Calcort

What is it?

A corticosteroid, glucocorticoid preparation available as tablets in 3 different strengths, containing 1mg, 6mg or 30mg, respectively, of deflazacort, All tablets are scored, white and marked with drug strength.

Medical Uses

Rheumatoid arthritis, severe asthma and other severe inflammatory conditions, SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus).

Dosage

Adults: acute conditions, up to 120mg each day thereafter titrated to lowest possible dose for maintenance. Children: generally 0.25 to 1.5mg each day.

Special Care

Elderly, pregnancy, breastfeeding, only for short-term treatment in children. Infections, especially tuberculosis, fungal and viral. Liver failure, cirrhosis, kidney disorders, congestive heart failure, recent heart attack, diarrhoea of unknown cause, ulcerative colitis, stomach ulcer, diverticulitis, recent scar tissue affecting digestive tract, inflammatory conditions of the veins, glaucoma. Also, cancers that have spread, diabetes, certain skin diseases, high blood pressure, psychotic conditions, epilepsy, osteoporosis, herpes simplex infections affecting the eyes, cerebral malaria, under-active thyroid gland, stress, previous steroid myopathy, intercurrent illnesses, myasthenia gravis. Also, accidental injuries and planned surgery - patient must be monitored. Patients should avoid exposure to measles infection - if inadvertently exposed, preventative treatment with irmunoglobulins may be needed. Likewise, exposure to chickenpox or herpes zoster should be avoided - treatment with varicellazoster immunoglobulin may be required. Taking drug in morning or every second day helps to reduce risk of suppression of adrenal glands. Patients should carry a steroid treatment card'. treatment should be short-term. Withdraw treatment gradually.

Avoid Use

Whole body fungal infections, unless particular counter measures are being employed.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Anticholinesterases, phenobarbitone, cardiac glycosides, diuretics, carbamazepine, antihypertensives, anticoagulants taken by mouth, rifampicin, oestrogens, hypoglycaemics, phenytoin, aminoglutethimide, primidone, ephedrine, rifabutin. Also, salicylates, NSAIDs, cyclosporin, live vaccines, azole antifungals, carbenoxolone, erythromycin, methotrexate.

Known Side Effects

Depending upon dose and duration of treatment, steroid side effects including electrolyte disturbances and fluid imbalances, water retention, loss of potassium, gastrointestinal disturbance, central nervous system effects, salt retention, impaired wound healing, effects on bones, osteoporosis, cataracts, cushingoid effects, skin changes, depression, high blood pressure, glaucoma. Also, muscle weakness, stomach ulcer, hyperglycaemia, changes in sperm mobility, euphoria, mood swings. Also, retarded growth in children.