Dexamethasone oral
Dexamethasone guidance for severe allergic and inflammatory reactions, with dose ranges based on severity and short-course taper cautions.
Therapeutic action
Long-acting steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (corticosteroid).
Indications
Symptomatic treatment of severe allergic and inflammatory reactions.
Forms and strengths
- 2 mg and 4 mg tablets.
Dose and duration
Dosage varies according to indication, reaction severity, and clinical response.
Child: 0.15 to 0.6 mg/kg, maximum 16 mg, once daily.
Adult: 0.5 to 24 mg, maximum 40 mg, once daily.
Duration varies according to indication. Due to dexamethasone's long half-life, treatment of 1 or 2 days is usually sufficient in asthma or croup.
If treatment lasts longer than 10 days, decrease doses gradually to avoid adrenal suppression.
Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions
- In case of systemic infection, only administer if the patient is under antimicrobial treatment.
- May cause adrenal suppression, muscle atrophy, growth retardation, increased susceptibility to infections, sodium and water retention, osteoporosis, hypokalaemia, and digitalis toxicity due to potassium loss in patients taking digitalis glycosides when high doses are used for prolonged treatment.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: no contra-indication; use the lowest effective dose.
Source
MSF Essential drugs practical guidelines (January 2026)
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