Dexamthasone G2

Question 1

Dexamthasone Class

Answer 1

• Corticosteroid (adrenal glucocorticoid)
• Anti-inflammatory

Question 2

Dexamthasone MOA

Answer 2

• Suppresses acute and chronic inflammation
• Immunosuppressive effects

Question 3

Dexamthasone Indications

Answer 3

• Anaphylaxis
• Acute asthma exacerbation
• Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) / High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)
• Spinal cord injury
• Croup
• Elevated ICP
• Adrenal insufficiency or long-term steroid dependence induced shock
• COVID-19 with severe respiratory symptoms

Question 4

Dexamthasone Adult dose

Answer 4

• Bronchospasms/anaphylaxis:
  • 0.6 mg/kg IV/IO slowly (max dose 16 mg)
• AMS treatment:
  • 4 mg IV/IO slowly every 6 hours until symptoms resolve
• HACE treatment:
  • 8 mg IV/IO slowly; followed by 4 mg IV/IO every 6 hours until symptoms resolve

Question 5

Dexamthasone Contraindications

Answer 5

• Known hypersensitivity to any component of dexamethasone, including sulfites.
• Systemic fungal infections
• Pre-term infants

Question 6

Dexamthasone Adverse reactions

Answer 6

• Nausea & vomiting if given to fast

Question 7

Dexamthasone Pediatric dose

Answer 7

• Bronchospasms/anaphylaxis:
  • 0.6 mg/kg IV/IO slowly or IM (max dose 16 mg) every 24 hours
• Croup:
  • 0.6 mg/kg IV/IO slowly or IM (max dose 16 mg) one time
• AMS / HACE treatment:
  • 0.15 mg/kg IV/IO slowly or IM every 6 hours, (max single dose 4 mg)