Dexamethasone, 4 mg, 1 ml, 25 pcs.

Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid drug, which contains fluorine atom.

It has a pronounced anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and desensitizing effect, has immunosuppressive activity. It slightly retains sodium and water in the body. These effects are associated with inhibition of release of inflammatory mediators by eosinophils, induction of lipocortin formation and reduction of the number of mast cells producing hyaluronic acid, reduction of capillary permeability, stabilization of cell membranes (especially lysosomal) and organelle membranes.

The immunosuppressive effect is caused by inhibition of release of cytokinins (interleukin 1, 2, gamma interferon) from lymphocytes and macrophages. The main effect on metabolism is connected with protein catabolism, increased gluconeogenesis in liver and decreased utilization of glucose by peripheral tissues.

The drug inhibits vitamin D activity, which leads to decreased calcium absorption and increased calcium excretion. Dexamethasone suppresses the synthesis and secretion of ACTH and secondary to the synthesis of endogenous glucocorticoids.

The peculiarity of action of the drug is significant inhibition of pituitary function and complete absence of mineralocorticoid activity.

Indications

According to the indications and prescribed doses are recommended for the treatment of all those diseases which are amenable to systemic treatment with glucocorticoids (if necessary as additional treatment to the main treatment), if local treatment or oral administration is impossible or ineffective:

• shock of various genesis (anaphylactic, posttraumatic, postoperative, cardiogenic, hemotransfusion, etc.
• cerebral edema (with a brain tumor, brain injury, neurosurgery, brain hemorrhage, encephalitis, meningitis, radiation injury);
• asthmatic status;
• Severe allergic reactions (Quincke’s edema, bronchospasm, dermatosis, acute anaphylactic reaction to medications, serum transfusions, pyrogenic reactions);
• acute hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis;
• acute lymphoblastic leukemia;
• acute insufficiency of the adrenal cortex;
• acute croup;
• acute (or exacerbation) rheumatic diseases, systemic connective tissue diseases and joint diseases (scapular periarthritis, epicondylitis, styloiditis, bursitis, tendovaginitis, compression neuropathy, osteochondrosis, arthritis of various etiologies, osteoarthritis);
• diagnosis of adrenocortical insufficiency, pituitary stunting (in children), affective disorders, including.

Active ingredient

Dexamethasone

Composition

Active ingredient:

dexamethasone sodium phosphate 4 mg;

Associates:

Methylparaben, 1.5 mg;

Propylparaben, 0.2 mg;

Sodium metabisulfite, 2 mg;

dinatrium edetate – 1 mg;

sodium hydroxide – to pH 7-8.5;

water for injection – up to 1 ml

How to take, the dosage

Dexamethasone is administered intravenously by trickle slowly or by drip and intramuscularly. The dose of Dexamethasone is set individually. Within a day, 4 to 20 mg can be administered 3 to 4 times. The maximum daily dose is 80 mg. In exceptional cases, higher. The duration of parenteral administration is usually 3-4 days, then switch to maintenance therapy with oral form of Dexamethasone.

In the acute period for various diseases and at the beginning of treatment, Dexamethasone is used in higher doses. When an effect is achieved, the dose of Dexamethasone is reduced at intervals of several days until a maintenance dose is reached or until treatment is discontinued.

In case of shock (adults), v/v, 20 mg once, then 3 mg/kg for 24 hours as a continuous infusion or v/v once 2-6 mg/kg, or v/v 40 mg every 2-6 (4-6) hours.

In cerebral edema (adults), 10 mg v/v, then 4 mg every 6 hr v/m until symptoms subside; the dose is reduced after 2-4 days and gradually – over 5-7 days – discontinue treatment.

In adrenal cortex insufficiency (children), 0.0233 mg/kg (0.67 mg/m2) per day in 3 injections every third day, or daily 0.00776-0.01165 mg/kg (0.233-0.335 mg/m2) per day.

Contraindications

Arterial hypertension, Icenko-Cushing’s disease, psychosis, renal failure, osteoporosis, gastric and duodenal ulcer, bacterial endocarditis, syphilis, tuberculosis, diabetes, pregnancy, systemic mycoses, infectious joint lesions, III-IV degree obesity, hypersensitivity to dexamethasone;

Side effects

In short-term therapy: nausea, vomiting, bradycardia, arrhythmias, ulceration of gastrointestinal mucosa, reduced immunity.
In long-term use: Icenko-Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, pancreatitis, myocardial dystrophy, headache, seizures, psychosis.

Local reactions: a burning sensation that quickly disappears immediately after injection of the drug is possible. If prolonged use may cause increase in intraocular pressure (therefore, intraocular pressure should be measured regularly if the drugs containing corticosteriods are used for more than 10 days).

When used for more than 3 months a posterior capsular cataract may develop. The regeneration processes may be slowed down.

Similarities

Oftan Dexamethasone, Maxidex, Dexamethasone-Vial, Dexamethasone, Megadexan