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where is dexamethasone absorbed

by Jazlyn Bernhard Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Dexamethasone is metabolized by the liver and excreted in the urine mainly. Pharmacokinetics: According to the manufacturer's labeling, the pharmacokinetics of oral dexamethasone is dose-proportional between the dose range of 0.5 to 40 mg.May 15, 2022

Full Answer

Is intravenous dexamethasone absorbed orally?

DISCUSSION To our knowledge, no other study has evaluated the pharmacokinetics of an intravenous dexamethasone formulation given orally. Some hospital formularies have been hesitant to adopt the use of DSPI orally because of a lack of pharmacokinetic data. We found DSPI is satisfactorily absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract.

Does iontophoresis facilitate absorption of dexamethasone?

Dexamethasone is the most commonly used medication with iontophoresis to treat a variety of connective tissue disorders. Hypothesis: Iontophoresis will facilitate the absorption of dexamethasone into connective tissue compared with diffusion.

Does delayed gastric emptying affect dexamethasone absorption?

The lack of decreased bioavailability in patients with pneumonia suggests that dexamethasone absorption may not be affected by delayed gastric emptying [15]. Indications for this can be found in literature where smoking, known to affect gastric

How long does dexamethasone stay in your system?

Increased levels of surfactant and improved pulmonary circulation have also been shown with dexamethasone use. Dexamethasone is metabolized by the liver and excreted in the urine mainly. Dexamethasone has a half-life of approximately 3 hours. Go to: Administration Dexamethasone is available in various formulations.

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How is dexamethasone metabolized?

Dexamethasone (DEX) is extensively metabolized to 6-hydroxyDEX (6OH-DEX) and side-chain cleaved metabolites in human liver both in vitro and in vivo with CYP3A4 responsible for the formation of 6-hydroxylated products.

Is dexamethasone absorbed in the stomach?

About 20 to 30% of an oral dose appears to reach the cecum. Here the prodrug is rapidly hydrolyzed to the active drug. From intravenous administration of the prodrug and drug, it is apparent that dexamethasone-beta-D-glucoside is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract (bioavailability, less than 1%).

Is dexamethasone intramuscular or subcutaneous?

Dexamethasone 3.3 mg/ml solution for injection is recommended for systemic administration by intravenous or intramuscular injection when oral therapy is not feasible or desirable in the following conditions.

How long does it take dexamethasone to get into your system?

6. Response and effectiveness. Peak effects of dexamethasone are reached within 10 to 30 minutes of administration; however, it may take a couple of days before any inflammation is well controlled.

How long does 6 mg dexamethasone stay in your system?

Dexamethasone is a long-acting corticosteroid with a half-life of 36 to 72 hours.

How long does 20mg of dexamethasone stay in your system?

With a half-life of four hours (the amount of time it takes the body to eliminate half a dose), a 20 mg dose is eliminated from the body in about 24 hours. Many of the temporary side effects of dexamethasone, such as mood changes or anxiety, will wear off by that time.

How many hours does dexamethasone last?

Primary Care. The duration of action of dexamethasone is three times as long as that of prednisone and lasts up to 72 hours; 5 mg of prednisone are equal to 0.75 mg of dexamethasone.

How long does dexamethasone injection take to work?

Most research concludes that steroid injections take between 3-5 days to work. However to be on the safe side we would normally encourage patients to have their injection ideally 7-10 days week before their event. This gives the maximum chance that the steroid will achieve maximum benefits.

How do I sleep on dexamethasone?

sleep problems – take dexamethasone in the morning so the levels of dexamethasone in your body are the lowest at bedtime. If you take dexamethasone more than once a day try taking your last dose before 6pm.

What foods interact with dexamethasone?

Grapefruit and pomegranate juice: Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that interacts with both grapefruit and pomegranate juice. These juices increase the concentration of this dexamethasone in the blood. They interfere with enzymes in the liver which are responsible for clearing the drug from the body.

What drugs should not be taken with dexamethasone?

