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Dexamethasone/Decadron


- See: Steroids

- Cerebral Edema:
    - 10mg IV initially, followed by 4mg IV/IM q6hr;
    - expect response in 12 to 24 hrs and dosage may be reduced after 2 to 4 days, and gradually discontinued after 5 to 7 days;

- Acute Allergic Rxn: Decadron Phosphate injection: 4 mg/ml
    - day one:   1 or 2 ml IM
    - day two:   4 tabs in two divided doses (0.75 mg)
    - day three: 4 tabs
    - day four:  2 tabs in divided doses
    - day five and day six:  1 tab qd

- Intraarticular:
    - decadron phosphate injections are recommended for use in conjunction with one of the less soluble, longer acting Steroids;
    - usual dose is 0.2 to 6 mg from  3 days to q 3 weeks;
    - Site of injection      Dose of Dexamethasone
         Knee joints               2.0 to 4 mg
         IP / TM joints            0.8 to 1 mg
         Bursae                    2.0 to 3 mg
         Tendon Sheaths            0.4 to 1 mg
         Soft tissue               2.0 to 6 mg
         Ganglia                   1.0 to 2 mg  

- Dosages:
    - usual initial dose = 0.75 mg to 9 mg PO;
    - supplied: tabs: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 4 mg, 6 mg;
    - decadron Phosphate injection varies from 0.5 to 9 mg/day depending on dz;
    - peds: 0.5-1 mg/kg IV loading, (IM loading 0.25-0.5 mg/kg) q6hr;  0.25 mg - 0.5 mg/kg/day maintenance q6hr



The use of dexamethasone in primary lumbar disc surgery. A prospective, randomized, double-blind study.