Dexamethasone

Question 1

What is the trade name of dexamethasone?

Answer 1

Decadron

Question 2

What is the classification of dexamethasone?

Answer 2

glucocoricoid

Therapeutic Classification:

• anti-inflammatory
• immunosuppressant)

Question 3

How is dexamethasone supplied?

Answer 3

IV/IM: 4, 8, 16 mg/mL

Tab: 0.5mg and 0.75mg

Question 4

What is the MOA (pharmacodynamics) of dexamethasone?

Answer 4

• Suppresses neutrophil migration, decreases the production of inflammatory mediators, reverses increased capillary permeability
• Decreases inflammation, suppresses the normal immune response.
• Increases the amount of Beta 2 receptors in the lungs

Question 5

List the indications for dexamethasone?

Answer 5

Anaphylaxis

Bronchospasm (Asthma, COPD)

Croup

Question 6

What is the dosage for dexamethasone?

Answer 6

Adult: 4 - 20 mg IVP/IM/PO
-with the average dose is 8-10mg IVP/IM/PO.

Pediatric: 0.5-1.0mg/kg
-max 8mg IV/IM/PO,

Question 7

List the contraindications for dexamethasone?

Answer 7

systemic fungal infections

live virus vaccines

hypersensitivity to the drug and any component

Question 8

What are some of the precautions in the use of dexamethasone?

Answer 8

• Recent MI; Heart Failure (electrolyte disturbances-arrhythmias)
• HTN (increased sodium and water retention)
• Diabetes Mellitus (increase blood sugar)
• There are many other precautions; all are due to long term use of corticoidsteroids
• Possible use in pneumonia, but not standard practice