Deflazacort Tablets Tablets are used to treat DMD in children aged 2 or older and adults with the same disease. DMD is the abbreviation for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a progressive disease characterized by muscular degradation and weakness. The medication works by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system’s activity. 

What is DMD Or Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder. The key characteristics of this disease is progressive degeneration of muscles and weakness of muscles. This disease/disorder is due to a lack of a protein called dystrophin. This protein helps keep muscle cells intact. 

The chemical composition of the medication is as follows, 

Chemical name	C₂₅H₃₁NO₆
IUPAC name	(11β,16β)-21-(Acetyloxy)-11-hydroxy-2′-methyl-5′H-pregna-1,4-dieno[17,16-d]oxazole-3,20-dione

How Do Deflazacort Tablets Work?

Deflazacort Tablets are a prodrug. This means that while it is administered in its inactive form, the body converts it into its active form. The active form of this compound is 21-desacetyldeflazacort.

Deflazacort Tablets are a corticosteroid and it works by mimicking the effects of cortisol in the human body. Cortisol is a natural hormone that is produced in the body by the adrenal glands. It works by intervening in the production of enzymes and chemicals in the body that lead to inflammation and is a part of the immune system’s response to various foreign invaders in the body. 

Ways in which Deflazacort Tablets Reduce Inflammation

One of how it helps reduce inflammation in the body is by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These cytokines are chemicals produced in the body that are responsible for increased inflammation. Deflazacort tablets reduce the production of such compounds in the body. An example of the pro-inflammatory cytokines is interleukins. Deflazacort tablets, by reducing the production of such compounds in the body, tone down the inflammatory response of the body. 

Deflazacort tablets further help in reducing inflammation by reducing the activity of the white blood cells that are responsible for inflammation. These are neutrophils and macrophages. 

Another way in which it blocks or reduces the inflammatory response of the body is by inhibiting the pathway for the production of arachidonic acid, which is a precursor to various inflammatory compounds. These compounds are responsible for the sensation of pain as well. 

Deflazacort tablets are used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases as these tablets suppress the immune system response by reducing the activity of lymphocytes. The suppression of lymphocytes is important in the case of autoimmune diseases as in the case of autoimmune diseases, the lymphocytes attack the body’s tissues. 

Two additional ways in which deflazacort tablets reduce inflammation are as follows, 

• It decreases the release of inflammation-causing enzymes by stabilizing the membrane of the cells that release inflammation-causing enzymes. The medication stabilizes lysosomal

• Secondly, it decreases the capillary permeability. This decreased permeability helps reduce swelling and redness associated with inflammation. 

How are Deflazacort Tablets different from Other Corticosteroids

 Deflazacort Tablets are different from others and are considered a “prodrug,” meaning it is metabolized in the liver into their active form. It has a slightly different side effect profile compared to other corticosteroids, with potentially lower risks of certain side effects, such as bone density loss, due to its weaker mineralocorticoid activity.

By modulating the immune and inflammatory responses, deflazacort provides symptomatic relief and helps manage chronic conditions. However, its use must be carefully monitored due to potential side effects such as weight gain, hyperglycemia, and adrenal suppression.

What are Deflazacort Tablets Used for?

Deflazacort tablets are used for the treatment of DMD. While it is primarily approved for treating DMD, it has been used off-label for various conditions due to its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. These conditions include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Asthma
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Nephrotic syndrome
• Dermatomyositis
• Polymyalgia rheumatica
• Sarcoidosis
• Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

It’s important to note that the use of deflazacort for these conditions should be under the guidance of a healthcare professional. 

Prescription Considered While Taking Deflazacort

The dosage of this medication depends upon the treatment plan made by the doctor. Some of the factors that the doctor may consider while prescribing this medication are – 

• The age of the patient
• How the individual is responding to the therapy 
• The condition for which the individual is being treated. 

Note: For the best results, it is important to follow the instructions of your doctor as precisely as possible. 

 Deflazacort Tablets – What’s Unheard About It? 

Deflazacort is a medication that was patented in 1969 and was approved for treatment in 1969. The initial trade name of this medication was Calcort.

Deflazacort Tablets – Side Effects

Some of the most common side effects of these tablets include the face of the patient appearing more round in shape. It can also lead to weight gain and an increase in appetite. 

Like other corticosteroids, deflazacort may suppress the immune system, potentially increasing the risk of infections. Long-term use can lead to decreased bone density, growth retardation in children, and other systemic effects. It can also lead to delayed healing of wounds along with hormonal changes and potentially stunted growth in children. There are some additional side effects besides the ones that are already listed. These are – 

• Excessive hair growth on the face
• Central obesity,
• Polyuria,
• Constipation,
• Irritability,
• Fever,
• Back pain, 
• Erythema (skin redness),
• Rash,
• Nausea,
• Nosebleeds,
• Stretch marks

Patients should be monitored regularly by their healthcare provider to manage and mitigate potential adverse effects.

It is important to discuss pre-existing health conditions before taking Deflazacort tablets along with monitoring and taking vitamin D supplements if this supplement is prescribed by the doctor. This medication should not be discontinued abruptly. 

Deflazacort Tablets – Severe Side Effects

In case the patient experiences any one of the following severe side effects, a doctor should be contacted on an urgent basis. These severe side effects are – 

• Severe mood changes or confusion.  
• Signs of infection (fever, chills).  
• Severe stomach pain or bloody stools.  
• Vision changes or swelling in the legs.

Frequently Asked Questions