Dexamethasone Overview and Mechanism of Action
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Questions and Answers

What is the drug classification of Dexamethasone?

  • Opioid
  • Antibiotic
  • Antidepressant
  • Corticosteroid (correct)
  • What is the mechanism of action of Dexamethasone?

    Suppresses acute and chronic inflammation by regulating gene expression to inhibit inflammatory agents.

    What are the pharmacokinetics of Dexamethasone? (Onset, Peak Effects, Duration, Half-Life)

    Onset of Action: Hours, Peak Effects: 8-12 hours, Duration of Action: 24-72 hours, Half-Life: 4 hours.

    Which of the following are indications for Dexamethasone? (Select all that apply)

    <p>Asthma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a contraindication for using Dexamethasone?

    <p>Hypersensitivity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are some side effects of Dexamethasone?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended dose of Dexamethasone for adults with asthma?

    <p>10 mg IV/IO/PO</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are precautions associated with long-term steroid use?

    <p>GI bleeding, prolonged wound healing, adrenal insufficiency.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Dexamethasone has known drug-drug interactions.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Dexamethasone Overview

    • Dexamethasone is classified as a corticosteroid, specifically an adrenal glucocorticoid known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

    Mechanism of Action

    • Suppresses both acute and chronic inflammation by regulating gene expression.
    • Increases the synthesis of proteins and enzymes that inhibit inflammatory agents.
    • Exhibits immunosuppressive effects.

    Pharmacokinetics

    • Onset of action occurs within hours.
    • Peak effects are observed 8 to 12 hours post-administration.
    • Duration of action ranges from 24 to 72 hours.
    • The half-life is approximately 4 hours.

    Indications for Use

    • Effective in treating asthma.
    • Used in allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.
    • Commonly prescribed for croup.

    Contraindications

    • Not to be administered in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug.

    Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

    • Potential side effects include fluid retention, congestive heart failure (CHF), hypertension (HTN), nausea, vomiting, vertigo, headache (HA), malaise, hiccups, psychoses, and restlessness.
    • Single doses generally do not cause adverse reactions.

    Dosage Recommendations

    • For adults with asthma, the recommended dose is 10 mg via IV, IO, or PO.
    • For pediatric croup patients, a preferred dose is 0.6 mg/kg via IV, IO, or PO, with a maximum dose of 10 mg.

    Precautions

    • Long-term use of steroids may lead to gastrointestinal bleeding, delayed wound healing, and suppression of adrenal cortex function, resulting in adrenal insufficiency.

    Drug-Drug Interactions

    • No known significant drug-drug interactions with dexamethasone are reported.

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    Description

    This quiz covers the essential aspects of Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid with significant anti-inflammatory properties. Explore its mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, indications for use, contraindications, and potential side effects. Test your knowledge on this crucial medication and its clinical applications.

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