Indications & Uses
Defcort Suspension is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Deflazacort works as an anti-inflammatory by blocking the enzyme Phospholipase A2, which the body normally uses to produce prostaglandins. It also reduces the release of certain chemicals involved in immune activity, and it is this reduction that gives Deflazacort its immunosuppressive effect.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Adults: For acute disorders, up to 120 mg a day of Deflazacort may be needed initially. In most conditions the maintenance dose falls within 3 to 18 mg a day.
Rheumatoid arthritis: The maintenance dose is usually within the range of 3 to 18 mg a day. The smallest effective dose should be used, increased only if necessary.
Bronchial asthma: For an acute attack, high doses of 48 to 72 mg a day may be needed depending on severity, then gradually reduced once the attack is controlled. For maintenance in chronic asthma, the dose should be titrated down to the lowest amount that controls symptoms.
Other conditions: The dose of Deflazacort depends on clinical need and should be titrated to the lowest effective maintenance dose. Starting doses may be estimated using a ratio of 5 mg of prednisone or prednisolone to 6 mg of Deflazacort.
Children: There has been limited experience with Deflazacort in children in clinical trials. The indications for glucocorticoids in children are the same as in adults, but it is important to use the lowest effective dose. Alternate day dosing may be appropriate. Doses of Deflazacort usually lie in the range of 0.25 to 1.5 mg per kg per day. The following ranges offer general guidance:
Juvenile chronic arthritis: The usual maintenance dose is between 0.25 and 1.0 mg per kg per day.
Nephrotic syndrome: An initial dose of usually 1.5 mg per kg per day, followed by down titration according to clinical need.
Bronchial asthma: Based on the potency ratio, the initial dose should be between 0.25 and 1.0 mg per kg on alternate days.
Deflazacort withdrawal: In patients who have received more than physiological doses of systemic corticosteroids (approximately 9 mg a day or equivalent) for longer than 3 weeks, withdrawal should not be abrupt. How the dose is reduced depends largely on whether the disease is likely to relapse as the dose of systemic corticosteroids is lowered.
Side Effects
Widespread GI, musculoskeletal, endocrine, neuropsychiatric, and eye effects, plus fluid and electrolyte imbalance; increased infection risk, poor wound healing, hypersensitivity, thin skin, stretch marks, telangiectasia, acne, myocardial rupture after a recent heart attack, and thromboembolism.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
This clinical condition requires special caution, with frequent patient monitoring: cardiac disease or congestive heart failure (except in the presence of active rheumatic carditis), hypertension, and thromboembolic disorders. Glucocorticoids can cause salt and water retention along with increased loss of potassium, so dietary salt restriction and potassium supplementation may be needed. Caution is also needed with gastritis or oesophagitis, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis where perforation may be impending, abscess or other pyogenic infections, a recent intestinal anastomosis, and active or latent peptic ulcer. The same applies to diabetes mellitus or a family history of it, osteoporosis, myasthenia gravis, and renal insufficiency, as well as emotional instability or a tendency toward psychosis, and epilepsy. A history of corticosteroid-induced myopathy calls for caution, as does liver failure. Hypothyroidism and cirrhosis may heighten the effect of glucocorticoids, so extra care is warranted. Ocular herpes simplex also requires caution, since corneal perforation is possible.
Contraindications
Hypersensitive patients, or those sensitive to any ingredient, should not use this medicine. Avoid it in patients receiving live virus vaccines.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Deflazacort does cross the placenta. But when it is given for long periods, or again and again during pregnancy, corticosteroids may raise the risk of intrauterine growth retardation. As with any medicine, corticosteroids should only be prescribed when the benefit to the mother and child outweighs the risks.
Nursing Mother: Corticosteroids pass into breast milk, but 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 whose mothers take higher doses than this may have some degree of adrenal suppression, but the benefits of breastfeeding are likely to outweigh any theoretical risk.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Use in Special Populations
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.
Storage
Store in a cool (below 25°C) and dry place, protected from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Defcort Suspension 120 mg
What is Defcort Suspension 120 mg Suspension?
Defcort Suspension 120 mg Suspension is a medicine that contains Deflazacort. It is made by Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Tongi,Gazipur. It belongs to the Glucocorticoids group of medicines.
What is Defcort Suspension used for?
Defcort Suspension is used for: Asthma, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Anemia, Allergy, Cancer.
What are the side effects of Defcort Suspension?
Widespread GI, musculoskeletal, endocrine, neuropsychiatric, and eye effects, plus fluid and electrolyte imbalance; increased infection risk, poor wound healing, hypersensitivity, thin skin, stretch marks, telangiectasia, acne, myocardial rupture after a recent heart attack, and thromboembolism.
Can I take Defcort Suspension during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Deflazacort does cross the placenta. But when it is given for long periods, or again and again during pregnancy, corticosteroids may raise the risk of intrauterine growth retardation. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How should I store Defcort Suspension?
Store in a cool (below 25°C) and dry place, protected from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.
Can I take other medicines with Defcort Suspension?
Some medicines can interact with Deflazacort, for example: Carbamazepine, Rifampicin, Phenobarbitone, Primidone, Ketoconazole, Phenytoin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Defcort Suspension?
Defcort Suspension is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.