Deltacortril Enteric Coated

Deltacortril EC tablets are a mainstay in Pakistani rheumatology and allergy wards, from Shaukat Khanum in Lahore to Aga Khan in Karachi, where docs prescribe them for inflammation that ramps up pain in arthritis or asthma flares. As enteric-coated prednisolone, a synthetic glucocorticoid, it’s PMDC-approved for short bursts to mimic natural cortisol and dial down immune overdrive, but long hauls risk bone thinning or infections in our dusty, crowded setups. A bottle of 100x5mg from Pfizer costs PKR 300-400—check Dawaai.pk or Servaid for stock—straight from local scripts, not a daily grab without taper plan.

Basic Product Details

• Form and Strength: Enteric-coated tablets, 5 mg prednisolone.
• Packaging: Bottle of 100 tablets.
• Pricing: PKR 300-400 per bottle, varies by pharmacy—generics like Prednis 5mg cheaper.
• Brands in Pakistan: Deltacortril EC from Pfizer, or equivalents like Omnacortil from local labs.

Ingredients

• Active Ingredient: Prednisolone 5 mg.
• Excipients: Lactose, magnesium stearate, enteric coating—swallow whole for gut protection.

Drug Class

Corticosteroid (Glucocorticoid).

How It Functions

Prednisolone binds glucocorticoid receptors to curb inflammatory cytokines, prostaglandins, and immune cell migration, easing swelling and pain. In Pakistan’s high-rheumatoid cases, it’s quick relief for joints or lungs, but enteric coat skips stomach hits.

Common Applications

From local rheum and pulmo guidelines:

• Allergies and severe reactions.
• Inflammation in lungs (asthma), vessels/heart, bowel/kidneys.
• Muscles/joints (rheumatoid arthritis).
• Eye/nervous system, skin conditions.
• Some infections or auto-immune like lupus.

Dosage Form

Tablets swallowed whole once daily, with food, dose tapered per doc.

Potential Side Effects

Common: Nausea, vomiting, tiredness, high white cells, clotting.

Serious from reports: Heart issues (breathlessness), seizures, dizziness, insomnia, vision blur, glaucoma, cataracts, eye nerve pressure, bulging eyes, stroke risk in temporal arteritis, psychosis, epilepsy worsening. ER for chest pain or sudden vision loss.

Key Warnings and Precautions

PMDC stresses:

• Kids/Growth: Slows development—monitor height, taper early.
• TB: Test before start—reactivates latent.
• Muscles: Past steroid myopathy—dose low.
• Bones: Osteoporosis risk, especially post-menopause—calcium/vit D add.
• Pregnancy: Category C—consult; breastfeeding okay short-term.
• Liver: Adjust in impairment.

Shortest course; no abrupt stop.

When It’s Not Suitable (Contraindications)

Avoid if:

• Allergic to prednisolone.
• Untreated serious infection.
• Ocular herpes.

Drug Interactions

Flag with doc:

• Ritonavir, ketoconazole—boost levels.
• Amphotericin, erythromycin—potassium drop.
• Rifamycin, carbamazepine—reduce efficacy.
• Oestrogens, diuretics—fluid retention.
• Warfarin—clotting shifts.
• Beta-agonists (salbutamol)—heart strain.
• Antacids—space doses.
• Cyclosporin, NSAIDs, methotrexate—toxicity up.

In Case of Overdose

Mood swings, high BP, swelling—hospital for taper or support.

Missed Dose

Take soon unless near next; double no—doc if gaps.

Storage and Disposal

Room temp (15-30°C), dry, light/heat-free, kid-proof. Pharmacy return unused.

Quick Tips

• With meals for gut.
• Swallow whole, no crush.
• Taper slow to avoid crash.

Doctor Review

Rheumatologists at PIMS or Jinnah Hospital use Deltacortril for acute RA flares or allergic asthma unresponsive to basics, starting 5-20mg tapered over weeks, but push DEXA scans for bones and TB tests given endemic risks—often with PPI for stomach in spicy diets.

Laboratory Screening

Track:

• Blood glucose, BP, electrolytes.
• Eye exams, bone density if long-term.

Disclaimer: This is product information only, not a prescription or diagnosis. Consult a qualified Pakistani doctor before using Deltacortril EC tablets to ensure it’s safe. Seek immediate care for severe symptoms like shortness of breath, vision changes, or swelling