Deflazacort

Steroid (oral)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Deflazacort is a steroid (oral) found in 9 medicines sold in India, such as Defcort 6, Defcort 12, Defcort 30. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Reduces inflammation in allergies, arthritis and other conditions.

How it works

An oral steroid with somewhat less effect on bones and sugar at equal doses; used for inflammatory conditions and muscular dystrophy.

How to take it

Take in the morning with food; do not stop long courses suddenly.

Common side effects

  • Weight gain
  • Mood changes
  • Raised sugar
  • Indigestion

Get medical help straight away if

  • Infections
  • Black stools
  • Vision changes

Be careful

Do not stop suddenly after long use; raises blood sugar.

Other medicines and interactions

Same cautions as other steroids.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ask your doctor before use in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Brands of Deflazacort (9)

Cortimax 6Defcort 12Defcort 30Defcort 6Defza 6Enzocort 6Mahacort-DZ 6Orthocort 6Zefcort-6

Common questions

What is Deflazacort used for?

Reduces inflammation in allergies, arthritis and other conditions.

How does Deflazacort work?

An oral steroid with somewhat less effect on bones and sugar at equal doses; used for inflammatory conditions and muscular dystrophy.

How should I take Deflazacort?

Take in the morning with food; do not stop long courses suddenly.

What are the side effects of Deflazacort?

Common: Weight gain, mood changes, raised sugar, indigestion. Get help straight away for: Infections, black stools, vision changes.

Does Deflazacort interact with other medicines?

Same cautions as other steroids.

Is Deflazacort safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Ask your doctor before use in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Does Deflazacort need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Deflazacort?

Cortimax 6, Defcort 12, Defcort 30, Defcort 6, Defza 6, Enzocort 6, Mahacort-DZ 6, Orthocort 6, Zefcort-6.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.