📋 Indications & Clinical Dosage
*Ulcerative colitis, Oral ulceration:*
Adults: 5 mg in morning daily, max duration 4 week.
*Prophylaxis of asthma, Treatment of allergic rhinitis:*
Adult: Consult product literature.
⛔ Contraindications
Systemic fungal infections unless specific anti-infective therapy is used, head injury, stroke.
⚠️ Precautions & Warnings
Active infections not controlled by antibiotics, latent or active amoebiasis, history of TB, septicaemia, symptoms may be masked, avoid or maintain extreme cautions in chickenpox, measles, psychiatric disorders, renal impairment, hepatic failure, cirrhosis, active pepticulcer, myasthenia gravis, previous steroid myopathy, osteoporosis, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, diabetes, adrenal suppression, hypertension, recent MI, congestive heart failure, thromboembolic disorders, glaucoma, corneal perforation. Withdraw gradually, withdrawal symptoms may include fever, myalgia, arthralgia, rhinitis, itchy skin nodules and weight loss.
🔄 Drug Interactions
Live vaccines or other vaccines, anticoagulants, hypoglycaemia agents, antihypertensives, diuretics, erythromycin, rifamycin, amphotericin, azole antifungals, ritonavir, cyclosporin, cardiac glycosides, oestrogens including oral contraceptives, somatropin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, barbiturates, muscle relaxants, NSAIDs, salicylates, sympathomimetics, mifepristone, methotrexate, theophylline,aprepitant.
⚠️ Adverse Reactions / Side Effects
Endocrine irregularities including menstrual problems, cushingoid state, adrenal suppression, growth suppression inchildren, increased susceptibility to infection, increased severity of infection, fluid/electrolyte disturbance, hypertension, negative protein, nitrogen andcalcium balance, myopathy, tendon rupture, osteoporosis, osteonecrosis and fractures, impaired wound healing, sweating, hirsutism, striae, telangiectasia, acne, GI disturbance, peptic ulceration, acute pancreatitis, candidiasis, psychiatric effects, neurological effects, insomnia, diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, weight gain, increased appetite, ocular disturbances including cataracts, raised in-traocular pressure, optic nerve damage, corneal changes, glaucoma, thromboembolism, leukocytosis.
🤰 Pregnancy & Lactation Safety
Pregnancy Risk:
Caution advised
Lactation / Breastfeeding:
Caution advised
📚 Official Regulatory & Clinical References
- Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP): Drug Registration, S.R.O. Price Gazettes & National Essential Medicines List (NEML).
- World Health Organization (WHO): Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology (ATC/DDD Index).
- Formulary Standards: British National Formulary (BNF) & Pakistan National Formulary (PNF) guidelines.