Description
Defcort 18 MG Tablet is used in the treatment of various conditions such as joint and muscle problems, allergies, asthma, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (a genetic disorder causing muscle degradation and weakness), and autoimmune diseases (disorder due to increased immune activity in the body). This medicine works by inhibiting the release of chemical substances that are responsible for swelling and allergic reactions.
Defcort 18 MG Tablet shows side effects that include headache, weight gain, cough, increased hunger, excess urination, etc. Consult your doctor if these side effects are bothering you.
Defcort 18 MG Tablet may be taken with or without food as prescribed by your doctor. Take this medicine around the same time every day so that a constant level of medicine can be maintained in your body. Do not skip the dose or double your dose than prescribed. Continue taking this medicine for the prescribed duration. Complete the whole course to see the maximum benefits.
Defcort 18 MG Tablet should be avoided if you are allergic to it. Use this tablet with caution if you have diabetes or gastrointestinal (stomach and intestine) diseases as it may worsen your condition. Your doctor may advise a dose adjustment or select another suitable medicine if necessary. This medicine lowers your body’s capacity to fight infections. Inform your doctor if you notice any sign of infection like fever, sore throat, etc.
Defcort 18 MG Tablet is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding unless prescribed by your doctor. It is also not recommended in children below 2 years of age.
Substitutes
List of substitutes for Defcort 18 MG Tablet
Advacort 18 MG Tablet
Abbott Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.
Cortimax 18 MG Tablet
Zuventus Healthcare Ltd.
Dezacor 18 MG Tablet
Aristo Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.
Enzocort 18 MG Tablet
Alkem Laboratories Ltd.
Orthocort 18 MG Tablet
Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.
Related Product
Defcort 1mg Tablet
Defcort 6mg Tablet
Defcort 12mg Tablet
Defcort 18mg Tablet
Defcort 24mg Tablet
Defcort 30mg Tablet
Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Defcort 18 MG Tablet
Weight gain
Headache
Depressed mood
Nausea
Acne
Cough
Fever
Sore throat
Increased appetite
Increased urination frequency
Uses of Defcort 18 MG Tablet
What is it prescribed for?
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare genetic disorder that causes muscle degradation and weakness. It primarily occurs in males and the symptoms of muscle weakness are usually seen in early childhood. Early signs include difficulty getting up, running, learning, falling frequently, mild to moderate pain, etc. Defcort 18 MG Tablet is used in the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy by reducing swelling and pain associated with DMD.
Inflammatory conditions
Inflammation or swelling is a common condition that occurs as part of your body’s immune response to protect your body from infection, injury, or disease. Defcort 18 MG Tablet is used to relieve swelling and pain associated with various inflammatory conditions such as asthma, allergies, ulcerative colitis (a condition that causes swelling and ulcers in your digestive tract), etc.
Autoimmune diseases
An autoimmune disease is a condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your body. Defcort 18 MG Tablet is used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation that affects your joint), psoriasis (skin disease with red, itchy, and scaly patches), etc.
Related Products
List of related products
Defcort 1 MG Tablet
Defcort 12 MG Tablet
Defcort 24 MG Tablet
Defcort 30 MG Tablet
Defcort 6 MG Oral Suspension
Defcort 6 MG Tablet
When not to use?
Allergy
Avoid taking Defcort 18 MG Tablet if you are allergic to it. Serious allergic reactions to this medicine are rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulties, etc.
Warnings
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Defcort 18 MG Tablet should be avoided during pregnancy. Animal studies indicate harmful effects on the developing foetus. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor to understand the benefits and risks.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether Defcort 18 MG Tablet passes into breastmilk. Hence, it is not recommended while breastfeeding. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine, if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine only if the potential benefits are more than the risks.
General warnings
Altered thyroid function
The effect of Defcort 18 MG Tablet may increase if you have hypothyroidism (less thyroid hormone level). Your doctor may recommend dose adjustments based on your condition.
Increased risk of infection
Prolonged use with higher doses of Defcort 18 MG Tablet can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infections. Inform your doctor as soon as you notice early signs of infections like fever, sore throat, pus discharge, etc.
Effect on bone
Defcort 18 MG Tablet may decrease the absorption of calcium and bone formation, especially in the elderly population with existing bone disorders. Use Defcort 18 MG Tablet with caution in such conditions. Giving Defcort 18 MG Tablet to children may hamper their growth. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Driving or operating machines
Defcort 18 MG Tablet may cause dizziness, therefore understand how this medicine affects you before driving vehicles or operating machines.
Dosage
Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose of Defcort 18 MG Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for the next dose then skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you have consumed more than the prescribed amount of Defcort 18 MG Tablet then seek immediate medical attention.
Interactions
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Antidiabetic medicines
Atazanavir
Chlorothiazide
Atenolol
Clarithromycin
Disease interactions
Diabetes
Defcort 18 MG Tablet may raise blood sugar levels by suppressing the action of insulin. Hence, use this medicine with caution if you have Diabetes. Frequent monitoring of blood sugar levels and dose adjustment may be necessary while taking this medicine.
Gastrointestinal Diseases
Defcort 18 MG Tablet may cause gastrointestinal perforation (holes in the stomach lining), ulcers, and bleeding when given in high dosages or for a prolonged time. Use this medicine with caution if you have gastrointestinal (stomach and intestine) diseases. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Ocular Toxicities
Defcort 18 MG Tablet should be used with caution if you have a history of eye problems as it can lead to glaucoma (increased pressure inside the eyes), or damage to the optic (eye) nerve resulting in impaired vision. Your doctor may suggest another suitable medicine or adjust the dose to use this medicine safely.
Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis is a condition that causes skeletal muscle weakness and fatigue. It affects muscles under your voluntary control, including the arms and legs. Use Defcort 18 MG Tablet with caution if you have myasthenia gravis as it may decrease the muscle strength at high doses.
Myocardial infarction
If you have a known history of myocardial infarction, you should take Defcort 18 MG Tablet with caution as it may affect the functioning of your heart. Close monitoring of your heart function and vital signs, or appropriate dose adjustments may be necessary.
Psychosis
Defcort 18 MG Tablet may cause side effects like inability to sleep, mood swings, behavioural changes, etc. Hence, close monitoring for any change in behaviour or mood may be necessary as it may sometimes aggravate the symptoms of psychosis (a mental disorder with disruptions to a person’s thoughts) and emotional instability. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any depressed mood or suicidal thoughts.
Food interactions
Avoid taking Defcort 18 MG Tablet with grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice may increase the absorption of this medicine in your blood and increase the risk of side effects such as weight gain, high blood pressure, high blood glucose level, etc.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
This is not an exhaustive list of possible drug interactions. You should consult your doctor about all the possible interactions of the drugs you’re taking.
General Instructions
Take Defcort 18 MG Tablet with or without food as instructed by your doctor. Do not break, crush or chew the tablets.
Avoid discontinuing Defcort 18 MG Tablet without talking to your doctor. Abrupt discontinuation of this medicine may cause symptoms such as loss of appetite, vomiting, upset stomach, drowsiness, confusion, headache, fever, joint and muscle pain, etc.
Some vaccines may not be appropriate for you while taking Defcort 18 MG Tablet. Inform your doctor before taking any vaccines.
Avoid consuming grapefruit juice and alcohol while taking this medicine as it may increase the risk of side effects.
Inform any early signs of infection to your doctor as soon as you notice them.
