Dexamethasone
Rapid Review
- Mechanism of Action: Corticosteroid; decreases production of inflammatory mediators, reverses capillary permeability, and suppresses normal immune response.
- Indications: Allergic reactions, asthma, and autoimmune conditions. May also be used to treat acute COVID-19 infections.
- Contraindications: allergy to drug or class
- Dosage: Usually 4 – 20mg in single or divided doses; depending on disease.
- Half-life: 4 hours for oral, 1-5 hours for IV
- Adverse Reactions: nausea, dizziness,
- Special Considerations: Use may have small increase in risk for sepsis, fractures, and venous thromboembolism
Pearls
Deep Dive
Hydrocortisone
Rapid Review
Pearls
Deep Dive
Methylprednisolone
Rapid Review
Pearls
Deep Dive
Prednisone
Rapid Review
Pearls
Deep Dive
Physician assistant graduate from Duke University (Class of 2022). Army National Guard Medic. Former paramedic. Devoted to learning and sharing evidence-based medicine.