Drug Information
Generic Name:
Dexamethasone
Pronunciation:
dex-a-METH-a-sone
Product Name:
Decadron
Category:
Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
How is it given?:
by mouth (PO), intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), topically
Uses:
Adrenal insufficiency states, inflammatory conditions (dermatitis, carditis, arthritis, nephritis), obstructive airways disease (asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema), brain edema, malignancies
Comment:
Dexamethasone is used as a substitute for naturally occurring steroid hormones when the body makes them in insufficient amounts (adrenal insufficiency states). Dexamethasone is also used to treat a wide variety of conditions associated with inflammation.