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💊 Dexamethasone Oral Liquid 0.5 mg/5 mL (p)
✅ DESCRIPTION
Dexamethasone is a potent synthetic corticosteroid with strong anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and immunosuppressive effects. The oral liquid form is especially useful in pediatric, geriatric, and tube-fed patients.
⚖️ COMPOSITION
- Each 5 mL contains:
- Dexamethasone 0.5 mg
- Flavored syrup base (sorbitol, glycerin, preservatives, etc.)
📌 THERAPEUTIC USES
Used for short- or long-term treatment of conditions like:
- Bronchial asthma and other severe allergies
- Croup (acute laryngotracheobronchitis) in children
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
- Cerebral edema (as part of supportive care)
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Leukemia, lymphoma (as adjuvant treatment)
- Nausea/vomiting in chemotherapy (off-label)
🌟 ADVANTAGES
- Easy administration in children or those with swallowing difficulty
- Precise low-dose formulation minimizes risk of overexposure
- Good for dose titration in sensitive patients
- Rapid absorption and onset
⚠️ PRECAUTIONS
- Monitor for growth suppression in children with prolonged use
- Avoid sudden discontinuation after long-term use
- Caution in patients with:
- Diabetes
- Infections
- Gastric ulcers
- Psychiatric disorders
- Immunosuppressive—avoid live vaccines during treatment
❌ SIDE EFFECTS
Common and possible side effects include:
- Increased appetite, weight gain
- Mood changes, insomnia, behavioral effects in children
- Delayed growth in children with chronic use
- Elevated blood sugar
- Increased risk of infections
💊 DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION
- Dose varies based on age, weight, and condition
- Example pediatric dose:
- Croup: 0.15–0.6 mg/kg once
- Shake well before use
- Administer with or after food to minimize gastric irritation
- Dosing schedule should mimic the body’s natural cortisol rhythm (usually morning)
📦 PACKING
- Supplied in amber glass or plastic bottles, typically:
- 60 mL, 100 mL, or 200 mL
- Often comes with measuring cup or dropper
🧊 STORAGE
- Store at 20°C to 25°C (room temperature)
- Protect from light and moisture
- Do not freeze
- Use within prescribed duration after opening