Some products that may interact with this drug include: aldesleukin, drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, "blood thinners" such as dabigatran/warfarin, NSAIDs such as aspirin/celecoxib/ibuprofen), mifepristone.

What are the long term side effects of dexamethasone?

While corticosteroids have many uses, they also come with several long-term side effects. These medications are known to lead to problems like osteoporosis (thin bones), a weakened immune system, cataracts, thin skin with topical products, and fungal infections of the mouth or throat with inhalers.

Why is omeprazole given with dexamethasone?

The administration of omeprazole protects the gastric cells against dexamethasone injury by decreasing generation of free radicals and restores the level of glutathione[23]. Rabeprazole also showed decrease in lipid peroxidation and increase in glutathione level, which indicates its antioxidant property.

How many hours does dexamethasone last?

Primary Care. The duration of action of dexamethasone is three times as long as that of prednisone and lasts up to 72 hours; 5 mg of prednisone are equal to 0.75 mg of dexamethasone.

What are the worst side effects of dexamethasone?

The most common side effects are sleep problems, mood changes, indigestion and weight gain. Tell your doctor if you come into contact with anyone who has measles, chickenpox or shingles while you're taking dexamethasone.

Does dexamethasone cause stomach ulcer?

For people with peptic ulcers: Dexamethasone can increase the risk of stomach or intestinal bleeding and ulcers. If you have peptic ulcers or other conditions of the intestines, talk to your doctor about whether this drug is safe for you. Conditions of the intestines include: diverticulitis.

How does dexamethasone work?

It works by suppressing the migration of neutrophils and decreasing lymphocyte colony proliferation. The capillary membrane becomes less permeable, as well. Lysosomal membranes have increased stability. There are higher concentrations of vitamin A compounds in the serum, and prostaglandin and some cytokines (interleukin-1, interleukin-12, interleukin-18, tumor necrosis factor, interferon-gamma, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor) become inhibited. Increased levels of surfactant and improved pulmonary circulation have also been shown with dexamethasone use. Dexamethasone is metabolized by the liver and excreted in the urine mainly. Dexamethasone has a half-life of approximately 3 hours.

Is dexamethasone safe for insomnia?

Although dexamethas one is generally well tolerated, it does have its drawbacks as a medication. The most frequently reported adverse effect by patients is the presence of insomnia after use. Some other frequent adverse effects reported by patients include acne, indigestion, weight gain, increased appetite, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, acne, agitation, and depression. There have been reports of adrenal suppression, arrhythmias, spermatogenic changes, glaucoma, hypokalemia, pulmonary edema, pseudotumor cerebri, and increased intracranial pressure. [9]

Is dexamethasone good for asthma?

Dexamethasone has a wide variety of uses in the medical field. As a treatment, dexamethasone has been useful in the treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis, allergies, cerebral edema, inflammation, and shock. Patients with conditions such as asthma, atopic and contact dermatitis, and drug hypersensitivity reactions have benefited from the use of dexamethasone. [1]

Does dexamethasone cause osteoporosis?

Steroid use may inhibit bone formation and may lead to the formation of osteoporosis. Caution is necessary when prescribing dexamethasone to populations at higher risk for osteoporosis.

Is dexamethasone used for multiple sclerosis?

Dexamethasone has a wide variety of uses in the medical field. As a treatment, dexamethasone has been useful in the treatment of acute exacerbation of multiple sclerosis, allergies, cerebral edema, inflammation, and shock. Patients with conditions such as asthma, atopic and contact dermatitis, and drug hypersensitivity reactions have benefited from the use of dexamethasone. Clinicians use it as a diagnostic agent for Cushing disease. This activity will highlight the mechanism of action, adverse event profile, approved and off-label uses, dosing, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, monitoring, relevant interactions of desvenlafaxine, pertinent for members of the interprofessional team using dexamethasone for any of its intended indications.

How long does it take for dexamethasone to work?

Response and effectiveness. Peak effects of dexamethasone are reached within 10 to 30 minutes of administration; however, it may take a couple of days before any inflammation is well controlled. 7. Interactions.

What is the purpose of dexamethasone?

