Dexamethasone

Question 1

Dexamethasone:
Classification -
1. ___

Answer 1

Classification -

1. Glucocorticoid

Question 2

Dexamethasone: 
Action - 
1. \_\_\_ 
2. \_\_\_ 
3. \_\_\_ 
4. \_\_\_

Answer 2

Action -

1. Synthetic steroid that is related chemically to the natural hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex.
2. Suppresses acute and chronic inflammation.
3. Potentiates the relaxation of vascular and bronchial smooth muscle by beta adrenergic agonists.
4. Possibly alters airway hyperactivity.

Question 3

Dexamethasone:
Onset of Action -
1. IV: ___
2. PO: ___

Answer 3

Onset of Action -

1. IV: 1 hour.
2. PO: 2 hours.

Question 4

Dexamethasone:
Duration of Action -
1. ___

Answer 4

Duration of Action -

1. 24-72 hours.

Question 5

Dexamethasone: 
Indication - 
1. \_\_\_ 
2. \_\_\_ 
3. \_\_\_ 
4. \_\_\_

Answer 5

1. Moderate to severe asthma, croup or COPD.
2. Moderate to severe allergic reactions.
3. Moderate to severe angioedema.
4. Anaphylaxis.

Question 6

Dexamethasone:
Contraindication -
1. ___

Answer 6

Contraindication -

1. Known hypersensitivity.

Question 7

Dexamethasone:
Use with Caution -
1. ___

Answer 7

Use with Caution -

1. Active untreated infections.

Question 8

Dexamethasone:
Dosage and Administration -
1. Adult: ___

Answer 8

Dosage and Administration -

1. Adult: 0.6 mg/kg PO/IV up to 10 mg.

Question 9

Dexamethasone:
Adverse Reaction -
1. _(List of 3)__

Answer 9

Adverse Reaction -

1. Hypertension, GI bleeding, Hyperglycemia

Question 10

Dexamethasone:
Dosage and Administration -
1. Pediatric: ___

Answer 10

Dosage and Administration -

1. Pediatric: 0.6 mg/kg PO/IV up to 10 mg.

Question 11

Dexamethasone:
Dosage and Administration -
1. Incompatible with ___
2. Medication should be ___

Answer 11

Dosage and Administration -

1. Incompatible with diphenhydramine (Benadryl); flush between medications.
2. Medication should be protected from heat.