Dexamethasone
Class:
Steroid.
Actions:
Possibly decreases cerebral edema, anti-inflammatory, suppresses immune response
(especially in allergic reactions).
Indications:
Cerebral edema, anaphylaxis (after Epinephrine and diphenhydramine), asthma,
COPD.
Contraindications:
None in the emergency setting.
Precautions:
Should be protected from heat, onset of action may be 2-6 hours and thus should
not be considered to be of use in the critical first hour following an
anaphylactic reaction.
Side Effects:
Gastrointestinal bleeding, prolonged wound healing.
Dosage:
4-24 mg.
Routes:
IV.
Pediatric Dosage:
0.2-0.5 mg/kg
Note: Feel free to discuss this medication and your experiences in administering it in an emergency or hospital based setting on our message board