Dexamethasone may be used to treat conditions characterized by inflammation. Dexamethasone helps to reduce inflammation and calms down an overactive immune system.

How long does it take for dexamethasone to stop causing muscle pain?

Your doctor will advise you how to reduce the dosage of dexamethasone gradually over several weeks or months to allow the adrenal glands to return to their normal patterns of secretion. Too rapid a withdrawal of dexamethasone may cause symptoms such as bone and muscle pain, fatigue, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting.

What medications interact with dexamethasone?

Common medications that may interact with dexamethasone include: antacids. antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, rifabutin, rifampin, or troleandomycin. anticholinesterases, such as neostigmine, or pyridostigmine.

What to do if you have a fever while taking dexamethasone?

Also, talk to your doctor if you notice any changes with your mood or any other worrying side effects. Wear a medical alert bracelet that states you are taking dexamethasone.

Does Dexamethasone affect heart?

May interact with a number of other drugs including aspirin, digoxin, NSAIDs, hormonal contraceptives, other drugs metabolized by CYP 3A4, and warfarin. Dexamethasone may cause low blood potassium levels which may affect how some heart medications work.

Does dexamethasone cause heart failure?

Dexamethasone may also increase the risk of infection and its anti-inflammatory action can mask signs of infection. May not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions such as heart failure, diabetes, osteoporosis, tuberculosis, cushingoid syndrome, and peptic ulcers.

How to administer dexamethasone?

Administer dexamethasone orally; administer dexamethasone sodium phosphate by IV injection or infusion, or IM injection.

How long does dexamethasone last?

Because dexamethasone’s HPA-axis suppression persists for 2.75 days, alternate-day regimens are not appropriate. If alternate-day therapy is preferred, only use a “short-acting” glucocorticoid that suppresses the HPA axis <1.5 days after a single oral dose (e.g., prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone).

How long does it take to taper IM?

Initially, an IM dosage of 8–12 mg daily tapered over 6–8 weeks.

Can dexamethasone be administered preoperatively?

If dexamethasone is used, must also administer a mineralocorticoid (fludrocortisone), particularly in infants. In suspected or known adrenal insufficiency, parenteral therapy may be used preoperatively or during serious trauma, illness, or shock unresponsive to conventional therapy.

Is dexamethasone a systemic medication?

Uses for Dexamethasone (Systemic) Treatment of a wide variety of diseases and conditions principally for glucocorticoid effects as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant agent and for its effects on blood and lymphatic systems in the palliative treatment of various diseases.

How long does dexamethasone last?

The mean terminal half life of a 20mg oral tablet is 4 hours. A 1.5mg oral dose of dexamethasone has a half life of 6.6±4.3h, while a 3mg intramuscular dose has a half life of 4.2±1.2h.

What is the NCI of dexamethasone?

NCI Thesaurus (NCIt) Dexamethasone is a fluorinated steroid that is 9-fluoropregna-1,4-diene substituted by hydroxy groups at positions 11, 17 and 21, a methyl group at position 16 and oxo groups at positions 3 and 20. It is a synthetic member of the class of glucocorticoids. It has a role as an adrenergic agent, an antiemetic, ...

What is the Henry's law constant for dexamethasone?

The Henry's Law constant for dexamethasone is estimated as 7.15X10-8 atm-cu m/mole (SRC) using a fragment constant estimation method (1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that dexamethasone is expected to be essentially nonvolatile from water surfaces (2). Dexamethasone is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces (SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 8.9X10-14 mm Hg (SRC), determined from a fragment constant method (3).

When was dexamethasone approved?

Dexamethasone was granted FDA approval on 30 October 1958. In a press release for the Randomized Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy (RECOVERY) trial on 16 June 2020, dexamethasone was recommended for use in COVID-19 patients with severe respiratory symptoms.

Is dexamethasone a glucocorticoid?

