Medicine Overview
Adult Dose
| Clinical Information | Administration Information |
|---|---|
|
Indication: Suppression of inflammatory and allergic disorders Age: Adult |
Dose: Oral – 0.5–10 mg Frequency: daily in 2-4 divided doses |
|
Indication: Screening test for Cushing's syndrome Age: Adult |
Dose: Oral – 0.5 mg Frequency: every 6 hours Duration: for 48 hours Note: Administer after determining baseline 24-hour urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroid (17-OHCS) concentrations. During the second 24 hours of dexamethasone administration, urine is collected and analysed for 17-OHCS. Plasma cortisol and urinary output of 17-OHCS are depressed after dexamethasone administration in normal individuals but remain at basal levels in patients with Cushing's syndrome. |
Child Dose
| Clinical Information | Administration Information |
|---|---|
|
Indication: Oral Anti-inflammatory Age: Child: 1 month-18 years |
Dose: Oral admin – 10-100 mcg/kg Frequency: daily in 1-2 divided doses Note: adjusted according to response; up to 300 micrograms/kg daily may be used in emergency situations |
|
Indication: Oral Anti-inflammatory Age: Child: 1 month-18 years |
Dose: by mouth (oral) – 0.08-0.3 mg/kg/day Frequency: divided every 6 hours or 12 hours |
Administration
- Should be taken with food
- Take in the morning unless directed otherwise
Side Effect
- Acne
- Adrenal suppression
- Arrhythmia
- Bradycardia
- Cardiac arrest
- Cataracts
- Change in spermatogenesis
- Delayed wound healing
- Depression
- Diabetes mellitus
- Diaphoresis
- Emotional instability
- Erythema
- Euphoria
- Exophthalmos
- GI perforation
- Glaucoma
- Glucose intolerance
- Glucosuria
- Hepatomegaly
- Hypokalemic alkalosis
- Increased intracranial pressure
- Increased transaminases
- Insomnia
- Kaposi's sarcoma
- Menstrual irregularity
- Moon face
- Myopathy
- Neuritis
- Osteoporosis
- Peptic ulcer
- Perianal pruritus
- Petechia
- Perianal pruritus
- Pituitary adrenal axis suppression
- Pseudotumor cerebri (on withdrawal)
- Psychosis
- Pulmonary edema
- Rash
- Seizure
- Spermatogenesis altered (increased or decreased)
- Ulcerative esophagitis
- Urticaria
- Vertigo
- Weight gain
Drug Interaction
Drug Interaction
| Drug Name | Risk Factors |
|---|---|
|
Potassium-depleting drugs (e.g. amphotericin B, loop diuretics (Furosemide, Bumetanide, Ethacrynic acid, Torsemide))
|
Increased risk of hypokalaemia
|
|
Isoniazid, salicylates, vaccines, Toxoids (Vaccine preparations)
|
Reduces efficacy
|
Disease Interaction
Disease Interaction
| Disease Name | Risk Factors |
|---|---|
|
Ocular Herpes Simplex
|
Risk of corneal perforation
|
|
Gastrointestinal Ulcer
|
Risk of perforation
|
Pregnancy
Pregnancy
Lactation
Special Use
Precaution
Overdose
Pharmacology
Storage
Details coming soon
Data Sources
Clinical & regulatory information on this page is compiled from the following government sources:
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment.