Dexamethasone

Question 1

What is the brand/trade name for dexamethasone?

Answer 1

• Decadron

_{Anesthesia Guidebook - Episode 19: Anesthesia Top Drawer Run Down - Part 3
UpToDate - Dexamethasone (systemic): Drug Information}

Question 2

What is the pharmacologic category/class of dexamethasone?

Answer 2

• Corticosteroid, Glucocoritcoid

Potent glucocorticoid with no mineralocorticoid activity

_{Anesthesia Guidebook - Episode 19: Anesthesia Top Drawer Run Down - Part 3
UpToDate - Dexamethasone (systemic): Drug Information}

Question 3

What is the mechanism of action of dexamethasone?

Answer 3

• Anti-inflammatory: inhibtion of phospholipase a2 and decreased production of inflammatory mediators
• Antiemetic: a frickin mystery apparently

_{Anesthesia Guidebook - Episode 19: Anesthesia Top Drawer Run Down - Part 3
UpToDate - Dexamethasone (systemic): Drug Information}

Question 4

What is the dose of dexamethasone for PONV?

Answer 4

• 4-10 mg slow IV push
  depending on the source, may be before or after induction

Higher doses can increase side effects, but may not improve efficacy

_{Anesthesia Guidebook - Episode 19: Anesthesia Top Drawer Run Down - Part 3
UpToDate - Dexamethasone (systemic): Drug Information}

Question 5

What is the onset of action for dexamethasone?

Answer 5

• ~30 minutes

_{Anesthesia Guidebook - Episode 19: Anesthesia Top Drawer Run Down - Part 3
UpToDate - Dexamethasone (systemic): Drug Information}

Question 6

What is the duration of action for dexamethasone?

Answer 6

• 36-72 hours

_{Anesthesia Guidebook - Episode 19: Anesthesia Top Drawer Run Down - Part 3
UpToDate - Dexamethasone (systemic): Drug Information}

Question 7

If pushed too fast on an awake patient, what side effect might accompany dexamethasone?

Answer 7

• perineal irritation or burning

_{Anesthesia Guidebook - Episode 19: Anesthesia Top Drawer Run Down - Part 3}