Manufactured by Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Deflazacort tablet belongs to a group of drugs popularly known as corticosteroids and is used to treat inflammation and autoimmune diseases in adults and children.
Composition and Nature of Deflazacort:
It constitutes of the below mentioned active ingredients (salts):
- Deflazacort – 6 mg.
Also, note that this drug may be available in varying strengths of the active components listed above.
Uses and Benefits of Deflazacort:
- Severe allergic reactions
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Asthma
- Autoimmune disease
- Inflammation of kidneys
- Inflammation of skin
- Inflammation of eyes
- Pemphigus
- Inflammation of heart
- Respiratory disorders
- Immune suppression in transplantation
Side Effects of Deflazacort:
Along with the intended benefits of this drug, in some cases it may also cause some side effects.
Some of the common side effects are listed below:
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Central and peripheral nervous system disturbances
- Mental disorders
- Burning sensation during urination
- Acne
- Nutritional and metabolic disorders
- Increased thirst
- Confusion
- Psychiatric disorders
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Redistribution or accumulation of body fat
- Bone degradation
- High blood pressure
- Muscle disorder
- Increase in blood glucose level
- Cataract
- Skin scarring
- Altered bone growth.
- Sudden chills, fever, sore throat
- Night Sweats
- White patches in mouth or throat
- Shortness of breath
- Increased body hair
- Altered menstrual cycle
- Skin thinning
While most of the common and less severe side effects usually subside with time or once the course of Deflazacort is complete, it is still important to keep your doctor informed about them, especially in cases where the reactions are major or does not subside.
Deflazacort Dosage:
- Deflazacort should only be taken in the dosage and for the duration prescribed by the doctor to avoid any risk associated with over dosage.
- It is recommended to read the instructions label before starting the course of the medicine.
- Deflazacort may be taken with or without food, though it is better to take it at a fixed time each day with food to avoid abdominal discomfort.
- Swallow the Deflazacort tablet. Do not crush, break or chew it.
- In case of a missed dose, take it immediately as soon as possible. However, if it is already time for the next dose, it is advisable to skip the missed dose to avoid overdosage.
- In case of an overdose, immediately report the same to your doctor, especially on experiencing side effects to seek medical treatment.
How Deflazacort Works?
Explained below is Deflazacort’s mechanism of action:
Being a corticosteroid, Deflazacort works by increasing the production of glucocorticoid and decreasing the generation of substances that are responsible for inflammation and suppress the body’s immunity so as to stop self-damage caused to the body by its immune system (autoimmune reactions in certain ailments).
Precautions and Warnings Related To Deflazacort:
- It is not advised to be used by pregnant women unless unavoidable and only after the prescription of the doctor. Limited studies have reported adverse effects on the foetus. Best to consult your doctor who can weigh the benefits with the associated risks.
- Consumption of Deflazacort is not recommended in lactating women as limited data suggests it can significantly harm the infant.
- Deflazacort should not be used by patients who are allergic to any of its active components.
- Deflazacort should be used with utmost caution in patients with active or a history of liver ailments as the dose may need to be altered. It should be completely avoided in patients with severe or active liver damage/ailments.
- Since Deflazacort may make a patient more susceptible to infections, its administration should be closely monitored in patients with a weak immune system.
- Should be used with utmost caution in diabetic patients as it can alter blood glucose levels, thus reducing the effectiveness of anti-diabetic drugs.
- Usage should be monitored in patients with an impaired thyroid function as it can reduce the effect of this medicine, in which case the dosage may be required to be adjusted.
- Deflazacort can adversely affect calcium absorption, thus weakening the bones. Deflazacort should be used cautiously in elderly people with already weak bones and children as it may inhibit their bone growth.
Substitutes of Deflazacort:
The below-mentioned medicines can be used in place of Deflazacort as they have the same strength, composition, and form:
- Dezacort 6 mg tablet
- Defzoc 6 mg tablet
- Ventakort 6 mg tablet
- Drcort 6 mg tablet
- Saltaur 6 mg tablet
- D Cor 6 mg tablet
- Cortista 6 mg tablet
- Lincort 6 mg tablet
- Deftab 6 mg tablet
- Mahacort DZ tablet
- Defzil 6 mg tablet
- DLC 6 mg tablet
- Plcort 6 mg tablet
- Predicort 6 mg tablet
- Edef 6 mg tablet
Deflazacort Interactions:
- It is advised to keep your doctor informed about herbal supplements, vitamins or any other drugs you may be taking before starting the course of deflazacort as these may either alter the effects of this drug or increase the risk of some side effects.
- It is also important to inform your doctor if you are planning to get pregnant or undergo any medical procedures like surgery before taking Deflazacort to avoid any possible complications.
Dedlazacort can possibly interact with the below-mentioned drugs:
- Acetazolamide
- Antacids
- Antidiabetics
- Aspirin
- Barbiturate
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
- Carbamazepine
- Carbenoxolone
- Cardiac glycosides
- Clonidine
- Coumarins
- Diazoxide
- Diuretics
- Hydralazine
- Ketoconazole
- Methotrexate
- Methyldopa
- Mifepristone
- Minoxidil
- Moxonidine
- Nitrates
- Ritonavir
- Vaccines
- Erythromycin
- Adrenergic neuron blockers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1) What is the onset of action for deflazacort?
Ans: The full effects of this medicine can only be observed within 1.5 to 2 hours after its oral administration.
2) How long will the effects of this drug last?
Ans: The effects of deflazacort usually last between 4 to 8 hours before the medicine is excreted from the body through faeces and urine.
3) Is it safe to consume alcohol while taking this medicine?
Ans: Interaction of this drug with alcohol is relatively unknown. Hence, it is best to consult a doctor before any form of alcohol intake while on this drug.
4) It deflazacort addictive?
Ans: No habit-forming tendencies have been observed.
