Enzocort Tablet (Deflazacort) | Used to Treat Allergy, Asthma and Joint Inflammation
Enzocort Tablet contains Deflazacort, a synthetic oxazoline derivative of prednisolone and potent corticosteroid, used to treat a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions including allergic disorders, rheumatic diseases, respiratory conditions, dermatological disorders, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Product Overview
Enzocort Tablet is an advanced glucocorticoid medication containing Deflazacort, a synthetic derivative of prednisolone. Enzocort Tablet is widely recognized for its potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Unlike traditional steroids, Enzocort is designed to offer a superior safety profile, specifically aiming to reduce common steroid-linked side effects such as bone mineral loss and glucose intolerance. This makes it a preferred corticosteroid therapy for chronic conditions requiring long-term management of inflammation and immune system modulation.
Product Composition
- Deflazacort: The active steroid ingredient (available in 30mg), a systemic corticosteroid with high therapeutic efficacy.
- Lactose Monohydrate: Acts as a pharmaceutical filler to ensure uniform distribution of the active drug in every tablet.
- Magnesium Stearate: A lubricant used to facilitate smooth tablet compression and consistent release.
- Colloidal Silicon Dioxide: Included to improve the flow properties of the powder and ensure dosage accuracy.
- Croscarmellose Sodium: Functions as a disintegrant, allowing the tablet to break down rapidly in the stomach for efficient drug absorption.
Product Specification
| Feature | Details |
| Therapeutic Class | Systemic Glucocorticoid / Corticosteroid |
| Available Strengths | 30mg |
| Half-Life | 1.1 to 1.9 hours (Active metabolite: 2 to 3 hours) |
| Metabolism | Rapidly converted in the liver to the active metabolite 21-desacetyl-deflazacort |
| Bone Sparing Effect | Lower risk of osteoporosis compared to traditional steroids |
Mechanism of Action
- Enzocort works by crossing the cell membrane and binding with high affinity to glucocorticoid receptors in the cytoplasm.
- The drug-receptor complex migrates to the nucleus, where it binds to DNA to inhibit the transcription of pro-inflammatory genes.
- It suppresses the production of inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and cytokines, which drive systemic swelling and pain.
- By inhibiting the recruitment of leukocytes and macrophages to the site of inflammation, it prevents further tissue damage and immune-mediated destruction.
- The unique structure of Deflazacort results in a reduced impact on calcium metabolism and carbohydrate processing compared to other synthetic steroids.
Key Benefits
- Provides effective inflammation control for a wide variety of autoimmune and allergic disorders.
- Considered a gold-standard treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), helping to preserve muscle strength and delay the loss of ambulation.
- Offers a favorable metabolic profile, making it a safer option for patients at risk of steroid-induced diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Exhibits a bone-sparing effect, reducing the severity of growth retardation in children and bone thinning in adults.
- Highly versatile for the management of severe asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) flare-ups.
- Serves as a reliable immunosuppressant in organ transplantation to prevent the rejection of the new graft.
Usage
The administration of Deflazacort is highly individualized, with dosages tailored to the specific condition, the patient's age, and their response to the steroid therapy.
Administration
Morning Intake: It is recommended to take the tablet in the morning to align with the body’s natural circadian rhythm of cortisol production.
With Food: To prevent gastric irritation, the tablet should be taken during or immediately after a meal.
Consistent Tapering: Never stop taking this medication abruptly. A gradual tapering schedule supervised by a physician is mandatory to prevent adrenal insufficiency.
Tablet Integrity: The tablets can be taken whole; however, for patients with difficulty swallowing, they may be crushed and mixed with soft food like applesauce.
Infection Awareness: Because steroids can mask signs of infection, patients should report any fever or unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider immediately.
Clinical Management Summary
| Factor | Guideline |
| Timing | Preferred once daily in the morning |
| Diet | Low-sodium, high-protein, and high-potassium diet is often advised |
| Monitoring | Periodic checks of blood pressure and bone density |
| Warning | Avoid live vaccines while on high-dose steroid therapy |
Uses
Long-term management of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, significantly improving muscle strength and respiratory function.
Treatment of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, and drug sensitivity reactions.
Management of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and various types of vasculitis.
Control of chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile chronic arthritis, and polymyalgia rheumatica.
Therapy for severe respiratory disorders, including bronchial asthma and sarcoidosis.
Treatment of dermatological conditions like pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, and severe erythema multiforme.
Suppression of the immune system in organ transplantation to reduce the risk of acute and chronic graft rejection.
Management of hematological disorders, such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and certain types of leukemia or lymphoma.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
- Increased appetite
- Weight gain
- Mood changes
- Indigestion
- Insomnia or sleep disturbance
Less Common Side Effects
- Acne or skin changes
- Fluid retention and swelling
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Muscle weakness
Serious Side Effects
| Serious Side Effect | Details |
|---|---|
| Severe infection risk | Reduced ability to fight infections |
| High blood sugar | May worsen or trigger diabetes |
| Bone weakness | Long-term use may lead to osteoporosis |
| Stomach ulcers | Severe abdominal pain or bleeding |
| Eye problems | Vision changes or cataract risk |
When to Seek Medical Help
- If you develop signs of infection such as fever or sore throat
- If severe mood changes or confusion occur
- If black stools or stomach bleeding symptoms appear
- If vision changes or persistent swelling develops
FAQs
Q: What are Enzocort Tablets used for?
A: Enzocort Tablets are used to treat inflammatory and autoimmune conditions including allergic disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, dermatological conditions, nephrotic syndrome, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Q: How do Enzocort Tablets work?
A: Deflazacort works by suppressing the immune system and inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators, reducing inflammation, swelling, and allergic responses throughout the body.
Q: What is the recommended dose of Enzocort Tablets?
A: The usual adult dose ranges from 6 mg to 90 mg per day depending on the condition being treated. The doctor will determine the appropriate dose and gradually taper it once the condition is controlled.
Q: Should Enzocort Tablets be taken with food?
A: Yes, Enzocort Tablets should be taken with food or milk to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects such as stomach irritation and ulcers.
Q: How long should I take Enzocort Tablets?
A: Treatment duration depends on the condition being treated and the patient's clinical response. Long-term use should always be under strict medical supervision with regular monitoring.
Q: What are the common side effects?
A: Common side effects include increased blood sugar, weight gain, fluid retention, elevated blood pressure, mood changes, insomnia, increased appetite, and increased susceptibility to infections.
Q: Can Enzocort Tablets cause long-term side effects?
A: Prolonged use may lead to osteoporosis, adrenal suppression, Cushing's syndrome, muscle weakness, cataracts, glaucoma, and delayed wound healing. Regular monitoring and the lowest effective dose should be maintained.
Q: Is it safe to take Enzocort Tablets during pregnancy?
A: Deflazacort should only be used during pregnancy when the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. Consult your doctor before use as corticosteroids may carry risks to the developing fetus.
Q: Can Enzocort Tablets be used in children?
A: Yes, Deflazacort is used in children particularly for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, but the dose must be carefully calculated based on body weight and monitored closely to minimize growth suppression and other side effects.
Q: Can diabetic patients take Enzocort Tablets?
A: Yes, but with close monitoring as Deflazacort can significantly raise blood glucose levels. Insulin or antidiabetic medication adjustments may be required during treatment.
| Manufacturer | : | A. Menarini India Pvt Ltdine HCL) |
| Trade Name | : | Emflaza |
| Generic Search | : | Deflazacort |
| Strength | : | 30 mg |
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