CARTICO

Deflazecort 6 mg

Cartico (Deflazecort) is a glucocorticoid used as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant. It is a prodrug. Its potency is around 70-90% that of prednisone. It is a synthetic steroid that has an anti-inflammatory effect. It works by acting within cells to prevent the release of certain chemicals that are important in the immune system. By decreasing the release of these chemicals in a particular area, inflammation is reduced. This can help control a wide number of disease states characterized by excessive inflammation. These include svere allergic reaction, inflammation of the lungs in asthma, and inflammation of the joints in arthritis. It also decreases the number of WBC. Along with the decrease in inflammatory chemicals, can prevent the rejection of organ transplants, as it prevents the body from attacking foreign tissue.

Indications

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Leukemia
• Ulcerative colitis
• Allergic and inflammatory disease
• Severe asthma
• Dermatitis

Dosage

Adult : PO- Initial: Up to 120 mg/day. Maintenance: 3-18 mg/day.
In rheumatoid arthritis – 3-18 mg/ day
Bronchial asthma- 48-72 mg/ day
Child : 
Tablet : 0.25-1.5 mg/kg/day given on alternate days. Suspension: 5ml – 60ml per day

Contraindications

Contraindicated in patients who are receiving immunosuppressive vaccines, who have infections and hypersensitivity.

Precautions

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of adrenal suppression, infections (ex- chickenpox , shingles , measles ) children, elderly, tuberculosis, muscle pain, recent heart attack, high blood pressure, heart failure, liver failure, kidney impairment, sugar, increased eye pressure, osteoporosis, corneal damage, epilepsy, peptic ulcer, under active thyroid, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Avoid long-term use of this medication and abrupt withdrawal.
• Avoid contact with people with infections that can be spread to others.
• Patients may develop with increased risk of confusion, irritability, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, mood changes and depression, and suffer from delusions and suicidal thoughts if it is taken excess; if it is so consult with your doctor.

Side effects

Nausea, insomnia, dyspepsia, malaise, depression, weight gain, candidiasis, psychosis, bruising, acne, increased appetite, euphoria, menstrual irregularity, amenorrhea, cushing syndrome, proximal myopathy, acute pancreatitis, esophageal ulceration, Gi disturbance, glaucoma, skin atrophy, hiccups, peptic ulcer, abnormal distension, osteoporosis, psychological dependence, impaired skin

Drug interactions

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

The desired effects of hypoglycaemic agents (including insulin), anti-hypertensives and diuretics are interferd by corticosteroid and the hypokalaemic effects of actazolamide, loop diuretics, thiazide diuretics and carbenoxolone are enhanced. The efficacy of coumarin anticoagulants may be enhancd. Concurrent use of glucocorticoids and oral contraceptives should be closely monitored as plasma levels of glucocorticoids may be increased