Dexamethasone

Question 1

Dexamethasone Class

Answer 1

Corticosteroid

Question 2

Dexamethasone MOA

Answer 2

Suppresses acute and chronic inflammation. Immunosuppressive effects (especially in anaphylaxis). Possibly decreases cerebral edema.

Question 3

Dexamethasone-Indications

Answer 3

Anaphylaxis (after epi and Benadryl) asthma, COPD, croup, spinal cord injury, elevated intracranial pressure (prevention and treatment)

Question 4

Dexamethasone- contraindications

Answer 4

None in the emergency setting

Question 5

Dexamethasone- Adverse reactions

Answer 5

GI bleeding, prolonged wound healing, TB. None from a single dose.

Question 6

Dexamethasone-Drug Interactions

Answer 6

Few in the prehospital setting

Question 7

Dexamethasone- dosage and administration

Answer 7

Adult: 4-24 mg IV, IO, IM. Repeat as necessary

Ped: 0.25-0.5 mg/kg IV, IO, and IM

Question 8

Dexamethasone- Duration of action

Answer 8

Onset: Hours
Peak effects: 8-12 hours
Duration: 24-72 hours

Question 9

Dexamethasone- special considerations

Answer 9

None

Question 10

Dexamethasone- Pregnancy category

Answer 10

C

Question 11

Dexamethasone- how supplied

Answer 11

10mg/1 mL vial