Deflacort

Deflazacort provides anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting Phospholipase A2 enzyme which is responsible for prostaglandin synthesis. Besides Deflazacort decreases the release of certain chemicals that are important in the immune system. By decreasing the release of these chemicals Deflazacort provides immunosuppressive action.

Deflazacort is metabolized in the liver. It is recommended to increase the maintenance dose of Deflazacort if drugs which are liver enzyme inducers are co-administered, e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin, carbamazepine, phenobarbitone, phenytoin, primidone and aminoglutethimide. For drugs which inhibit liver enzymes, (e.g. ketoconazole) it may be possible to reduce the maintenance dose of Deflazacort.

GI disturbances, musculoskeletal, endocrine, neuropsychiatric, ophthalmic, fluid and electrolyte disturbances; susceptible to infection, impaired healing, hypersensitivity, skin atrophy, striae, telangiectasia, acne, myocardial rupture following recent Ml, thromboembolism.

Pregnancy: Deflazacort does cross the placenta. However, when administered for prolonged periods or repeatedly during pregnancy, corticosteroids may increase the risk of intrauterine growth retardation. As with all drugs, corticosteroids should only be prescribed when the benefits to the mother and child outweigh the risks.

Nursing Mother: Corticosteroids are excreted in breast milk, although no data are available for Deflazacort. Doses of up to 50 mg daily of Deflazacort are unlikely to cause systemic effects in the infant. Infants of mothers taking higher doses than this may have a degree of adrenal suppression but the benefits of breastfeeding are likely to outweigh any theoretical risk.

The following clinical conditions require special caution and frequent patient monitoring is necessary-

• Cardiac disease or congestive heart failure (except in the presence of active rheumatic carditis), hypertension, thromboembolic disorders. Glucocorticoids can cause salt and water retention and increased excretion of potassium. Dietary salt restriction and potassium supplementation may be necessary.
• Gastritis or oesophagitis, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis if there is the probability of impending perforation, abscess or pyogenic infections, fresh intestinal anastomosis, active or latent peptic ulcer.
• Diabetes mellitus or family history, osteoporosis, myasthenia gravis, renal insufficiency.
• Emotional instability or psychotic tendency, epilepsy.
• Previous corticosteroid-induced myopathy.
• Liver failure.
• Hypothyroidism and cirrhosis, which may increase the glucocorticoid effect.
• Ocular herpes simplex because of possible corneal perforation.

Hepatic Impairment: In patients with hepatic impairment, blood levels of may be increased. Therefore the dose of Deflazacort should be carefully monitored and adjusted to the minimum effective dose.

Renal Impairment: In renally impaired patients, no special precautions other than those usually adopted in patients receiving glucocorticoid therapy are necessary.

Elderly: In elderly patients, no special precautions other than those usually adopted in patients receiving glucocorticoid therapy are necessary. The common adverse effects of systemic corticosteroids may be associated with more serious consequences in old age.

Glucocorticoids

Store in a cool (below 25°C) and dry place, protected from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.