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Brand Name :
Dexamethasone Intensol, Decadron DSC, Baycadron, Hemady
Synonyms :
dexamethasone
Class :
Corticosteroids, Anti-inflammatory agents
Brand Name :
Dexamethasone Intensol, Decadron DSC, Baycadron, Hemady
Synonyms :
dexamethasone
Class :
Corticosteroids, Anti-inflammatory agents
Dosage forms & StrengthsÂ
TabletÂ
0.5mgÂ
0.75mgÂ
1mgÂ
1.5mgÂ
2mgÂ
4mgÂ
6mgÂ
20mgÂ
Injection suspensionÂ
4mg/mlÂ
10mg/mlÂ
ElixirÂ
0.5mg/5 ml Â
Oral concentrateÂ
1mg/mlÂ
30
mg/day
Tablet
Orally 
1
week
10
mg
Suspension
Injection
every 6 hrs
20 - 40
mg
Tablet
Orally 
4 times a day
40
mg
Suspension
Intravenous (IV)
every 6 hrs
6
mg
Tablets
Orally 
4 times a day
10
days
Nausea Vomiting Due To Chemotherapy
8 - 12
mg
Suspension
Injection
Dose should be taken before chemotherapy, later 8 mg for 1-3 days after chemotherapy
10 - 100
mg
Intravenous (IV)
every 6 hrs
0.75 to 9 mg/day in the form of intramuscular/intravenous injection or perorally every 6 to 12 hours
0.2-6 mg intralesional, intra-articular or through soft tissues
(Acute Exacerbation)
30 mg/day orally for a week, and then 4-12 mg/day is indicated for a month in case of multiple sclerosis
Indicated for cerebral edema
10 mg intravenously followed by 4 mg of intramuscular injection every 6 hours until improvement is achieved
Reduce the dose 2-4 days and discontinue gradually over 5-7 days
1-6 mg/kg intravenously once, or
40 mg intravenously every 2-6 hours as required
Alternatively, 20 mg intravenously, later 3 mg/kg per day intravenously
Do not continue high dose treatment more than 48-72 hours
Indicated combined with various anti-myeloma products for multiple myeloma products
20 to 40 mg orally each day
Refer other combination products with dexamethasone for multiple myeloma
(Off-label)
6 mg orally or intravenously each day for 10 days or the time of discharge (whichever comes first)
Chemotherapy Induced Vomiting And NauseaÂ
(Off-label)
8 to 12 mg orally or intravenously before chemotherapy
Can be taken singly or in combination with other antiemetics
Later 8 mg orally or intravenously every 24 hours for 1-3 days after chemotherapy
Intestinal Motility DisordersÂ
10 mg orally 3 times daily
Do not increase the daily dose to more than 30 mg/day
Dosage forms & StrengthsÂ
TabletÂ
0.5mgÂ
0.75mgÂ
1mgÂ
1.5mgÂ
2mgÂ
4mgÂ
6mgÂ
20mgÂ
Injection suspensionÂ
4mg/mlÂ
10mg/mlÂ
ElixirÂ
0.5mg/5 ml Â
Oral concentrateÂ
1mg/mlÂ
0.08 - 0.3
mg/kg/day
Intravenous (IV)
every 6 hrs
2
mg/kg/day
every 6 hrs
acute:
0.6
mg/kg
once a day
oral/IV/IM
0.6 mg/kg once a day oral / Intramuscular (IM)/ Intravenous (IV), It may increase to 16 mg/day
Refer to the adult dosingÂ
may diminish the serum concentration of CYP3A4 inducers
may diminish the serum concentration of CYP3A4 inducers
may diminish the serum concentration of CYP3A4 inducers
may diminish the serum concentration of CYP3A4 inducers
may diminish the serum concentration of CYP3A4 inducers
dexamethasone: they may diminish the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Inducers
dexamethasone: they may diminish the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Inducers
dexamethasone: it may increase the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents
dexamethasone: it may increase the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents
dexamethasone: it may increase the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents
dexamethasone: it may increase the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents
dexamethasone: it may increase the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents
may diminish the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Inducers
corticosteroids increase the hyponatremic effect of desmopressin
dexamethasone decreases the concentration of lapatinib in serum
it increases the effect of corticosteroids
dexamethasone decreases the concentration of rilpivirine in serum
ethanolic products increase the toxic or adverse effects of secnidazole
dexamethasone decreases the concentration of active metabolites of temsirolimus in serum
it decreases the concentration of rilpivirine in the serum
When dexamethasone is used in combination with rabies vaccine, this leads to a reduction in the rabies vaccine effects through the process of pharmacodynamic antagonism
when dexamethasone is used in combination with diphtheria & tetanus toxoids, this leads to a reduction in the effects of diphtheria & tetanus toxoids through pharmacodynamic antagonism
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced effect of abemaciclib by affecting hepatic or intestinal enzyme cyp3a4 metabolism  
the effect of nivolumab decreases on interacting with dexamethasone.
