Treatment of conditions for which corticosteroid therapy is indicated except adrenocortical-deficiency states, for which hydrocortisone w/ supplementary fludrocortisone is preferred.
Dosage/Direction for Use
Adult Initial dose: 4-48 mg/day. Multiple sclerosis 160 mg/day for 1 wk, then 64 mg/2 days for 1 mth. ChildnAdrenocortical insufficiency 0.117 mg/kg body wt or 3.33 mg/m2/day of wide body surface in 3-4 divided doses. Other indications 0.417-1.67 mg/kg body wt or 12.5-50 mg/m2/day of wide body surface in 3-4 divided doses.
Administration
Should be taken with food.
Contraindications
Systemic fungal infections. Long-term administration in patients w/ peptic ulcer, severe osteoporosis, history of psychosis & herpes. Patients who undergo immunization procedure.
Special Precautions
Smallpox vaccination or other immunization procedures, hypothyroidism or cirrhosis, ocular herpes simplex. Carefully observe infants born to mothers who have received substantial doses of corticosteroid during pregnancy for symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. Closely observe patients w/ latent TB or tuberculin reactivity as reactivation of the disease may occur. Corticosteroids may mask symptoms of infection & on prolonged use may decrease resistance & inability to localize infections. Pregnancy & lactation. Infant & childn.
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