Fortecortin®

dexamethasone

Definition

Fortecortin® is a synthetically produced hormone of the adrenal cortex called glucocorticoid. It has an anti-inflammatory and weakening effect on the immune system.

Fields of application

A distinction is made between local and systemic (affecting the whole body) use. In the local application, Fortecortin® is used for local inflammations that do not respond adequately to general treatment. Dexamethasone is injected directly into or around the joint. Systemic applications include

  • Brain Edemas
  • Craniocerebral Trauma
  • Brain abscess
  • Anaphylactic shock (A maximum hypersensitivity reaction of the body to a certain substance that can be life-threatening. ),
  • Inflammation of the brain with or without involvement of the meninges (encephalitis, mengoencephalitis)
  • Adrenal cortex failure
  • Acute disease of the blood
  • Acute asthma attack or status asthmaticus (this is the most severe form of asthma)
  • Ulcerative colitis (chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract)

Dosage

Fortecortin® should only be administered as long as necessary and as low as possible. The general duration of treatment depends on the indication. In addition, parenteral administration, where Fortecortin® is injected directly into the blood, should only be used in emergency situations where oral or administration is impossible.

As with other glucocorticoids, the dosage of Fortecortin® should be tailored to the individual patient. It depends on the severity and course of the disease, the patient’s reaction and the conceivable duration of treatment. The full effect of Fortecortin® only develops after about one to two hours.

In emergency situations, an additional medication should therefore be administered, which has a faster anti-inflammatory and immunodeficiency effect. Once the acute phase of the disease has subsided, the high parenteral dosage should be replaced by reduced oral treatment. If there is no improvement within one week, Fortecortin® should be replaced by another drug. However, the drug should not simply be discontinued. It must be slowly withdrawn, i.e. the dosage is carefully reduced until Fortecortin® can be completely eliminated.