Defcort 18

DEFCORT 18

DEFCORT 18 is a medication manufactured by MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS PVT LTD, belonging to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It possesses potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant properties.

• Name

  • Brand Name: DEFCORT 18
  • Common Name: Deflazacort

• Composition

  • DEFCORT 18 contains Deflazacort as its active ingredient, with each tablet containing 18 mg of Deflazacort.

• Uses DEFCORT 18 is prescribed for a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including:

  • Inflammatory conditions affecting muscles and joints, such as arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
  • Respiratory conditions like asthma.
  • Inflammatory bowel diseases, uveitis, and ulcerative colitis.
  • Severe allergic conditions.
  • Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory skin diseases like psoriasis and eczema.
  • Duchenne muscular dystrophy in adults and children above 2 years of age.
  • Kidney problems like nephrotic syndrome.
  • Prevention of organ transplant rejection.
  • Certain types of cancers.

• Dosage and Administration DEFCORT 18 can be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time each day, as directed by a healthcare professional. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed or chewed. If unable to swallow, the tablet may be broken in half.

  • Adults: For acute disorders, initial doses up to 120 mg/day may be given, with maintenance doses typically ranging from 3-18 mg/day. For rheumatoid arthritis, the maintenance dose is usually 3-18 mg/day. In acute bronchial asthma attacks, high doses of 48-72 mg/day may be needed, gradually reduced once controlled.
  • Children: Doses usually range from 0.25-1.5 mg/kg/day. For juvenile chronic arthritis, the maintenance dose is typically 0.25-1.0 mg/kg/day. For nephrotic syndrome, the initial dose is usually 1.5 mg/kg/day.
  • It is crucial not to stop this medicine suddenly without consulting a doctor, as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms.

• Side Effects Common side effects may include:

  • Increased appetite, weight gain (including Cushing syndrome), and obesity.
  • Frequent urge to urinate.
  • Cough, upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis.
  • Abnormal hair growth, acne, stretch marks.
  • Headache, indigestion, mood changes (emotional instability or psychotic tendency), nervousness, drowsiness, dizziness.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Nausea, vomiting, chest pain, diarrhea, fast heartbeats. Serious side effects can include an increased susceptibility to infections, impaired healing, gastrointestinal disturbances (gastritis, oesophagitis, diverticulitis, peptic ulcer, perforation, bleeding), and bone thinning (osteoporosis).

• Precautions

  • Inform your doctor about any pre-existing medical conditions, including cardiac disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, thromboembolic disorders, diabetes mellitus, liver failure, renal insufficiency, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, myasthenia gravis, or a history of tuberculosis or peptic ulcers.
  • DEFCORT 18 can suppress the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections. Report any signs of infection like fever or sore throat to your doctor.
  • Avoid consuming alcohol while taking DEFCORT 18, as it may increase the risk of stomach irritation and ulcers.
  • It crosses the placenta and is excreted in breast milk; pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor.
  • Avoid live vaccines during treatment and for 4-6 weeks afterward.
  • Not recommended for children below 5 years of age.

• Storage Store DEFCORT 18 below 25°C in a cool and dry place. Protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the sight and reach of children.

DEFCORT 18, containing Deflazacort, is a corticosteroid medication known for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. It is prescribed for a variety of conditions where reducing inflammation or suppressing the immune system is necessary.

What is DEFCORT 18 used for?

DEFCORT 18 is primarily used to treat inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. This includes conditions such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in adults and children over 2 years of age, rheumatoid arthritis, bronchial asthma, various allergic conditions, skin inflammation disorders like dermatitis and eczema, kidney problems such as nephrotic syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases, eye inflammation, and certain blood disorders. It can also be used in the prevention of organ transplant rejection and in the management of certain types of cancers.

How does DEFCORT 18 work?

DEFCORT 18 belongs to a class of medicines called glucocorticoids, which are naturally occurring steroid hormones in the body. It works by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system's response. Specifically, it inhibits the release of chemical substances like prostaglandins and leukotrienes that cause inflammation, swelling, and pain. It also reduces the activity and volume of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, to decrease excessive immune responses that can damage tissues.

What is the usual dosage for DEFCORT 18?

The dosage of DEFCORT 18 varies depending on the condition being treated, its severity, and the patient's response. For acute disorders in adults, initial doses can be up to 120 mg/day, with maintenance doses typically ranging from 3-18 mg/day. For rheumatoid arthritis, the maintenance dose is usually 3-18 mg/day. In acute bronchial asthma attacks, high doses of 48-72 mg/day may be needed initially, which are then gradually reduced. For children, doses usually range from 0.25-1.5 mg/kg/day, with specific guidance for conditions like juvenile chronic arthritis and nephrotic syndrome. In Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, the recommended dose for adults and children 2 years and older is 0.9 mg/kg/day orally once daily. The smallest effective dose should always be used and adjusted by a doctor.

What are the possible side effects of DEFCORT 18?

Common side effects can include headache, weight gain (especially around the face), increased appetite, cough, increased frequency of urination, depressed mood, nausea, acne, abnormal hair growth, and indigestion. More serious but less common side effects can involve gastrointestinal disturbances, musculoskeletal issues, endocrine problems, neuropsychiatric changes, eye disorders, fluid and electrolyte disturbances, and an increased susceptibility to infection. In rare cases, it can lead to severe stomach pain (pancreatitis), stomach ulcers, or significant mental health problems such as depression or suicidal thoughts. If any side effects persist or worsen, it is important to consult a doctor.

Is DEFCORT 18 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

DEFCORT 18 is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless the potential benefits significantly outweigh the risks, as it does cross the placenta and prolonged or repeated use may increase the risk of intra-uterine growth retardation. For breastfeeding mothers, corticosteroids are excreted in breast milk. While doses up to 50 mg daily are considered unlikely to cause systemic effects in the infant, it's generally recommended to avoid its use while breastfeeding or to do so with caution and under strict medical supervision, as its safety is not well-established and it may affect the baby.

Can DEFCORT 18 be taken with other medications?

DEFCORT 18 can interact with several other medications. It's crucial to inform your doctor about all medicines, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, and supplements you are taking. For example:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or diclofenac may increase the risk of stomach ulcers.
• Antibiotics such as erythromycin and clarithromycin can increase the levels of deflazacort in your blood.
• Anticoagulants like warfarin may have their effectiveness altered, requiring careful monitoring.
• Antidiabetic medicines may have their effects decreased, and frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels may be necessary.
• Liver enzyme inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin) may decrease deflazacort levels, while liver enzyme inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) may increase them, potentially requiring dose adjustments.
• It may also interact with vaccines, especially live vaccines, and can affect the body's ability to fight infections.

What precautions should be taken while using DEFCORT 18?

Several precautions are important when taking DEFCORT 18. Patients with conditions like diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, heart disease, stomach disorders (e.g., peptic ulcers, gastritis), liver or kidney problems, emotional instability, epilepsy, or glaucoma should use this medicine with caution and under close medical supervision. It can lower the body's ability to fight infections, so report any signs of infection immediately. Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice as it can increase the concentration of deflazacort in the blood and raise the risk of side effects. Alcohol consumption should be avoided or limited as it may increase the risk of stomach irritation and ulcers. Do not stop taking DEFCORT 18 abruptly without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms like loss of appetite, vomiting, headache, fever, and muscle pain.

What happens if a dose of DEFCORT 18 is missed?

If you miss a dose of DEFCORT 18, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

How should DEFCORT 18 be stored?

DEFCORT 18 tablets should be stored at room temperature (below 25°C), in a dry place, and protected from direct light and moisture. It is important to keep the medicine in its original packaging and always out of the reach of children.