Dexamethasone

Question 1

Dexamethasone- Name

Answer 1

Decadron

Question 2

Dexamethasone- Class

Answer 2

Steroid

Question 3

Dexamethasone- MoA

Answer 3

Binds with intracellular corticosteroid receptors, decreasing capillary permeability and vasodilation

Question 4

Dexamethasone- Indications

Answer 4

CCASSS

Cerebral edema

COPD exacerbation

Anaphylaxis

Status asthmaticus

Severe Croup

Spinal cord injury

Question 5

Dexamethasone- Contra

Answer 5

Has no absolute contraindications in the emergency setting

Relative contraindications include: patients with active systemic infections or resting tuberculosis.

Question 6

Dexamethasone- S/E

Answer 6

Cardiovascular: hypertension, CHF, edema

Neurological: headache, convulsions, increased ICP

GI: abdominal distention, nausea, increased appetite

Question 7

Dexamethasone- Routes

Answer 7

IV, IO, IVPB (hospital)

Question 8

Dexamethasone- A. Dose

Answer 8

4-24 mg IV/IO

Question 9

Dexamethasone- P. Dose

Answer 9

0.2-0.5 mg/kg IV/IO

Question 10

Dexamethasone- EXTRAs

Answer 10

Precautions: CHF Hypertension Seizures renal disease diabetes

Interactions: Barbiturates, phenytoin (Dilantin®), and rifampin increase steroid metabolism, the dosage of dexamethasone may need to be increased.

Onset is immediate and may last 2-4 hours

Drug must be given IVP over 30 seconds or less.

For IVPB can be diluted in D5W or NS and infused over a prescribed period.