Dexamethasone

Question 1

Dexamethasone - Class

Answer 1

Corticosteroid - systemic
Drug with high glucocorticoid activity and insignificant mineralocorticoid activity

Question 2

Dexamethasone Presentation

Answer 2

2mg Tablet
2mg/5ml oral solution
4mg/1ml solution for injection

Each ml contains 3.3mg dexamethasone (as sodium phosphate) equivilant to 4mg dexamethasone phosphate (or 4.37mg dexamethasone sodium phosphate)

Question 3

Dexamethasone Administration

Answer 3

PO
IM

Question 4

Dexamethasone Indications

Answer 4

Severe Croup

Question 5

Dexamethasone Contra-Indications

Answer 5

Systemic Infection unless specific anti-infective therapy is employed
Hypersensitivity to any ingerdient
Gastric and Duodenal Ulcer
Vaccination with live vaccines
Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactose deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this

Question 6

Dexamethasone Dose

Answer 6

Adult: Not Indicated

Paediatric:
300mcg/kg PO/IM (max dose 12mg)

Question 7

Dexamethasone Side Effects

Answer 7

Hiccups
Hyperglycaemia
MI Rupture
Protein Catabolism

Question 8

Dexamethasone Additional Info

Answer 8

Dex 3.8mg/ml injection has replaced dex phosphate4mg/ml injection - Double check product label & literature before administering dose.
Medication Safety: All doses are stated in terms of dexamethasone.
Dexamethasone 1mg = Dex Phosphate 1.2mg (as per CHI)