Dexamethasone's production and use as a glucocorticoid, an anti-inflammatory diagnostic aid, a treatment for leukemias and lymphomas of the central nervous system, treatment for primary bovine ketosis, an anti-inflammatory agent in cattle, horses, dogs, and cats, treatment of physiological parturient udder edema in cattle (in combination with Naquasone ), and treatment of acute arthritic lameness in cattle and horses may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, an estimated vapor pressure of 8.9X10-14 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates dexamethasone will exist solely in the particulate phase in the atmosphere. Particulate-phase dexamethasone will be removed from the atmosphere by wet or dry deposition. Dexamethasone contains chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm and therefore may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. If released to soil, dexamethasone is expected to have moderate mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 240. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 7.2X10-8 atm-cu m/mole. Biodegradation data for dexamethasone in soil were not available. If released into water, dexamethasone is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. Biodegradation data for dexamethasone in water were not available. Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's estimated Henry's Law constant. An estimated BCF of 14 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since this compound lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions. Occupational exposure to dexamethasone may occur through dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where dexamethasone is produced or used. Exposure to dexamethasone among the general population may be limited to those administered the drug (Decadron, Dexone), a glucocorticoid. (SRC)

Does dexamethasone cause constipation?

The effect of dexamethasone in gastrointestinal constipation induced by morphine, verapamil and atropine in mice has been studied. These drugs caused a dose related inhibition of charcoal meal transit, which was reversed by dexamethasone. Dexamethasone resulted more active in reversing morphine and atropine constipation, than in modifying verapamil effect. It was concluded that the interaction of dexamethasone on its receptor could release a larger amt of acetylcholine resulting in a reversion of atropine or morphine induced constipation. The minor effect of dexamethasone on verapamil induced constipation suggested a reduced involvement of calcium influx. The above results suggest a role for steroid in gastrointestinal transit and propose a possible mechanism through which dexamethasone could reverse morphine and atropine induced constipation.

Is dexamethasone a CYP3A4?

Dexamethasone is 6-hydroxyla ted by CYP3A4 to 6α- and 6β-hydroxydexamethasone. Dexamethasone is reversibly metabolized to 11-dehydrodexamethasone by corticosteroid 11-beta-dehydrogenase isozyme 2 and can also be converted back to dexamethasone by Corticosteroid 11-beta-dehydrogenase isozyme 1.

How long does dexamethasone last?

The effects of dexamethasone are frequently seen within a day and last for about three days.

How much is dexamethasone?

Dexamethasone is inexpensive. In the United States a month of medication is typically priced less than US$25. In India, a course of treatment for preterm labor is about US$0.50. The drug is available in most areas of the world.

Why is dexamethasone given to women?

Dexamethasone may be given to women at risk of delivering prematurely to promote maturation of the fetus' lungs. This administration, given from one day to one week before delivery, has been associated with low birth weight, although not with increased rates of neonatal death.

Why is dexamethasone used in cardiac pacing?

Dexamethasone is used in transvenous screw-in cardiac pacing leads to minimize the inflammatory response of the myocardium. The steroid is released into the myocardium as soon as the screw is extended and can play a significant role in minimizing the acute pacing threshold due to the reduction of inflammatory response.

What is the CAS number for dexamethasone?

Combined with marbofloxacin and clotrimazole, dexamethasone is available under the name Aurizon, CAS number 115550-35-1, and used to treat difficult ear infections, especially in dogs. It can also be combined with trichlormethiazide to treat horses with swelling of distal limbs and general bruising.

When was dexamethasone first used?

Dexamethasone was first synthesized in 1957 by Philip Showalter Hench and was approved for medical use in 1961. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. In 2017, it was the 321st most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than one million prescriptions.

Which is more effective, dexamethasone or ondansetron?

The combination of dexamethasone and a 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist such as ondansetron is more effective than a 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist alone in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting.

How to make 0.5% dexamethasone?

