Here is the detailed pharmaceutical profile for:
💊 Dexamethasone Tablet 0.5 mg
✅ DESCRIPTION
Dexamethasone is a potent synthetic corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressant, and anti-allergic properties. It is significantly more potent than cortisol (approximately 25–30 times) and has minimal mineralocorticoid activity.
⚖️ COMPOSITION
- Each tablet contains:
- Dexamethasone 0.5 mg
- Inactive ingredients: starch, lactose (may vary by manufacturer)
📌 USES
Dexamethasone is used in a wide range of conditions, including:
- Allergic reactions (e.g., asthma, rhinitis)
- Inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
- Cerebral edema
- Certain cancers (as part of chemotherapy protocols)
- Adrenal insufficiency (as a glucocorticoid replacement)
- Severe infections (as adjunctive therapy, e.g., bacterial meningitis)
- COVID-19 (in hospitalized patients needing oxygen support – higher doses)
🌟 ADVANTAGES
- Strong and long-acting anti-inflammatory action
- Minimal salt-retaining activity — preferred in cerebral edema
- Small dose provides potent effects
⚠️ PRECAUTIONS
- Use cautiously in diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, peptic ulcer, infections, and psychiatric illness
- Tapering required if used >1–2 weeks to avoid adrenal suppression
- May mask signs of infection
- Use in pregnancy/lactation only if clearly indicated
❌ SIDE EFFECTS (dose- and duration-dependent)
- Hyperglycemia
- Weight gain, moon face, fluid retention
- Gastric irritation/ulcers
- Mood changes, insomnia
- Immunosuppression
- Osteoporosis (long-term)
💊 DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION
- Dose is highly individualized depending on the condition
- Typical range: 0.5–10 mg/day, in divided or single dose
- Must be tapered gradually after prolonged use
📦 PACKING
- Blister strips or bottles
- Common packs: 10, 30, or 100 tablets
🧊 STORAGE
- Store below 25°C
- Protect from moisture and direct sunlight
- Keep out of reach of children