How does an injection of dexamethasone work?
Dexamethasone injection is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works to treat people with low levels of corticosteroids by replacing steroids that are normally produced naturally by the body. It also works to treat other conditions by reducing swelling and redness and by changing the way the immune system works.
What is the biological half life of dexamethasone?
Dexamethasone is a potent synthetic corticosteroid (dexamethasone 1 mg = prednisone 6 mg = hydrocortisone 25 mg) with high affinity for the glucocorticoid receptors and long duration of action (biological half-life 36 to 54 hours; plasma half-life 4 to 5 hours).
How is the dexamethasone suppression test ( DST ) used?
The dexamethasone suppression test (DST) is used in the evaluation of endogenous Cushing syndrome (CS), by assessing for the lack of suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis by exogenous corticosteroids.
When was dexamethasone made in the United States?
Dexamethasone was first made in 1957. It is on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. Dexamethasone is not expensive. In the United States a month of medication typically costs less than 25 USD.
Are there any side effects to taking dexamethasone?
Dexamethasone may cause low blood potassium levels which may affect how some heart medications work. Notes: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects.
What are the inactive ingredients in dexamethasone intensol concentrate?
Dexamethasone Oral Solution USP Intensol™ (Concentrate) is formulated for oral administration containing 1 mg per mL of dexamethasone USP. In addition, the oral solution contains the following inactive ingredients: alcohol 30% v/v, anhydrous citric acid, benzoic acid, disodium edetate, propylene glycol and water.
How many mg of dexamethasone is in a tablet?
Dexamethasone Tablets USP are available for oral administration containing either 0.5 mg, 0.75 mg, 1 mg, 1.5 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg or 6 mg of dexamethasone USP.