DRUG | SUPPLIED | DOSE | COMMENTS |
---|---|---|---|
DEXAMETHASONE (systemic) (Paeds) (Decadron) Mechanism of action: Corticosteroid - long acting Ref: 32, 37, 48, 229, 245, 315, 349, 387, 454, 606, 607 Last update: 2024-02-22 |
injection: 4 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL (preservative free) tablet: 0.5 mg, 0.75 mg, 4 mg oral solution (BCCH): 1 mg/mL |
Cerebral Edema: Initial: 1-2 mg/kg/dose IV/IM x 1 (Usual max. 10 mg/dose) Maintenance: 0.25-0.375 mg/kg/dose IV/IM/PO Q6H Max. 16 mg/24 hr Asthma: 0.6 mg/kg/dose PO once daily x 1- 2 days. Max 16 mg/doseAlternate dosing: 0.2-0.3 mg/kg/dose PO once daily x 3 days. Max 10 mg/dose Croup: 0.6 mg/kg/dose PO x 1. Max 16 mg/dose Standard dosing: 0.075 mg/kg/dose IV/PO Q8H (Max 4 mg/dose) Alternate dosing*: For highly emetogenic chemotherapy: 6 mg/m2/dose IV/PO Q6H For moderately emetogenic chemo : < 0.6 m2 : 2 mg/dose IV/PO Q12H > 0.6 m2 : 4 mg/dose IV/PO Q12H Bacterial Meningitis age > 1 month: 0.15 mg/kg/dose IV Q6H, starting just before or within 30 min of initial antibiotics, for 2 days if strep pneumonia or Haemophilus influenza B meningitis. If other etiology identified within 48hr, discontinue dexamethasone. Airway Edema: 0.125-0.5 mg/kg/dose IV Q6H x 4- 6 doses. Begin 6-12 hours before extubation. Max 10 mg/dose |
Well absorbed orally. Usual steroid effects. Refer to Corticosteroid Equivalency Table (white pages in print copy). A long acting corticosteroid. *If using aprepitant with "alternate dosing for chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting", consider reducing dexamethasone dose by half. Avoid commercial dexamethasone 0.1 mg/mL elixir due to alcohol and propylene glycol content and large volume required. Standard Prescription: dexamethasone__mg PO Q__H (__mg/kg/24hr) dexamethasone__mg IV/IM Q__H (__mg/kg/24hr) dexamethasone__mg IV Q__H (__mg/m2/dose) |