Absorption: Well absorbed following oral administration. Acetonide salt is slowly but completely absorbed following IM administration. Absorption of hexacetonide and acetonide salt from local sites (intra-articular, intralesional) is slow but complete.
Distribution: Widely distributed, crosses the placenta, and probably enters breast milk.
Metabolism/Excretion: Metabolized mostly by the liver.
Half-life: 2–>5 hr (plasma), 18–36 hr (tissue).
Contraindicated in:
Use Cautiously in:
Adverse reactions/side effects are much more common with high-dose/long-term therapy
CV: hypertension.
Derm: acne, ↓wound healing, ecchymoses, fragility, hirsutism, petechiae.
EENT: cataracts, ↑ intraocular pressure.
Endo: adrenal suppression, hyperglycemia.
F and E: fluid retention (long-term high doses), hypokalemia, hypokalemic alkalosis.
GI: PEPTIC ULCERATION, anorexia, nausea, vomiting.
Hemat: THROMBOEMBOLISM, thrombophlebitis.
Metab: weight gain, weight loss.
MS: muscle wasting, osteoporosis, avascular necrosis of joints, muscle pain.
Neuro: depression, euphoria, headache, ↑ intracranial pressure (children only), personality changes, psychoses, restlessness.
Misc: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS (INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS AND ANGIOEDEMA), cushingoid appearance (moon face, buffalo hump), ↑ susceptibility to infection.
Drug-Drug:
(Generic available)
NDC Code*