Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DEFLAZACORT versus HC HYDROCORTISONE.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DEFLAZACORT versus HC HYDROCORTISONE.
DEFLAZACORT vs HC (HYDROCORTISONE)
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Deflazacort is a glucocorticoid prodrug that is metabolized to its active form, 21-desacetyldeflazacort. It binds to glucocorticoid receptors, leading to anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects by inhibiting phospholipase A2, reducing prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis, and modulating cytokine production.
Hydrocortisone is a glucocorticoid that binds to the glucocorticoid receptor, leading to modulation of gene transcription. It inhibits phospholipase A2, reducing prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis; suppresses inflammatory cytokine production; and causes vasoconstriction and immunosuppression.
6-90 mg orally once daily; initial dose typically 6-30 mg/day, maintenance as lowest effective dose; taper gradually upon discontinuation.
Hydrocortisone 100-500 mg IV/IM every 2-6 hours as needed for acute adrenal insufficiency or severe inflammation. Maintenance: 20-30 mg/day PO divided every 8-12 hours.
None Documented
None Documented
Clinical Note
moderateDeflazacort + Gatifloxacin
"The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Deflazacort is combined with Gatifloxacin."
Clinical Note
moderateDeflazacort + Rosoxacin
"The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Deflazacort is combined with Rosoxacin."
Clinical Note
moderateDeflazacort + Levofloxacin
"The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Deflazacort is combined with Levofloxacin."
Clinical Note
moderateDeflazacort + Trovafloxacin
Terminal half-life of the active metabolite Δ6-deflazacort is 1.1–1.9 hours; parent drug half-life is approximately 1–2 hours. Clinical glucocorticoid effect persists for 12–24 hours due to receptor binding.
1.5–2.5 hours (terminal half-life). In clinical context, the biological half-life (duration of HPA suppression) is longer (8–12 hours) due to tissue binding and active metabolites.
Renal (approximately 70% as metabolites, <5% unchanged); biliary/fecal (approximately 30%)
Renal: predominantly as conjugated metabolites and a small fraction of unchanged drug. Biliary/fecal: minor, <5%. Total renal clearance accounts for >95% of elimination.
Category C
Category D/X
Corticosteroid
Corticosteroid
"The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Deflazacort is combined with Trovafloxacin."