Dexamethasone Flashcards
1
Q
Drug class
A
Corticosteroid
2
Q
Pharmacology
A
Long acting synthetic corticosteroid that produces anti-inflammatory & immunosuppressive effects.
It is presumed that the vasoconstrictive actions in the upper airway, followed by the systemic anti-inflammatory effect works to treat croup
3
Q
Metabolism
A
Hepatic metabolism & renal excretion
4
Q
Indications
A
Croup
5
Q
Contraindications
A
- Allergy and/or adverse drug reaction
- Children <6mo OR >6yrs (consult)
- Steroid administration within 4hrs
6
Q
Precautions
A
Nil
7
Q
Side effects
A
Nil
8
Q
Presentation
A
8mg/2ml vial
9
Q
Onset
Duration
A
30mins
72hrs
10
Q
Routes of administration
A
Per Oral
11
Q
Paediatric dosages
A
PO
6mo > 6yrs - 0.3mg/kg
(rounded to the nearest 0.5ml)
Total max dose 0.6ml/kg
Weight / Volume
>5-10kg / 0.5ml
>10-15kg / 1.0ml
> 15kg / 1.5ml
- may be repeated once to ensure desired dose to child who is resistant
- mix with small amount ingestable liquid
