📌 Dexamethasone Injection 4 mg/mL – As Licensed
📄 Description:
Dexamethasone Injection 4 mg/mL is a sterile injectable corticosteroid preparation used for its potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. It is suitable for use in acute medical conditions requiring rapid intervention.
💊 Prescription/Use:
- Indications:
- Severe allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis adjunct)
- Shock, including septic or anaphylactic shock
- Cerebral edema (brain swelling)
- Severe asthma or COPD exacerbation
- Preterm labor (to enhance fetal lung maturity)
- Certain cancers (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma)
- Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV)
- COVID-19 (as per clinical protocols)
- Dosage & Administration:
- Dose: Varies depending on indication (typically 4–20 mg/dose)
- Route: Intravenous (IV) or Intramuscular (IM)
- Frequency: As directed by a healthcare professional
- Use under strict medical supervision
- Prescription status: Rx Only
🔬 Nature:
- Class: Glucocorticoid / Corticosteroid
- Form: Clear aqueous solution for injection
- Strength: 4 mg/mL
- Type: Synthetic steroid hormone
- Mechanism: Suppresses inflammation, immune response, and edema
🌟 Advantages:
- Fast onset of action in emergencies
- Can be used IV or IM
- Potent and long-acting anti-inflammatory effects
- Reduces swelling in cerebral edema and inflammation in airway diseases
- Essential drug in many acute care protocols (ICU, emergency, surgery)
📦 Common Packaging:
- Supplied in 1 mL or 2 mL ampoules or vials (typically 4 mg/mL)
- Each ampoule clearly labeled with concentration, batch number, and expiry date
- May be packaged in boxes of 5 or 10 ampoules
🧊 Storage:
- Store at 15°C to 25°C (room temperature)
- Do not freeze
- Keep in original container, protected from light and heat
- Discard if the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains particles
⚠️ Precautions:
- Avoid abrupt withdrawal after prolonged use — taper slowly
- Use with caution in patients with:
- Diabetes (may raise blood sugar)
- Hypertension
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Infections (e.g., TB, fungal)
- May cause fluid retention, electrolyte imbalance
- Monitor for signs of adrenal suppression with long-term use
- Can interact with vaccines, especially live vaccines
👩⚕️ Patient Advice:
- Injection is given only under medical supervision
- Inform doctor of any known allergies, diabetes, or infections
- Report immediately if you experience swelling, difficulty breathing, or mood changes
- Follow-up may require monitoring of blood pressure, blood sugar, or electrolyte levels
- Notify the healthcare provider if on long-term steroid treatment or undergoing surgery