Products
Dexamethasone is found in numerous medications. This article refers to peroral administration in the form of tablets (fortecortin, generic). See also the article Cortisone Tablets.
Structure and properties
Dexamethasone (C22H29FO5, Mr = 392.5 g/mol) exists as a white, crystalline, and odorless powder that is practically insoluble in water. It is a fluorinated and methylated derivative of prednisolone.
Effects
Dexamethasone (ATC H02AB02) has anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, and immunosuppressive properties. The effects are due to binding to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, which interact with DNA. Dexamethasone is mineralocorticoid only to a very small extent.
Indications
Indications for use of dexamethasone:
- Palliative therapy of malignant tumors
- Prevention and treatment of vomiting under cytostatic drugs.
- Chronic polyarthritis
- Severe bronchial asthma
- Cerebral edema
- Acute erythroderma
- Pemphigus vulgaris
- Uncontrollable eczema
- Cutaneous sarcoidosis and ulcerative colitis
- Severe infectious diseases associated with antibiotics.
Off-label:
- In 2020, dexamethasone was studied for the treatment of coronavirus disease Covid-19.
Dosage
According to the professional information. The tablets are usually taken as a single dose in the morning after breakfast.
Abuse
Dexamethasone may be abused as a doping agent. Systemic use is prohibited during athletic competition.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Systemic fungal infections
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include:
- Infectious diseases
- Blood count disorders
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Adrenocortical insufficiency, Cushing’s syndrome
- Edema, electrolyte disturbances
- Weight gain, diabetes mellitus, metabolic disorders.
- Mental disorders
- Increase in intraocular pressure, glaucoma, cataract.
- Hypertension
- Stomach and intestinal ulcers
- Skin lesions
- Osteoporosis
