— Product
DEXAROS INJ 2ML
DEXAMETH 2ML INJ
DEXAROS INJ 2ML is a 2 ml injection of dexamethasone, a potent long-acting corticosteroid given intramuscularly, intravenously or by local injection. It is used for severe allergic reactions, cerebral oedema, acute inflammatory conditions, shock, and as an adjunct in a range of acute medical emergencies.
01
Benefits
- Potent and rapid suppression of inflammation and immune response where an oral steroid would act too slowly.
- The drug of choice in cerebral oedema associated with brain tumours, where it reduces intracranial pressure.
- Minimal mineralocorticoid activity, so it causes less sodium and water retention than hydrocortisone.
- Widely used in severe croup, in acute asthma, and as an antiemetic adjunct in chemotherapy.
- Also used in obstetrics to accelerate fetal lung maturation before anticipated preterm delivery.
- The single-dose ampoule suits emergency and clinic use.
02
Side effects
Not everyone gets these. Most are mild and settle as the course finishes.
Common
- Rise in blood glucose
- Flushing of the face
- Insomnia or restlessness
- Increased appetite
Less common
- Mood disturbance, agitation or euphoria
- Rise in blood pressure
- Delayed wound healing and increased susceptibility to infection
- Perineal irritation or tingling after rapid intravenous injection
Stop and get medical help if any of these occur
- Signs of infection — fever, spreading redness, or increasing pain at an injected site
- Severe abdominal pain, or black or tarry stools
- Marked confusion, agitation or psychotic symptoms
- Very high blood glucose with thirst, frequent urination and drowsiness
- Severe breathlessness or rapid swelling of the legs
03
Precautions
- For administration by a qualified healthcare professional only.
- Contraindicated in systemic fungal infection and in untreated infection at the site of a proposed local injection.
- Raises blood glucose markedly. Diabetic patients need close monitoring and often a temporary increase in therapy.
- Corticosteroids mask the signs of infection and impair the response to it.
- Rapid intravenous injection can cause transient perineal burning or tingling; give slowly.
- Repeated or prolonged dosing suppresses the adrenal axis — do not stop abruptly after extended use.
- Use with caution in peptic ulcer disease, uncontrolled hypertension, heart failure, osteoporosis, glaucoma and psychiatric illness.
- Live vaccines are contraindicated during and shortly after significant corticosteroid exposure.