Dexamethasone
 
Presentation
• 8mg in 2ml Glass Vial
Pharmacology
• A corticosteroid secreted by the adrenal cortex
Actions
• Relieves inflammatory reactions and provides immunosuppression
Metabolism
• By the liver and other tissues, and excreted predominantly by the kidneys
Primary Emergency Indications
• Bronchospasm associated with acute respiratory distress not responsive to nebulised Salbutamol Adult / Adult - Paed / Paed
• Anaphylaxis Adult Paed
• Acute Exacerbation of COPD Adult
Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to Dexamethasone
Precautions
Solutions which are not clear or are contaminated should be discarded
Route of Administration
• IV
• IM
Side Effects
• Nil of significance in the above indications
Special Notes
• Does not contain an antimicrobial agent, therefore use solution immediately and discard any residue
Therapeutic Effect
IV     
Onset:
30-60min
Peak:
2hr
Duration:
36-72hr
 
IM     
Onset:
Peak:
Duration: