Dexamethasone

Question 1

Drug class

Answer 1

Corticosteroid

Question 2

Pharmacology

Answer 2

Long acting synthetic corticosteroid that produces anti-inflammatory & immunosuppressive effects.
It is presumed that the vasoconstrictive actions in the upper airway, followed by the systemic anti-inflammatory effect works to treat croup

Question 3

Metabolism

Answer 3

Hepatic metabolism & renal excretion

Question 4

Indications

Answer 4

Croup

Question 5

Contraindications

Answer 5

• Allergy and/or adverse drug reaction
• Children <6mo OR >6yrs (consult)
• Steroid administration within 4hrs

Question 6

Precautions

Answer 6

Nil

Question 7

Side effects

Answer 7

Nil

Question 8

Presentation

Answer 8

8mg/2ml vial

Question 9

Onset

Duration

Answer 9

30mins

72hrs

Question 10

Routes of administration

Answer 10

Per Oral

Question 11

Paediatric dosages

Answer 11

PO

6mo > 6yrs - 0.3mg/kg
(rounded to the nearest 0.5ml)
Total max dose 0.6ml/kg

Weight / Volume
>5-10kg / 0.5ml
>10-15kg / 1.0ml
> 15kg / 1.5ml

• may be repeated once to ensure desired dose to child who is resistant
• mix with small amount ingestable liquid