The aqueous 0.5% (w/v) dexamethasone eyedrop solution was prepared by dissolving 250 mg dexamethasone in 45 ml aqueous solution containing benzalkonium chloride (10 mg), EDTA (50 mg), HPMC (50 mg), NaCl (360 mg) and RMβCD (2.65 g). This was then filled up to 50 mL. The solution was heated in an autoclave (Midmark M7 SpeedClave) in sealed containers to 121 °C for 20 mins. The solution was allowed to cool to room temperature (22–23 °C) and equilibrate for 7 days. To prevent drug precipitation during storage, 10% excess RMβCD was included in the aqueous eyedrop formulation. The osmolarity of the solutions was measured by the freezing point depression method using an automatic osmometer (Knauer, Knauer-ASI, the Netherlands). Viscosity was determined by a digital viscometer (model DV-1 + Brookfield Inc., Middleboro, MA, USA) operated at room temperature.

How much dexamethasone is in the retina?

Similar ratios were seen in the iris and ciliary body. In the retina the dexamethasone level was 33 ± 7 ng/g in the study eye and 14 ± 3 ng/g in the control eye. Similar ratios were seen in the vitreous humour. Systemic absorption was similar from ocular, intranasal and intravenous administration.

How long does dexamethasone ethanolic solution shake?

Then, a required amount of dexamethasone eyedrop solution was added and the solution was shaken for 2 hours.

How to distinguish between topical and systemic absorption?

Methods: In order to distinguish between topical and systemic absorption in the eye, we applied 0.5% dexamethasone-cyclodextrin eyedrops to one (study) eye of rabbits and not to the contralateral (control) eye. Drug levels were measured in each eye. The study eye showed the result of the combination of topical and systemic absorption, whereas the control eye showed the result of systemic absorption only. Systemic absorption was also examined after intranasal and intravenous administration of the same dose of dexamethasone.

What is the purpose of the study on dexamethasone-cyclodextrin?

Purpose: This study aimed to: (1) determine the relative efficiencies of topical and systemic absorption of drugs delivered by eyedrops to the anterior and posterior segments of the eye; (2) establish whether dexamethasone-cyclodextrin eyedrops deliver significant levels of drug to the retina and vitreous in the rabbit eye, and (3) compare systemic absorption following topical application to the eye versus intranasal or intravenous delivery .

What does SEM mean for dexamethasone?

Dexamethasone blood levels after intranasal, intravenous or topical administration. SEM = standard error of the mean.

Does dexamethasone evaporate?

The required volume of radioactive dexamethasone ethanolic solution was pipetted into a vial and as much as possible of the ethanol allowed to evaporate almost to dryness without precipitating the dexamethasone. Then, a required amount of dexamethasone eyedrop solution was added and the solution was shaken for 2 hours.

How accurate is dexamethasone assay?

Interassay variability and accuracy were 12.1% and 94.2%, respectively, at 30 ng/dL and 13.7% and 94.4%, respectively, at 300 ng/dL. The analytical measurable range was 20 to 1000 ng/dL. The assay used has no cross-reactivity with 45 endogenous and exogenous steroidal compounds. Recovery ranged from 98.2% to 103.2% across 9 different patient discard samples spiked with dexamethasone at known concentrations. These analytes are stable for 24 hours at room temperature, 7 days at 4 to 8°C, and 2 years at to 20°C.

Where was the Sera study conducted?

This study took place at the ED of Morristown Memorial Medical Center (MMMC) of Atlantic Health Systems (AHS) in Morristown, NJ, a community hospital with approximately 85,000 ED visits per year. The study was approved by the institutional review board at MMMC, and all subjects provided informed consented. Sera were analyzed by Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute (San Juan Capistrano, CA). An open-label, single-dose, crossover study was carried out in 11 healthy volunteers between March and April 2009. The volunteer pool included staff from the ED, including emergency medicine attending physicians, residents, nursing personnel, and ancillary staff. A general announcement was made to all groups through email describing the study and provided phone numbers and emails for contact if interested. Recruitment occurred in a group setting to reduce possibility of coercion. Inclusion criteria required that subjects be healthy males or females 18 to 45 years of age and, if male, >50 kg or >45 kg if female. Exclusion criteria included pregnancy, allergy to study medication, any prescription medication taken 2 weeks prior to study enrollment, use of corticosteroids 30 days prior to study, and hypertension or diabetes. All participants had a complete blood count test, basic chemistry profile, liver function testing, morning cortisol levels, and, if female, a serum pregnancy test. Only those with clinically normal levels were allowed to participate.

