← Search & browse all drugs
SYSTEMIC HORMONAL PREPARATIONS, EXCL. SEX HORMONES AND INSULINS › CORTICOSTEROIDS FOR SYSTEMIC USE › CORTICOSTEROIDS FOR SYSTEMIC USE, PLAIN › Glucocorticoids
deflazacort
H02AB13
Forms & Strengths
- Oral suspension: 22.75 mg/mL
- Tablets: 6 mg
- Tablets: 18 mg
- Tablets: 30 mg
- Tablets: 36 mg
Adult Dosing
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy: 0.9 mg/kg/day orally once daily
- Convert doses carefully when switching from other corticosteroids
- Taper gradually when discontinuing chronic therapy
Pediatric Dosing
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy (patients 2 years of age and older): 0.9 mg/kg/day orally once daily
- Adjust dose based on weight changes over time
Indications
- Treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients 2 years of age and older
Mechanism of Action
- Glucocorticoid receptor agonist that exerts anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects
- Prodrug rapidly converted by circulating esterases to the active metabolite 21-desdeflazacort
Contraindications
- Persistent systemic fungal infections
- Known hypersensitivity to deflazacort or any components of the formulation
Adverse Reactions
- Cushingoid appearance
- Weight increased
- Increased appetite
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Cough
- Pollakiuria
- Hirsutism
- Central obesity
- Nasopharyngitis
Drug Interactions
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole): Increase deflazacort active metabolite exposure; reduce deflazacort dose by half
- Strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine): Decrease active metabolite exposure; avoid coadministration or increase dose
- Live or live-attenuated vaccines: Risk of disseminated infection; avoid administration during therapy
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use