Dexamethasone
Corticosteroid medication / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid medication[10] used to treat rheumatic problems, a number of skin diseases, severe allergies, asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, croup, brain swelling, eye pain following eye surgery, superior vena cava syndrome (a complication of some forms of cancer),[11] and along with antibiotics in tuberculosis.[10] In adrenocortical insufficiency, it may be used in combination with a mineralocorticoid medication such as fludrocortisone.[10] In preterm labor, it may be used to improve outcomes in the baby.[10] It may be given by mouth, as an injection into a muscle, as an injection into a vein, as a topical cream or ointment for the skin or as a topical ophthalmic solution to the eye.[10] The effects of dexamethasone are frequently seen within a day and last for about three days.[10]
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Trade names | Decadron, Ozurdex, Dexycu, others |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
MedlinePlus | a682792 |
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Routes of administration | By mouth, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intraosseous, intravitreal, eye drop |
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Bioavailability | 80–90% |
Protein binding | 77% |
Metabolism | Liver |
Elimination half-life | biological half-life: 36 to 54 hours; plasma half-life: 4 to 5 hours[8][9] |
Excretion | Urine (65%) |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.000.004 |
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Formula | C22H29FO5 |
Molar mass | 392.467 g·mol−1 |
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Melting point | 262 °C (504 °F) |
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The long-term use of dexamethasone may result in thrush, bone loss, cataracts, easy bruising, or muscle weakness.[10] It is in pregnancy category C in the United States, meaning that it should only be used when the benefits are predicted to be greater than the risks.[1] In Australia, the oral use is category A, meaning it has been frequently used in pregnancy and not been found to cause problems to the baby.[12] It should not be taken when breastfeeding.[10] Dexamethasone has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant effects.[10]
Dexamethasone was first synthesized in 1957 by Philip Showalter Hench and was approved for medical use in 1958.[13][14][15] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[16] In 2021, it was the 260th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 1 million prescriptions.[17][18] It is available as a generic medication.[19]