Dexamethasone, 4 mg/ml 1 ml 25 pcs

Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid drug containing fluorine atom.
It has 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 and stabilization of cell membranes (especially lysosomal) and organelle membranes.

The immunosuppressive effect is due to 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:

Active ingredient

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 a few days until a maintenance dose is reached or until treatment is stopped.

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

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.

Interaction

Possible pharmacological incompatibility of dexamethasone with other IV drugs administered – it is recommended to administer it separately from other drugs (by IV bolus or through another IV, as a second solution). When mixing dexamethasone solution with heparin, a precipitate is formed.

The simultaneous administration of dexamethasone with:

Contraindications

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 brief burning sensation may occur immediately after injection of the drug.

Long-term use may cause increase in intraocular pressure (therefore, intraocular pressure should be measured regularly if corticosteriod-containing drugs 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.

Overdose

The side effects described above may worsen.

The dose of Dexamethasone should be reduced. Treatment is symptomatic.

Similarities