Dexamethasone

Question 1

What is dexamethasone?

Answer 1

Dexamethasone (8 mg/2mL vial) is a long acting synthetic corticosteroid that produces anti-inflammatory & immunosuppressive effects.

Hepatic metabolism & renal excretion.

Question 2

Indications for dexamethasone?

Answer 2

1. Croup

Question 3

Contraindications for dexamethasone?

Answer 3

1. Allergy / ADR
2. Children under 6 months or greater than 6 years
3. Steroid administration within 4 hours

Question 4

What is the dose of dexamethasone for paediatrics?

Answer 4

0.3 mg / kg

Rounded to the nearest 0.5 mL
May be repeated once to ensure the desired dose is administered in a child who is resistant to taking oral medication.

Total max dose 0.6mg/kg (or 12mg)

> 5-10kg - 0.5mL
10-15kg - 1.0mL
15kg - 1.5mL

Preparation:
Mix the required dose with a small amount of sweet ingestible liquid (e.g. fruit juice, cordial or glucose gel) & administer orally with a syringe or clean spoon.