately.
Carry a steroid warning card, especially if you are on long-term therapy.
Avoid contact with people who have chickenpox or measles if you have not had these diseases or been vaccinated.

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 dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Driving Precautions

Cortan generally does not impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you experience dizziness or visual disturbances, avoid such activities.

Lifestyle Advice

Maintain a healthy diet, low in sodium and high in potassium, to manage potential side effects.
Regular exercise, especially weight-bearing exercises, can help maintain bone density.
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.