dexamethasone decreases the effect of ixazomib by altering intestinal/hepatic CYP3A4 enzyme metabolism
may enhance the risk of hyperglycemia when combined with Dexamethasone
corticosteroids decrease the effect of calcitriol
corticosteroids increase the effect of immunosuppression of ofatumumab
weak CYP3A4 Inducers decrease the concentration of selpercatinib in serum
may enhance the serum concentration when combined with dexamethasone
may enhance the serum concentration when combined with dexamethasone
may enhance the serum concentration when combined with dexamethasone
may enhance the serum concentration when combined with dexamethasone
may enhance the serum concentration when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the effect when combined with miconazole vaginal by affecting CYP3A4 metabolism
When alprazolam and dexamethasone is used together, this leads to reduction in the alprazolam’s metabolism
When mometasone furoate is used together with dexamethasone, this leads to enhanced risk or seriousness of adverse outcomes
When dexamethasone is used together with ouabain, this leads to reduction in dexamethasone excretion
When dexamethasone is used together with oleandomycin, this leads to enhanced concentration serum of dexamethasone
When dexamethasone is used together with ridaforolimus, this leads to enhanced concentration serum of dexamethasone
When dexamethasone is used in combination with profenamine, this leads to reduction in therapeutic effectiveness of profenamine
has an antagonistic effect over brentuximab vedotin, by showing altered intestinal/hepatic CYP3A4 enzyme metabolism.
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects  
the effect of dexamethasone is decreased by lorlatinib, by altering intestinal or hepatic CYP3A4 enzyme metabolism
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk of adverse effects 
may increase the risk or severity of toxic effects when combined
It may enhance levels when combined with albendazole by unspecified interactions mechanism
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may diminish the excretion when combined with dexamethasone
It may diminish the excretion when combined with dexamethasone
It may diminish the excretion when combined with dexamethasone
It may diminish the excretion when combined with dexamethasone
It may diminish the excretion when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may diminish the excretion when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
It may enhance the metabolism when combined with dexamethasone
may have an increased risk of rhabdomyolysis & myoglobinuria when combined with dexamethasone
the efficacy of dexamethasone may be reduced with aminoglutethimide
the therapeutic activity of dexamethasone may be reduced
When dexamethasone is used together in combination with profenamine, this leads to reduction in therapeutic effectiveness of profenamine
When dexamethasone is aided by androstenediol, that promotes an increased risk of edema
corticosteroids increase the effect of anticoagulation of desirudin
it increases the concentration of dexamethasone in serum
corticosteroids decrease the effect of hyaluronidase
Actions and Spectrum:Â
Here are some of the actions and spectrum of dexamethasone:Â
The spectrum of dexamethasone includes a wide range of medical conditions, including:Â
Frequency not defined Â
AngioedemaÂ
Cardiac arrestÂ
Allergic dermatitisÂ
GlycosuriaÂ
Diabetes mellitusÂ
Abdominal distensionÂ
GlaucomaÂ
MalaiseÂ
Weight gainÂ
Contraindication/Caution:Â
Contraindications and cautions associated with dexamethasone are:Â
Pregnancy consideration:Â Â
The fetal deformity is reported in the administration of dexamethasone in pregnant females. Therefore, advise them about the potential risk to the fetusÂ
Breastfeeding warnings:Â Â
Advise lactating females not to breastfeed while the treatment goes on and up to 2 weeks later, the last doseÂ
Pregnancy category:Â
Pharmacology:Â
dexamethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid that has potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. It is primarily used as an anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including allergic disorders, skin diseases, autoimmune disorders, and some types of cancer.Â
