DEXAMETHASONE (systemic)
(Decadron)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)
dexamethasone__mg IV/IM Q__H (__mg/kg/24hr)
dexamethasone__mg IV Q__H (__mg/m2/dose)
Dosages
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
Alternate dosing: 0.2-0.3 mg/kg/dose PO once daily x 3 days. Max 10 mg/dose
Prevention and treatment of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting:
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
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
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
Mechanism of Action
Corticosteroid - long acting
Forms Supplied
injection: 4 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL (preservative free)
tablet: 0.5 mg, 0.75 mg, 4 mg
oral solution (BCCH): 1 mg/mL
tablet: 0.5 mg, 0.75 mg, 4 mg
oral solution (BCCH): 1 mg/mL
Comments
Well absorbed orally.
Usual steroid effects.
Refer to Corticosteroid Equivalency Table (white pages in print copy).
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.
References
32, 37, 48, 229, 245, 315, 349, 387, 454, 606, 607
Last Edited
2024-02-22 07:26:12