৳ 1/unit
Pack: ৳ 40
৳ 1/unit
Pack: ৳ 40
At a glance
Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid used for the treatment of various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions including allergies, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, skin disorders, and eye inflammation.
Indications
- Allergic states (asthma, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, drug hypersensitivity)
- Collagen disease (lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Dermatologic diseases (pemphigus, Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
- Endocrine disorders (adrenocortical insufficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia)
- Gastrointestinal diseases (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease)
- Hematologic disorders (autoimmune hemolytic anemia, ITP)
- Neoplastic diseases (leukemias, lymphomas)
- Nervous system (multiple sclerosis, cerebral edema)
- Ophthalmic diseases (uveitis, temporal arteritis)
- Renal diseases (nephrotic syndrome)
- Respiratory diseases (sarcoidosis, tuberculosis)
- Rheumatic disorders (gout, ankylosing spondylitis)
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.
Dosage
Adult (Oral): 0.75-9 mg daily in 2-4 divided doses; Multiple sclerosis: 30 mg daily for 1 week, then 4-12 mg daily for 1 month; Cushing's screening: 0.5 mg every 6 hours for 48 hours.
Child: 10-100 mcg/kg daily in 1-2 divided doses; up to 300 mcg/kg/day in emergencies.
Injection: 0.05-0.20 mg/kg/day; emergencies: 10-20 mg IV, then 6 mg every 6 hours.
Side effects
Common: Mood changes, bone density reduction, stomach upset, Cushing syndrome, weight gain, acne.
Long-term: Osteoporosis, glaucoma, cataracts, muscle weakness, immunosuppression, hypertension, diabetes.
Use in pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C. Dexamethasone may be unsafe during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown harmful effects. Prolonged or repeated use may increase risk of intrauterine growth retardation.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Precautions & warnings
May affect driving ability (dizziness, vision changes, muscle weakness). Increased infection risk. Do not stop abruptly (gradual tapering required). Avoid live vaccines. Caution in diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, peptic ulcer, glaucoma, liver and kidney disease.
Overdose effects
Treatment of overdose is by supportive and symptomatic therapy.
Storage conditions
Tablet: Store in a cool & dry place, protected from light & moisture.
Injection: Store below 30°C, protected from light. Do not freeze.