The pharmacology of dexamethasone involves its ability to bind to glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in target cells. This binding leads to the activation of the GR, which then regulates the transcription of various genes involved in inflammation and immune response. dexamethasone has a high affinity for the GR, which allows it to effectively modulate these pathways and reduce inflammation and immune activation.Â
dexamethasone also has several non-genomic effects, including the ability to directly inhibit the activity of various enzymes and signaling pathways involved in inflammation and immune response. Additionally, it has been shown to enhance the expression of anti-inflammatory proteins, such as lipocortin-1, which further contributes to its anti-inflammatory effects.Â
Pharmacodynamics:Â
The pharmacodynamics of dexamethasone involve its effects on various physiological and biochemical processes in the body. dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid that primarily exerts its effects by binding to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in target cells. This binding lads to the activation of the GR and subsequent changes in gene expression, resulting in a range of pharmacological effects.Â
The anti-inflammatory effects of dexamethasone are mediated by its ability to inhibit the transcription of pro-inflammatory genes and the production of inflammatory cytokines. dexamethasone has been shown to inhibit the expression of a variety of cytokines, including interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). This leads to a reduction in the recruitment and activation of immune cells and the subsequent inflammatory response.Â
dexamethasone also has immunosuppressive effects, which are mediated by its ability to inhibit the proliferation and activation of lymphocytes. This results in a reduction in the production of antibodies and cytokines, as well as a decrease in the activity of natural killer cells and cytotoxic T cells.Â
Pharmacokinetics:Â
AbsorptionÂ
Onset of action is between a few minutes to several hours; depending on indication & route of administrationÂ
Peak serum concentration is achieved in 8 hours (intramuscular) and 1-2 hours (oral)Â
DistributionÂ
The volume of distribution is 2 L/kgÂ
MetabolismÂ
The drug is metabolized in the liverÂ
Elimination and ExcretionÂ
The half-life is 1.8-3.5 hours (in case of normal renal function)Â
The drug is excreted in urine (mainly) and feces (minimally)Â
Administration:Â
dexamethasone is a prescription medication that can be administered in several ways depending on the condition being treated and the severity of the symptoms. It is available in various forms, including tablets, injections, and eye drops.Â
When administered orally, dexamethasone tablets are typically taken with a full glass of water. The recommended dose, frequency, and duration of treatment will depend on the condition being treated and the patient’s age and medical history. It is important to follow the dosing instructions provided by the prescribing healthcare provider.Â
Intravenous (IV) dexamethasone is administered directly into a vein and is typically used in emergency situations where a rapid onset of action is required. It may also be used in hospital settings to treat severe inflammation, such as in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or sepsis.Â
dexamethasone can also be administered via intramuscular (IM) injection, which is typically used for patients who cannot take medication orally or require a more prolonged release of the drug. The injection is typically given into a large muscle, such as the gluteus maximus or deltoid muscles.Â
Eye drops containing dexamethasone are used to treat inflammation of the eye, such as uveitis, and are typically applied to the affected eye several times a day. It is important to wash your hands before and after applying the eye drops and to avoid touching the tip of the dropper to any surface to prevent contamination.Â
Patient information leaflet
Generic Name: dexamethasone
Pronounced: DEX-ah-METH-ah-sone
Why do we use dexamethasone?
dexamethasone is a corticosteroid medication that has a wide range of therapeutic uses. It is primarily used as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agent to treat a variety of conditions, including:
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