What does the total cortisol graph show?

Total cortisol levels at baseline and for both preparations for all subjects are shown in Figure. 2. The total cortisol suppression graph suggests that cortisol falls quickly and suppression is sustained in an equal manner between preparations. These findings are consistent with other studies measuring cortisol suppression of dexamethasone by various routes.11,12

How to prepare HTLC-MSMS sample?

The sample was prepared by acidifying 150 μL of plasma or saliva with 10% formic acid to release the analyte from any binding proteins. The internal standard (prepared in deuterated methanol) was added, and the sample was vigorously mixed prior to incubation at room temperature for 30 min, prior to being placed in a refrigerated auto-sampler. The Aria TX-4 HTLC unit (Cohesive Technologies Inc., Franklin, MA) injected the prepared sample onto an extraction column at high flow rate. The analytes were eluted and transferred to a reverse-phase C12analytical column (Synergi-Max RP; Phenomenex, Torrance, CA). They were then quantitated using a TSQ Quantum Ultra (ThermoFisher Scientific; San Jose, CA) tandem mass spectrometer. The tandem mass spectrometer permits the isolation of the parent compound to within ± 0.5 m/z within the first quadrupole (Q1). In Q2, the parent ion collides with an inert gas (argon) to generate daughter ions, and the appropriate daughter ion(s) is selected in Q3. Inclusion of deuterated internal standards enabled more precise quantitation of the analytes by correcting for procedural losses or ion suppression caused by matrix effects in the atmospheric pressure chemical ionization process. Detection of 2 daughter ions for both the analytes and the internal standards increases the specificity by permitting use of ion ratios, thereby reducing the risk of quantitating isobaric interfering substances. The analytes were quantitated against a standard curve in which the standards were processed in the same manner as the samples. Peak area ratios between the analytes and the internal standard were used for quantitation. The whole process of extraction, separation, and detection was automated through the use of the Aria TX-4 system.

What time did participants present for the cortisol study?

On day 1, baseline plasma cortisol levels were obtained at 8 am, 10 am, 3 pm, and 5 pm.

Is dexamethasone administered orally?

BACKGROUND:The injectable formulation of dexamethasone has been administered orally, for the treatment of pediatric asthma and croup. The practice is followed in emergency departments around the country, but pharmacokinetic data supporting this practice are lacking.

Is dexamethasone a fluoride?

Dexamethasone is a fluorinated derivative of prednisolone with very high systemic anti-inflammatory potency and minimal mineralocorticoid effects.1The efficacy of oral dexamethasone in children with croup has been well established and has been shown to be comparable to the intramuscular route.2–4Studies that have used the intravenous formulation, dexamethasone sodium phosphate for injection (DSPI), to prepare an oral suspension have also been published.5,6Some hospitals have made it their practice to administer the intravenous formulation orally with either a commercially available sweetened suspension7or only a small amount of juice to enhance palatability. This method of administration has become popular as higher concentration intravenous formulations (10 mg/mL, Baxter, Deerfield, IL; or 4 mg/mL, American Regent, Shirley, NY) require smaller volumes to administer compared to commercially available oral elixirs (0.5 mg/5 mL; Morton Grove, Morton Grove, IL) or concentrates such as dexamethasone intensol (1 mg/mL; Roxane, Columbus, OH)]. In addition, the oral concentrate is formulated with 30% alcohol, which may cause the mixture to be unpalatable or cause vomiting. The immediate availability of this method of delivery is thought to save resources by negating the time spent crushing pills, compounding, or storing suspensions.

