Therapeutic Action
Long-acting steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (corticosteroid)
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Drug reference
Long-acting steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (corticosteroid)
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Symptomatic treatment of severe allergic and inflammatory reactions
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In case of systemic infection, only administer if patient is under antimicrobial treatment. May cause (if prolonged treatment with high doses): adrenal suppression, muscle atrophy, growth retardation, increased susceptibility to infections, sodium and water retention (oedema and hypertension), osteoporosis, hypokalaemia, digitalis toxicity due to potassium loss in patients taking digitalis glycosides. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: no contra-indication; use the lowest effective dose.
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2 mg and 4 mg tablets
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Dosage varies according to indication, reaction severity and clinical response: Child: 0.15 to 0.6 mg/kg (max. 16 mg) once daily Adult: 0.5 to 24 mg (max. 40 mg) once daily Duration varies according to indication. Due to dexamethasone’s long half-life, a treatment of 1 or 2 days is usually sufficient in asthma or croup. In the event of treatment longer than 10 days, decrease doses gradually to avoid adrenal suppression.
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0.75 mg of dexamethasone has the same anti-inflammatory activity as 5 mg of prednisolone or prednisone and 20 mg of hydrocortisone.
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– Below 25 °C
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0.15 to 0.6 mg/kg (max. 16 mg) once daily
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0.5 to 24 mg (max. 40 mg) once daily
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