Medicine Information

Deflacort

Name: Deflacort
Brand: Deflacort
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet24 mgCorticosteroidsATC: H02AB02

Generic Name

Deflazacort

Manufacturer

Renata Limited

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
deflacort 24 mg tablet	৳ 30.00	৳ 300.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Deflazacort is a corticosteroid used to treat a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. It works by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation throughout the body. The 24 mg tablet is a commonly used strength.

Uses & Indications

Rheumatoid arthritis

Systemic lupus erythematosus

Bronchial asthma

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)

Severe allergic conditions

Inflammatory bowel disease

Nephrotic syndrome

Dosage

Adults

Dosage varies significantly based on the condition being treated. Typically ranges from 6 mg to 120 mg daily. For chronic conditions, a maintenance dose is established. For Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, typical starting dose is 0.9 mg/kg/day.

Elderly

No specific dose adjustments required solely based on age, but caution is advised due to increased susceptibility to side effects.

Renal_impairment

No specific dose adjustment for mild to moderate renal impairment. Use with caution in severe renal impairment.

How to Take

Take orally, with or without food. It is recommended to take with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset. Swallow the tablet whole with water.

Mechanism of Action

Deflazacort acts as a glucocorticoid, binding to specific intracellular glucocorticoid receptors. This binding leads to the activation or inhibition of gene transcription, altering the synthesis of various proteins involved in inflammatory and immune responses. It inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators and suppresses the migration of immune cells to sites of inflammation.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Within hours for anti-inflammatory effects, though full therapeutic effect may take longer.

Excretion

Mainly excreted in urine (approximately 70%) and feces (approximately 30%) as metabolites.

Half life

Plasma half-life of the active metabolite is 1.5 to 2 hours.

Absorption

Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, rapidly converted to its active metabolite, deflazacort 21-desacetyl.

Metabolism

Primarily metabolized in the liver by esterases to its active metabolite (21-desacetyldeflazacort), which is then hydroxylated and conjugated.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Systemic fungal infections
Hypersensitivity to deflazacort or any components of the formulation
Administration of live or live-attenuated vaccines during treatment

Drug Interactions

NSAIDs

Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration.

Warfarin

Deflazacort may modify anticoagulant effects (increase or decrease).

Diuretics (thiazide, loop)

May enhance potassium depletion.

Ketoconazole, Erythromycin

May increase deflazacort levels by inhibiting liver enzymes, requiring dosage adjustment.

Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Rifampicin

May decrease deflazacort levels by inducing liver enzymes, requiring dosage adjustment.

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 exaggerated side effects like fluid retention, moon face, hyperglycaemia, and psychological disturbances. Management is supportive and symptomatic; no specific antidote.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category C. Use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk to the fetus. Small amounts may pass into breast milk; caution advised, and breast-feeding should be avoided if high doses are used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets (1x10)30 tablets (3x10)

Shelf Life

Typically 24 to 36 months from manufacturing date.

Availability

Pharmacies, hospitals

Approval Status

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

Patent Status

Generic available, original patent expired

Clinical Trials

Extensive clinical trials support its efficacy in various inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, including specific trials for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Lab Monitoring

Blood glucose levels (especially in diabetics)
Blood pressure
Electrolyte levels (potassium)
Bone mineral density (with long-term use)
Ophthalmic exams (with long-term use)

Doctor Notes

Educate patients on the importance of not discontinuing abruptly and the need for gradual tapering.
Monitor for signs of infection, hyperglycemia, and fluid retention.
Advise on calcium and vitamin D supplementation for bone health, especially with prolonged use.

Patient Guidelines

Do not stop taking deflazacort abruptly, as this can lead to adrenal insufficiency. Taper off gradually under medical supervision.
Report any signs of infection (fever, sore throat) immediately to your doctor.
Follow a diet low in sodium and high in potassium, as advised by your doctor.
Monitor blood sugar regularly if you have diabetes.

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 continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Driving Precautions

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

Lifestyle Advice

Maintain a healthy diet and engage in regular, moderate exercise to help manage weight and bone health.
Avoid exposure to people with chickenpox or measles if you have not been vaccinated, as corticosteroids can increase the risk of severe infection.
Consider calcium and vitamin D supplements for bone health, as advised by your doctor.