Here is the detailed information for:
💉 Dexamethasone Injection 4 mg/mL
✅ DESCRIPTION
Dexamethasone is a potent synthetic glucocorticoid with anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-edematous, and immunosuppressant actions. The injectable form is used when rapid or high-dose systemic corticosteroid effect is required, especially in emergency or critical care settings.
⚖️ COMPOSITION
- Each mL contains:
- Dexamethasone sodium phosphate equivalent to 4 mg dexamethasone
- Buffered in an aqueous solution for injection
📌 THERAPEUTIC USES
Used in a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, including:
- Cerebral edema (due to trauma, tumors, or infections)
- Septic shock (as adjunct)
- Severe allergic reactions, anaphylaxis
- Bronchial asthma, COPD exacerbations
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, vasculitis)
- Rheumatic disorders
- Adrenal insufficiency (when hydrocortisone not available)
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting (CINV)
- COVID-19 pneumonia (moderate to severe cases, per protocol)
🌟 ADVANTAGES
- Fast onset of action
- Can be given by IV, IM, or slow infusion
- Compatible with many emergency medications
- Useful when oral route is not feasible
⚠️ PRECAUTIONS
- Monitor blood glucose, especially in diabetics
- Avoid long-term use unless absolutely necessary
- Watch for signs of infection, GI bleeding, mood changes
- May cause fluid retention or electrolyte imbalances
- Taper dose if used >5–7 days to prevent adrenal suppression
❌ SIDE EFFECTS
Possible short- and long-term effects:
- Hyperglycemia, hypertension
- Increased infection risk
- Insomnia, mood swings, psychosis
- Gastric irritation, ulcers
- Cushingoid features, osteoporosis (long-term)
💊 DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION
- Adults (IV/IM): 4–20 mg depending on condition
- Example: Cerebral edema: 10 mg IV bolus, then 4 mg every 6 hours
- Pediatric dose: 0.15–0.6 mg/kg/day in divided doses
- Can be diluted with normal saline or dextrose 5%
- Use aseptic technique when withdrawing and injecting
📦 PACKING
- Available as 1 mL or 2 mL ampoules
- (i.e., 4 mg/1 mL or 8 mg/2 mL)
- Multi-dose vials also available in some markets
🧊 STORAGE
- Store at 15–25°C
- Protect from light
- Do not freeze
- Use immediately after opening ampoule or vial