Dexamethasone Flashcards
Presentation
8 mg in 2 ml glass vial
Pharmacology
Cortiocosteroid secreted by the adrenal cortex
Actions:
- Relieves inflammatory reactions
- Provides immunosuppression
Metabolism
- by the liver and other tissues
- excreted predominantly by the kidneys
Indications
- Bronchospasm associated with acute respiratory distress not responsive to nebulised salbutamol
- Moderate - severe croup
- Acute exacerbation of COPD
Contras
Known hypersensitivity
Precautions
Solutions which are not clear or are contaminated should be discarded
Route of administration
IV (administered over 1-3 minutes)
Oral
Side effects
Nil of significance in the above indication
Special notes
Does not contain an antimicrobial agent, therefore use solution immediately and discard any residue
IV effects
Onset: 30-60 mins
Peak: 2 hours
Duration: 36-72 hours
Severe asthma
8 mg IV/Oral single dose only
COPD
8 mg IV/Oral single dose only
Croup
600 mcg/kg Oral (max 12 mg) - single dose only