Description:

Therapeutic indications
Endocrine Disorders;Rheumatic Disorders; Collagen Diseases; Dermatologic Diseases; Allergic States; Ophthalmic Diseases; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Respiratory Diseases; Haematologic Disorders;Neoplastic Diseases; Oedematous States; Medical Emergencies; Miscellaneous;
Dose and method of administration
Therapy is initiated by administering SPANSICORT sterile powder intravenously over a period
of 30 seconds (e.g. hydrocortisone sodium succinate equivalent to 100 mg of hydrocortisone) to
10 minutes (e.g. 500 mg or more). In general, high dose corticosteroid therapy should be continued
only until the patient's condition has stabilised - usually not beyond 48 to 72 hours. Although
adverse effects associated with high dose, short-term corticoid therapy are uncommon, peptic
ulceration may occur. Prophylactic antacid therapy may be indicated.
When high dose hydrocortisone therapy must be continued beyond 48-72 hours, hypernatremia
may occur. Under such circumstances it may be desirable to replace SPANSICORT with a
corticoid product such as one containing methylprednisolone sodium succinate which causes little
or no sodium retention.
The initial dose of SPANSICORT is 100 mg to 500 mg or more (hydrocortisone equivalent of
hydrocortisone sodium succinate) depending on the severity of the condition.
This dose may be repeated at intervals of 2, 4, or 6 hours as indicated by the patient's responses
and clinical condition. While the dose may be reduced for infants and children, it is governed more
by the severity of the condition and response of the patient than by age or body weight but should
not be less than 25 mg daily.
Patients subjected to severe stress following corticosteroid therapy should be observed closely for
signs and symptoms of adrenocortical insufficiency.
Corticosteroid therapy is an adjunct to, and not a replacement for, conventional therapy.
****Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and pharmacist carefully