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How It Works

  1. Dexamethasone may be used to treat conditions characterized by inflammation. Dexamethasone helps to reduce inflammation and calms down an overactive immune system.
  2. Dexamethasone works by mimicking the effect of cortisol, a hormone released by the adrenal glands (which are located on top of the kidneys) that controls metabolism and stress.
  3. Dexamethasone belongs to the class of medicines known as corticosteroids. It is specificall…
  1. Dexamethasone may be used to treat conditions characterized by inflammation. Dexamethasone helps to reduce inflammation and calms down an overactive immune system.
  2. Dexamethasone works by mimicking the effect of cortisol, a hormone released by the adrenal glands (which are located on top of the kidneys) that controls metabolism and stress.
  3. Dexamethasone belongs to the class of medicines known as corticosteroids. It is specifically a glucocorticoid.

Upsides

  1. May be used to help control inflammation associated with a wide range of conditions, such as skin diseases, endocrine disorders, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, blood disorders, nerve disor...
  2. Usually only prescribed for short-term use; however, in certain instances, dexamethasone may be prescribed for longer periods.
  1. May be used to help control inflammation associated with a wide range of conditions, such as skin diseases, endocrine disorders, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, blood disorders, nerve disor...
  2. Usually only prescribed for short-term use; however, in certain instances, dexamethasone may be prescribed for longer periods.
  3. Dexamethasone acts similarly to prednisolone but has more potent anti-inflammatory, hormonal, and metabolic effects.
  4. When given at the same dosage, dexamethasone is less likely than hydrocortisone to cause fluid retention.

Downsides

  • If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. Mood effects such as agitation, anxiety, and irritability; blurred vision; a change in heart rate; swelling of the limbs (edema or sodium and water retention); increased appetite and weight gain; and concentration d…
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Bottom Line

  • Dexamethasone reduces inflammation and calms down an overactive immune system and is significantly more potent than prednisolone. It may be given to control inflammation associated with eye disease...
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Tips

  1. Take exactly as directed, do not increase or decrease the dosage of dexamethasone unless directed by your doctor. Dosage requirements for dexamethasone are variable and must be individualized based...
  2. Limit or avoid alcohol use while taking dexamethasone to help prevent stomach ulcers.
  3. If you are taking Intensol, an oral solution of dexamethasone, this needs to be mixed with liqu…
  1. Take exactly as directed, do not increase or decrease the dosage of dexamethasone unless directed by your doctor. Dosage requirements for dexamethasone are variable and must be individualized based...
  2. Limit or avoid alcohol use while taking dexamethasone to help prevent stomach ulcers.
  3. If you are taking Intensol, an oral solution of dexamethasone, this needs to be mixed with liquid or semi-solid food such as applesauce or puddings. Consume the entire amount of the stored product...
  4. Seek medical advice as soon as possible if you develop a fever or any other signs of infection while taking dexamethasone. Also, talk to your doctor if you notice any changes in your mood or any ot...

Response and Effectiveness

  • Peak effects of dexamethasone are reached within 10 to 30 minutes of administration; however, it may take a couple of days before any inflammation is well controlled.
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Interactions

  • Medicines that interact with dexamethasone may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with dexamethasone. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions sh…
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References

  • Dexamethasone [Package Insert]. Revised 05/2022. Prasco Laboratories https://www.drugs.com/pro/dexamethasone.html
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Further Information

  • Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use dexamethasone only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Copyright 1996-2022 Drugs.com. Revision date: August 17, 2022. Medical Discl…
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Uses For Dexamethasone

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Treatment of a wide variety of diseases and conditions principally for glucocorticoid effects as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant agent and for its effects on blood and lymphatic systems in the palliative treatment of various diseases. Usually, inadequate alone for adrenocortical insufficiencybecause of mi…
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Dexamethasone (Systemic) Dosage and Administration

  • General
    Route of administration and dosage depend on the condition being treated and the patient response.
  • Administration
    Administer dexamethasone orally; administer dexamethasone sodium phosphate by IV injection or infusion, or IM injection. Administer dexamethasone sodium phosphate for local effect by intra-articular, intralesional, intrasynovial, or soft-tissue injection. Generally reserve IM or IV therapy fo…
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Cautions For Dexamethasone

