What Are Some Indications for Using Dexamethasone?
Discussion
Corticosteroids are a group of drugs which can be naturally or synthetically produced. Naturally occurring substances are produced in the adrenal gland, and are protein-bound (primarily corticosteroid-binding globulin and albumin). In the target tissues, they may need to be converted to an active substance. They are then reduced, oxidized, hydroxylated or conjugated as measures to inactivate them. Synthetic steroids have less protein binding and depending on their structure are more or less resistant to inactivation. Prednisone is the glucocorticoid most often used for treatment, especially as it has a short half-life. Prednisone must be converted to prednisolone to create any glucocorticoid effect. Asthma, acute severe dermatitis (e.g. poison ivy), chronic dermatitis (e.g. atopic dermatitis) are common uses of it for the primary care provider.
Systemic corticosteroids comparison:
Short acting
Cortisol or hydrocortisone, cortisone acetate
Lasts 8-12 hours
Anti-inflammatory activity = hydrocortisone is considered the standard
Intermediate
Prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone
Lasts 12-36 hours
Anti-inflammatory activity is increased 4-5 times, therefore an equivalent dose is less than hydrocortisone dosing (specific dosing must be checked)
Long acting
Betamethasone, dexamethasone
Lasts 36-72 hours
Anti-inflammatory activity is increased ~30 times, therefore an equivalent dose is substantially less than hydrocortisone dosing (specific do...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Pediatric Education Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news
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