Unlabeled Use:
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, leukocytosis, 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: cushingoid appearance (moon face, buffalo hump), infection.
Drug-Drug:
(Generic available)
Therapeutic Classification: corticosteroids, Immunosuppressant agents
Pharmacologic Classification: corticosteroids
Absorption: Well absorbed after oral administration. Succinate 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), 1836 hr (tissue); adrenal suppression lasts 1.251.5 days.
(anti-inflammatory activity)
ROUTE | ONSET | PEAK | DURATION |
---|---|---|---|
PO | unknown | 12 hr | 1.251.5 days |
IM (acetate) | 648 hr | 48 days | 14 wk |
IM, IV (succinate) | rapid | unknown | unknown |
NDC Code*