Eflaza contains deflazacort. It is a glucocorticoid which is used as immunosuppressant and anti-inflammatory. It is an inactive prodrug which is metabolized rapidly to active drug as 21-desacetyldeflazacort. It reduces the inflammation in various diseases and inflammation.
In anti-inflammatory conditions
Immunosuppressant
In treatment of certaintype of leukaemia
5ml to 60ml per day in divided doses
Deflazacort produces its action by preventing the release of chemicals from the cell that are important for immune system. These chemicals cause immune and allergic responses which causes inflammation. By decrease in the chemicals in that area causes reduced inflammation. Deflazacort causes decrease in the number of white blood cells present in the blood. As it also act as immunosuppressant to prevent rejection in organ transplantation.
Absorption
After oral administration it is well absorbed and gets converted to plasma esterase which is a pharmacologically active metabolite. The drug achieves its peak concentration in 1.5 to 2hrs.
Distribution
The drug after oral administration is 40% bound to plasma protein but the drug is having no affinity for corticosteroid binding globulin. In very low concentration, the drug has ability to cross blood brain barrier. After a long treatment the drug can be available in central nervous system. The drug plasma half life is 1.1 to 1.9hrs.
Excretion
The drug is excreted from the body through kidney. About 70% of the drug is excreted through urine and 30% of the drug through feces.
Live virus vaccines in those receiving immunosuppressive doses
Systemic infection
Mild to moderate typhoid due to multiple resistances
Tuberculosis resistance to first line drug
Cautiously used in the patients with history of adrenal suppression or infections
Muscle pain
Children with history of chicken pox, measles and shingles
Hypersensitivity reactions
Patients can produce increased risk of confusion, irritability, mood changes or depression
Patients can also develop suicidal thoughts
Drug not to be used with the doctor’s consultation
