Generic
Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate
23 brands available in the market
At a glance
Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate is a steroid used for the treatment of severe allergic reactions, asthma, rheumatic disorders, skin disorders, eye disorders, and nephrotic syndrome.
Description
Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid which decreases inflammation by inhibiting the migration of leukocytes and reversal of increased capillary permeability. It suppresses normal immune response.
Indications
- Allergic conditions
- Severe allergic reactions
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Rheumatic disorders
- Skin disorders
- Eye disorders
- Nephrotic syndrome
Therapeutic class
Glucocorticoids
Pharmacological class
Glucocorticoid
Pharmacology
Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid which decreases inflammation by inhibiting the migration of leukocytes and reversal of increased capillary permeability. It suppresses normal immune response.
Mechanism of action
Dexamethasone inhibits phospholipase A2, reducing prostaglandin synthesis, and suppresses immune cell activity, thereby reducing inflammation and allergic reactions.
Dosage
Adult: 0.5-20 mg/day IV/IM as single dose or IV infusion; Cerebral edema: 10 mg IV, then 4 mg IM every 6 hours; Shock: 1-6 mg/kg IV once or 40 mg IV every 2-6 hours.
Child: 0.5-2 mg/kg/day IV/IM every 6 hours; Croup: 0.6 mg/kg IV/IM once; Meningitis: 0.6 mg/kg/day IV every 6 hours.
Administration
This medicine is given as IV, IM, intra-articular, intralesional, or soft tissue injection by a healthcare professional. Kindly do not self administer.
Missed dose
Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate is an injection medicine given by healthcare professionals. You cannot miss a dose yourself.
Side effects
Common: Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness), mood changes.
Other: Cushing syndrome, weight gain, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, immunosuppression.
Precautions & warnings
Does not usually affect driving ability. Increased infection risk; inform doctor if signs of infection occur. Do not stop abruptly (gradual tapering required). Caution in diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, peptic ulcer, glaucoma, liver and kidney disease.
Contraindications
Systemic fungal infections; hypersensitivity to any component including sulfites.
Drug interactions
Potassium-depleting drugs (amphotericin B, loop diuretics): Increased risk of hypokalemia.
Isoniazid, salicylates, vaccines: Reduced efficacy.
Cyclosporin: Increased activity.
Aspirin, ethanol: Increased GI side effects.
Ephedrine, cholestyramine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, rifampicin: Reduced efficacy.
Food interactions
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate. Please consult your doctor.
Use in pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C. Dexamethasone may be unsafe during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate is probably safe during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
Pediatric use
Pediatric dosing is weight-based.
Geriatric use
No specific dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal impairment: Probably safe in kidney disease. No dose adjustment may be needed. Regular kidney function monitoring is advisable.
Hepatic impairment: Use with caution. Dose adjustment may be needed.
Overdose effects
Treatment of overdose is by supportive and symptomatic therapy.
Storage conditions
Store as per manufacturer's instructions.
Chemical structure
Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate