DEXAMETHASONE (Decadron)

Question 1

DEXAMETHASONE (Decadron)

Answer 1

Name/Class: DEXAMETHASONE (Decadron)/Steroid

Description: Dexamethasone is a long-acting synthetic adrenocorticoid with intense anti-inflammatory activity. It prevents the accumulation of inflammation generating cells at the sites of
infection or injury.

Indications: Anaphylaxis, asthma, COPD, spinal cord edema.

Contraindications: No absolute contraindications in the emergency setting.

Relative contraindications: systemic fungal infections, acute infections, tuberculosis, varicella, or vaccinia or live virus vaccinations.

Precautions: Herpes simplex, keratitis, myasthenia gravis, hepatic or renal impairment, diabetes, CHF,
seizures, psychic disorders, hypothyroidism, and GI ulceration.

Dosage/Route: 4 to 24 mg IV/IM

Pedi: 0.5 to 1 mg/kg.