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Dexamethasone Injection Generic Name & Formulations
Legal Class
Rx
General Description
Dexamethasone phosphate (as sodium); 4mg/mL, 10mg/mL; soln for IV or IM inj; contains sulfites.
Pharmacological Class
Glucocorticoid.
How Supplied
Contact supplier
Manufacturer
Dexamethasone Injection Indications
Indications
Steroid-responsive disorders when oral therapy is not feasible.
Dexamethasone Injection Dosage and Administration
Adults and Children
See full labeling. Give by IV, IM, intra-articular, soft tissue, or intralesional inj. Initially usually 0.5–9mg daily.
Dexamethasone Injection Contraindications
Contraindications
Systemic fungal infection. Live vaccination.
Dexamethasone Injection Boxed Warnings
Not Applicable
Dexamethasone Injection Warnings/Precautions
Warnings/Precautions
Not for epidural use; serious neurologic events may occur. Cerebral malaria, optic neuritis, active ocular herpes simplex: not recommended. Strongyloides infestation. Tuberculosis. Latent or active amebiasis. If exposed to chickenpox or measles, consider prophylactic passive immune therapy. Asthma. Recent MI. CHF. Hypertension. Renal insufficiency. Peptic ulcers. Diverticulitis. Intestinal anastomoses. Ulcerative colitis. Cirrhosis. Postmenopausal women (osteoporosis risk). Diabetes. Thyroid disorder. Myasthenia gravis. Avoid inj into previously infected or unstable joints. Supplement with additional steroids in physiologic stress. Avoid abrupt cessation. Monitor thyroid, weight, growth, fluid, electrolyte balance and intraocular pressure (w. therapy >6wks). Pregnancy (Cat.C). Nursing mothers: not recommended.
Dexamethasone Injection Pharmacokinetics
See Literature
Dexamethasone Injection Interactions
Interactions
Potentiated by CYP3A4 inhibitors (eg, ketoconazole, macrolides), cyclosporine, estrogens. Antagonized by CYP3A4 inducers (eg, barbiturates, phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin), ephedrine. May potentiate cyclosporine. May antagonize anticoagulants (monitor), isoniazid, other CYP3A4 substrates (eg, indinavir, erythromycin). Increased risk of arrhythmias with digitalis. May need to adjust dose of antidiabetic agents. Increased GI effects with aspirin or other NSAIDs. Monitor for hypokalemia with potassium-depleting drugs (eg, amphotericin B, diuretics). Toxic epidermal necrolysis possible with thalidomide. Concomitant indomethacin: may get false-negative on dexamethasone suppression test. May suppress reactions to skin tests.
Dexamethasone Injection Adverse Reactions
Adverse Reactions
HPA axis suppression, masks infection, increased susceptibility to infection, glaucoma, cataracts, secondary infections, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypernatremia, hypertension, psychic disorders, myopathy, osteoporosis, peptic ulcer, dermal atrophy, increased intracranial pressure, hyperglycemia, inj site reactions.
Dexamethasone Injection Clinical Trials
See Literature
Dexamethasone Injection Note
Notes
Formerly known under the brand names Decadron, Hexadrol.
Dexamethasone Injection Patient Counseling
See Literature
