RE: Dexamethasone16 Jun 2020 18:47
Dexamethasone is a type of corticosteroid medication.[1] It is used in the treatment of many conditions, including rheumatic problems, a number of skin diseases, severe allergies, asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, croup, brain swelling, ocular pain following ophthalmic surgery, and along with antibiotics in tuberculosis.[1] In adrenocortical insufficiency, it should be used together with a medication that has greater mineralocorticoid effects such as fludrocortisone.[1] In preterm labor, it may be used to improve outcomes in the baby.[1] It may be taken by mouth, as an injection into a muscle, or intravenously.[1] The effects of dexamethasone are frequently seen within a day and last for about three days.[1]
It has been shown to be effective in treating some severe cases of COVID-19.
The long-term use of dexamethasone may result in thrush, bone loss, cataracts, easy bruising, or muscle weakness.[1] It is pregnancy category C in the United States meaning use should be based on benefits being predicted to be greater than risks.[2] In Australia, it is category A, meaning it has been frequently used in pregnancy and not been found to cause problems to the baby.[3] It should not be taken when breastfeeding.[1] Dexamethasone has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant effects.[1]
Dexamethasone was first made in 1957 and was approved for medical use in 1961.[4][5] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[6] Dexamethasone is not expensive.[7] In the United States, a month of medication typically costs less than US$25.[1] In India, a course of treatment for preterm labor costs about US$0.5.[7] It is available in most areas of the world.[7] In 2016, it was the 259th most prescribed medication in the United States, with more than a million prescriptions.[8]
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