Dexamethasone

Question 1

Dexamethasone Trade Name

Answer 1

(Decadron)

Question 2

Dexamethasone Classification

Answer 2

Medscape:
Corticosteroids; Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Capital:
Corticosteroid

Question 3

Dexamethasone Mechanism

Answer 3

Medscape:
Potent glucocorticoid with minimal to no mineralocorticoid activity

Decreases inflammation by suppressing migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and reducing capillary permeability; stabilizes cell and lysosomal membranes, increases surfactant synthesis, increases serum vitamin A concentration, and inhibits prostaglandin and proinflammatory cytokines; suppresses lymphocyte proliferation through direct cytolysis, inhibits mitosis, breaks down granulocyte aggregates, and improves pulmonary microcirculation

Capital:
Inhibits synthesis of substances that cause inflammation

Question 4

Dexamethasone Onset of Action

Answer 4

Medscape:
Variable
Between a few minutes and several hours; dependent on indication and route of administration

Question 5

Dexamethasone Duration of Action

Answer 5

Capital: Variable

Question 6

Dexamethasone Indications

Answer 6

Capital:
Severe anaphylaxis, asthma, COPD, urticaria, croup

CT Protocols:
Asthma/Croup

Question 7

Dexamethasone Contraindications

Answer 7

Capital:
Hypersensitivity

Question 8

Dexamethasone Side Effects/ Precautions/ Comments

Answer 8

Capital:
Fluid retention, Pulmonary edema, Hyperglycemia, Nausea

Question 9

Dexamethasone Adult Dose

Answer 9

CT Protocols:
Asthma
10 mg IV/IO/PO

Question 10

Dexamethasone Pediatric Dose

Answer 10

PALS:
0.6 mg/kg IV/IO/IM/PO
(max 16 mg)

Question 11

Dexamethasone
Max Dose Adult (Pediatric)

Answer 11

10mg

Question 12

Dexamethasone Routes of Administration

Answer 12

Typically given PO for croup
Solu-Medrol preferred for bronchospasm

Question 13

Dexamethasone How Supplied

Answer 13

4 mg/ml vials