Cortisol 5mg Tablet: A Corticosteroid for Inflammation and Immune Suppression

Cortisol 5mg Tablet is a corticosteroid medication used to treat a wide variety of medical conditions by preventing inflammation and suppressing the immune system. Its indications include severe allergic reactions, various allergic conditions, asthma, rheumatic disorders, skin disorders, eye disorders, nephrotic syndrome, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and multiple sclerosis.

How Cortisol 5mg Works (Mode of Action)

Cortisol 5mg contains Prednisolone, a synthetic corticosteroid. It works primarily by:

• Decreasing inflammation: Prednisolone achieves this by inhibiting the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (a type of white blood cell involved in inflammation) and reversing increased capillary permeability, which reduces swelling and redness.
• Suppressing the immune system: It reduces the activity and production of lymphocytes and eosinophils, key cells in the immune response. This suppression helps to manage autoimmune conditions and severe allergic reactions.

Key Indications & Benefits

• Severe Allergic Reactions & Allergic Conditions: Provides relief from severe allergic responses.
• Asthma: Helps manage moderate to severe asthma, including exacerbations.
• Rheumatic Disorders & Joint Inflammations: Reduces pain and inflammation in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and other joint inflammations.
• Skin & Eye Disorders: Treats various inflammatory conditions affecting the skin and eyes.
• Nephrotic Syndrome: Used in the management of this kidney disorder.
• Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP): Treats this bleeding disorder characterized by low platelet counts.
• Multiple Sclerosis: Used in the treatment of MS.
• Infantile Spasms: Effective for this type of epilepsy in infants.
• COPD: Used for acute exacerbations in patients with frequent exacerbations.
• Bell's Palsy: Helps in the treatment of facial nerve paralysis.

Always consult a registered physician for medication use.

Dosage & Administration

Cortisol 5mg should typically be taken with food to avoid an upset stomach. It should be swallowed whole with water at the same time(s) each day. The dose and frequency are decided by the doctor and may vary based on the patient's condition and response. Withdrawal after long-term therapy should be gradual.

Adult Dose (Oral):

• Allergic and Inflammatory Disorders: Initially 5-60 mg daily in 2-4 divided doses. Maintenance: 2.5-15 mg daily.
• Poorly Controlled, Moderate to Severe Asthma, COPD: For patients with at least 2 exacerbations/year requiring oral corticosteroids: 40-60 mg daily in 1-2 divided doses; usually given as a short course (10-14 days) until symptom resolution and PEF of at least 80% of personal best.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Initially, 5-7.5 mg daily, adjusted as necessary. Elderly: 5 mg daily.
• Multiple Sclerosis: 200 mg daily for 1 week, followed by 80 mg every other day for 1 month.
• Bell's Palsy: 60 mg orally once daily for 5 days; then taper down by 10 mg daily for 5 days for a total duration of 10 days.

Child Dose (Oral):

• Inflammation: 0.1-2 mg/kg/day in a single daily dose or divided every 6-12 hours; not to exceed 80 mg/day.
• Acute Asthma: 1-2 mg/kg/day in a single daily dose or divided every 12 hours for 3-5 days.
• Nephrotic Syndrome:
  • First 4 weeks: 60 mg/m²/day or 2 mg/kg/day orally divided every 8 hours until urine is protein-free for 3 consecutive days; not to exceed 28 days; dose not to exceed 80 mg/day.
  • Subsequent 4 weeks: 40 mg/m² or 1-1.5 mg/kg orally every other day; not to exceed 80 mg/day.
  • Maintenance in frequent relapses: 0.5-1 mg/kg/dose orally every other day for 3-6 months.
• Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) (Child: 1-10 years): 1-2 mg/kg daily (max: 14 days) or 4 mg/kg daily (max: 4 days).

Always consult a registered physician for medication use.

Important Considerations & Warnings

It is crucial to discuss your full medical history with your doctor before taking Cortisol 5mg.

Contraindications:

• Live vaccines (due to immune suppression).
• Herpes simplex keratitis (a viral eye infection).
• Systemic infections (unless specific anti-infective therapy is also being used).

Side Effects: Common side effects include:

• Reduction in bone density (osteoporosis with long-term use)
• Weight gain (due to increased appetite, fluid retention)
• Mood changes (e.g., behavioral changes, psychosis, depression, insomnia)
• Upset stomach / GI disturbances (nausea, peptic ulcer, GI perforation, ulcerative esophagitis)
• Edema (swelling)
• Glucose intolerance / Diabetes mellitus (increased blood sugar)
• High blood pressure
• Myopathy (muscle weakness)
• Menstrual irregularity
• Acne
• Delayed wound healing
• Hypokalemic alkalosis
• Increased transaminases (liver enzymes)
• Neuritis (nerve inflammation)
• Pituitary adrenal axis suppression (adrenal suppression)
• Pseudotumor cerebri (on withdrawal)
• Seizure
• Urticaria
• Vertigo

Potentially Fatal Side Effects:

• Acute adrenal insufficiency precipitated by infection, trauma, or surgery in patients on long-term therapy or following cessation of such therapy.
• CV collapse following rapid IV injection (relevant for IV forms, but overall a risk with corticosteroids).

Interactions:

• Efficacy may be reduced by: Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Rifampicin.
• Corticosteroids may reduce the effects of: Diuretics, Hypoglycaemics (diabetes medications), Anticholinesterases, Salicylates (e.g., aspirin).

Precautions & Warnings:

• Underlying Medical Conditions: Exercise caution in patients with:
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Cirrhosis (liver disease)
  • Ulcerative colitis (a type of inflammatory bowel disease)
  • Congestive heart failure (CHF)
  • Convulsive disorders (seizures)
  • Thrombophlebitis
  • Peptic ulcer
  • Diabetes Mellitus (monitor blood glucose closely)
  • Hypertension (monitor blood pressure)
  • Psychological disturbances
  • Osteoporosis
• Adrenal Suppression: Long-term use can lead to adrenal suppression.Do not stop taking Cortisol 5mg suddenly without talking to your doctor, as it may worsen symptoms or lead to acute adrenal insufficiency. Withdrawal should be gradual.
• Infection: Cortisol 5mg suppresses the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections. Tell your doctor if you have any signs of infection (e.g., fever, sore throat). Avoid contact with people who have infections like chickenpox or measles if you haven't had them.
• Growth Retardation: May cause irreversible growth retardation in children.
• Eye Conditions: May cause glaucoma or corneal perforation.
• Pregnancy: Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefits justify the possible risk to the fetus.
• Lactation: Prednisolone is excreted in breast milk. Use with caution. Consider alternative feeding methods if use is necessary for nursing women.

Storage Conditions

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.