Dexamethasone

Question 1

drug classification

Answer 1

glucocorticoid
steroid

Question 2

used to treat

Answer 2

inflammatory conditions
bronchial asthma
endocrine and rheumatic disorders

Question 3

brand names

Answer 3

Baycadron
Ciprodex
Decadron
Dexamethasone intensol
Dextenza
Dioptrol
Hexadrol

Question 4

administration

Answer 4

orally
given IV if extremely unwell

Question 5

mechanism of action

Answer 5

binds to the glucocorticoid receptor
mediates a change in the gene expression
GC binds to GC receptors in the cytoplasm
homodimerize and translocate into the nucleus and act directly on a gene promotor by modifying gene transcription
inhibits IL-2, down regulation of C Mac, repression of transcription factor AP1
up regulateantiinflammatory genes
inhibits neutrophil apoptosis and decreases lymphocyte colony proliferation
causes sustained expression of MAPK in ERK signalling, involved in apoptosis

Question 6

side effects

Answer 6

can help reduce allergic reactions associated with chemotherapy
increased appetite
weight gain
nightmares
fluid retention
hyperglycaemia

Question 7

caution

Answer 7

steroids need to be tapered when easing off
otherwise will result in adrenal criss