Description drugs: Dexamethasone (Dexamethasonum)

DEXAMETHASONE (Dexamethasonum). 9 a -fluoro-11 b, 17 a, 21-trihydroxy-16 a-methyl-pregna-1, 4-diene 3, 20-dione or 9 a - 16 a-fluoro -metilprednizolon.

Synonyms: Amradexone, Arcodexan, Cortadex, Deason , Decacort, Decacortin, Decadin, Decardan, Decardon, Decasterolone, Dekacort, Desometon, Dexacort, Dexamecortin, Dexametan, Dexason, Dexone, Hexadecadrol, Hexadrol, Millicorten, Minicort, Novomethasone, Oradexon, Prednisolon F , Resticort, Steralol, Superprendol, Wymesone and others.

White or white with a yellowish tinge crystalline powder. Practically insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol difficult.

A characteristic feature of the chemical structure is the presence of dexamethasone in the molecule a fluorine atom. In the body it is close to other glucocorticosteroids, but more active, has a strong anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effect.

At 0.5 mg dexamethasone efficiency corresponding to about 3, 5 mg of prednisone, hydrocortisone 15 mg or 17 mg of cortisone 5; thus, it is 7 times more active than prednisone and cortisone 35-fold more potent.

Indications for use are basically the same as for other similar drugs for rheumatoid arthritis, dermatoses, nephrotic syndrome, allergic diseases (bronchial asthma, etc.), Hodgkin et al.

Assign inside. A typical daily dose for adults is 0.002 - 0.003 g (2 - 3 mg); in severe cases, it increased to 0.004 -0.006 g, after the onset of the therapeutic effect of the dose is gradually reduced; maintenance dose is 0.0005 - 0.001 g (0.5 - 1 mg) per day. The daily dose administered in 2 - 3 doses during or after meals.

Babies administered depends on the age of 0.00025 g (2.1 = 0.25 mg tablets) 0.002 g (4 = 2 mg tablets) per day in 3 - 4 divided doses.

The drug was well tolerated. At therapeutic doses, it affects relatively little exchange of electrolytes and usually does not cause a delay of sodium and water in the body. It must, however, take into account that in large doses and with high sensitivity, and this drug can cause side effects that are typical of other glucocorticosteroids; Treatment should be under close medical supervision, taking into account the possible complications and contraindications.

Treatment stopped gradually, as well as the use of other corticosteroids; at the end of treatment is advisable to assign multiple corticotropin injection.

Product: pills to 0.0005 g (0.5 mg).

Storage: List B. In dry, dark place.

In severe cases, adrenal insufficiency, shock and unconsciousness, etc. administered intravenously and intramuscularly soluble form of dexamethasone (dexamethasone 21- phosphate sodium salt) produced in 1 ml ampoules containing 0.004 g of product (4 mg).

Dexamethasone-21-phosphate sodium salt was administered for 1 - 2 ml per day.

After reaching the therapeutic effect of dexamethasone is taken orally.

Retrobulbarno administered soluble dexamethasone (in ophthalmic practice).

In psychiatric practice, dexamethasone is used for the diagnosis of affective disorders (called deksimetazonovy test). Normally dexamethasone reduces the content of hydrocortisone (cortisol) in the blood.