Unlabeled Use:
Contraindicated in:
Use Cautiously in:
Adverse reactions/side effects are much more common with high-dose/long-term therapy
CV: hypertension.
Derm: ↓ wound healing, acne, ecchymoses, fragility, hirsutism, petechiae.
EENT: ↑ intraocular pressure, cataracts.
Endo: adrenal suppression, hyperglycemia.
F and E: fluid retention (long-term high doses), hypokalemia, hypokalemic alkalosis.
GI: anorexia, nausea, PEPTIC ULCERATION, vomiting.
Hemat: THROMBOEMBOLISM, thrombophlebitis.
Metab: weight gain, weight loss.
MS: muscle wasting, osteoporosis, avascular necrosis of joints, muscle pain.
Neuro: depression, euphoria, ↑ intracranial pressure (children only), headache, personality changes, psychoses, restlessness.
Misc: cushingoid appearance (moon face, buffalo hump), ↑ susceptibility to infection, HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS (INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS).
Drug-Drug:
Absorption: Sodium phosphate salt is rapidly absorbed after IM administration. Acetate salt is slowly but completely absorbed after IM administration. Absorption 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: 3–5 hr (plasma), 36–54 hr (tissue); adrenal suppression lasts 3.25 days.
NDC Code*