  • Contraindications
    1. Known hypersensitivity to dexamethasone, any ingredient in the respective formulation, or any other corticosteroid. 2. Systemic fungal infections unless needed to control drug reactions due to amphotericin B. 3. Concurrent administration of live virus vaccines in patients receiving immuno…
  • Common Adverse Effects
    Associated with long-term therapy: bone loss, cataracts, indigestion, muscle weakness, back pain, bruising, oral candidiasis. (See Warnings/Precautions under Cautions.)
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Stability

  • Compatibility
    For information on systemic interactions resulting from concomitant use, see Interactions.
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Actions

  1. Principally an anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressant agent.
  2. Exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activity and minimal mineralocorticoid properties.
  3. Decreases inflammation by stabilizing leukocyte lysosomal membranes, preventing release of destructive acid hydrolases from leukocytes, or reducing leukocyte adhesion to capillary endothelium.
  1. Principally an anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressant agent.
  2. Exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activity and minimal mineralocorticoid properties.
  3. Decreases inflammation by stabilizing leukocyte lysosomal membranes, preventing release of destructive acid hydrolases from leukocytes, or reducing leukocyte adhesion to capillary endothelium.
  4. Inhibits macrophage accumulation in inflamed areas.

Advice to Patients

  1. In patients receiving long-term therapy, importance of not discontinuing the drug abruptly.
  2. Importance of notifying a clinician of any infections, signs of infections (e.g., fever, sore throat, pain during urination, muscle aches), or injuries that develop during therapy or within 12 mont...
  3. Importance of carrying identification cards listing the diseases being treated, the glucocortic…
  1. In patients receiving long-term therapy, importance of not discontinuing the drug abruptly.
  2. Importance of notifying a clinician of any infections, signs of infections (e.g., fever, sore throat, pain during urination, muscle aches), or injuries that develop during therapy or within 12 mont...
  3. Importance of carrying identification cards listing the diseases being treated, the glucocorticoid regimen, and the name and telephone number of the clinician.
  4. When surgery is required, importance of informing the attending physician, dentist, or anesthesiologist of recent (within 12 months) glucocorticoid therapy.

Preparations

  • Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details. Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Centerfor information on shortages of one or more of these preparations. * available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonpropriet…
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1.Absorption of dexamethasone sodium phosphate in …

Url:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18192495/

25 hours ago Dexamethasone is the most commonly used medication with iontophoresis to treat a variety of connective tissue disorders. Hypothesis: Iontophoresis will facilitate the absorption of …

2.Dexamethasone - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf

Url:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482130/

19 hours ago  · For both formulations, a high uptake of (3)H-dexamethasone was identified in the liver and kidneys whereas smaller amounts were found in other tissues. Non-aqueous …

3.Dexamethasone: 7 things you should know - Drugs.com

Url:https://www.drugs.com/tips/dexamethasone-patient-tips

1 hours ago due to potentially impaired absorption caused by delayed gastric emptying or altered first pass metabolism [11, 12]. Our study was conducted to assess whether oral administration of …

4.Dexamethasone (Systemic) Monograph for Professionals …

Url:https://www.drugs.com/monograph/dexamethasone-systemic.html

7 hours ago  · In the retina the dexamethasone level was 33 ± 7 ng/g in the study eye and 14 ± 3 ng/g in the control eye. Similar ratios were seen in the vitreous humour. Systemic absorption …

5.Dexamethasone | C22H29FO5 - PubChem

Url:https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/dexamethasone

17 hours ago Glomerular filtration rate, urine pH, and renal tubular absorption also appear to reach adult levels in the first 8 months post partum. 19 We could find no specific data suggesting the …

6.Dexamethasone - Wikipedia

Url:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dexamethasone

19 hours ago

7.Intramuscular absorption and biodistribution of …

Url:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17250983/

7 hours ago

8.Pharmacokinetics of oral vs . intravenous dexamethasone in …

Url:https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/bcp.12295

35 hours ago

9.Topical and systemic absorption in delivery of …

Url:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1600-0420.2007.00885.x

31 hours ago

10.Injectable Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate …

Url:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4418677/

27 hours ago

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