The drug Dexamethasone, in ampoules produced, is a synthetic analogue of hormones, which are synthesized by the adrenal cortex. The list of disorders and diseases in which a drug is used is wide. Dosage, frequency and duration of administration depend on the type of pathology, age of the patient and the stage of the disease.
What is the purpose of Dexamethasone in ampoules?
The drug in this form, the doctors use when there is an urgent need to replenish the concentration of the hormone in the blood. Only a specialist can prescribe Dexamethasone, the indications for the application of which are as follows:
- Disorders of the endocrine system: insufficiency of the adrenal cortex of acute type, primary and secondary forms of insufficiency, congenital hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex, thyroiditis in acute form.
- Shock conditions of the body - burns, trauma, poisoning of the body (with no ineffectiveness of vasoconstrictor drugs, plasma substitutes)
- Edema of the brain as a consequence of a tumor, TBI, surgery, bruising, meningitis.
- Asthmatic status - pronounced spasm of bronchi, chronic obstructive bronchitis .
- Anaphylactic shock .
- Acute dermatosis .
- Malignant diseases: treatment of leukemia, lymphoma.
- Diseases of the blood - hemolytic states, agranulocytosis. Often used Dexamethasone for lifting leukocytes .
Dexamethasone in Pregnancy Planning
Often, the drug can be found in the list of appointments for expectant mothers. At the same time, women themselves are interested in doctors, for which they prescribe Dexamethasone in the planning of pregnancy. The main goal pursued by physicians is the therapy of hyperadromia. This disorder is characterized by a persistent increase in male sex hormones in the bloodstream of a woman. This violation hinders the onset of conception, and when it occurs - the risk of premature birth and the interruption of pregnancy on a short term is increased.
Dexamethasone in Pregnancy
In most cases and after the onset of conception, women continue to take Dexamethasone in ampoules, but at a lower dosage. Doctors warn the body against a possible spontaneous abortion against the background of increased concentrations of androgens. However, Dexamethasone for pregnant women can also be prescribed for other disorders:
- The high risk of premature birth - the drug contributes to the early maturation of the lungs of the baby, which makes the fetus viable.
- The presence in the family of a mother of relatives with an inborn violation - a lack of hormones of the adrenal cortex.
- Severe, life-threatening pregnancies: severe allergic reactions, shock, autoimmune, rheumatic diseases.
Dexamethasone for children
The drug Dexamethasone can also be prescribed for the treatment of children - both infants and older children. Selection of dosage, duration and frequency of drug use is carried out individually. Among the possible violations, in which Dexamethasone can be used in children, it is necessary to distinguish:
- anaphylactic shock;
- cerebral edema as a result of trauma, meningitis, tumor;
- insufficient function of the adrenal cortex;
- toxic, burn shock;
- Crohn's disease ;
- ulcerative colitis;
- glomerulonephritis;
- hemolytic anemia;
- leukemia.
Dexamethasone - contraindications for use
Dexamethasone in ampoules can not always be used. There are a number of disorders and diseases in which the drug is prohibited for use. Given this feature, it is unacceptable to independently use the drug Dexamethasone, the contraindications to the use of which are the following:
- hypersensitivity to individual components of the drug;
- systemic fungal diseases;
- amoebic infections;
- infectious processes in the joints and around the joint tissues;
- tuberculosis in active form;
- the period preceding the establishment of preventive vaccinations, and after their implementation;
- glaucoma;
- infectious diseases of the eyes.
Dexamethasone - side effects
With proper use of the drug Dexamethasone, side effects are rare. In most cases, their appearance is due to the neglect of the doctor's recommendations or the independent use of the medicine. Dexamethasone injections, the use of which will be discussed below, often provoke side effects of the following type:
- On the part of the endocrine system - diabetes steroid type, decreased susceptibility of the body to glucose, decreased adrenal function, Itenko-Cushing syndrome, delay in puberty in adolescents.
- On the part of the digestive system - nausea, vomiting, steroid stomach ulcer, pancreatitis, intestinal bleeding, decreased or increased appetite, hiccups, flatulence.
- From the cardiovascular system - arrhythmia, bradycardia, heart failure, increased blood pressure, hypercoagulable (increased blood clotting).
- Nervous system - disorientation, euphoria, hallucinations, psychosis, paranoia, increased intracranial pressure, nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, dizziness.
- On the part of the musculoskeletal system - a slowdown in growth and ossification processes, myalgia, muscle spasm, weakness, fatigue.
Dexamethasone - application
Assigning patients Dexamethasone in ampoules, the method of administration (introduction) of the drug the doctor determines, according to the goal. This takes into account the necessary speed to achieve a therapeutic effect. Dosage regimen is individual and depends on the patient's condition and response to ongoing therapy. The drug can be injected intramuscularly, intravenously drip and jet. It is also possible local administration of the drug in pathological education. Athletes may use Dexamethasone for weight gain.
Dexamethasone intramuscularly
The drug is used in strict accordance with medical prescriptions. In the muscle, Dexamethasone for injection is injected slowly, over the entire length of the needle. The dosage is indicated by the doctor and calculated individually. The drug can be administered at 4-20 mg 3-4 times a day. The maximum single dose for adults can be 80 mg. With long-term therapy to maintain the effect achieved, the drug is administered in a smaller dose - 0.2-9 mg. The duration of the course of treatment is usually 3-4 days, after which the drug continues to be taken orally.
Dexamethasone - Dropper
Intravenously, the drug is administered in severe disorders requiring medical attention. In order to prepare a solution for drip, an isotonic solution of sodium chloride or a 5% solution of dextrose is used. With the appointment of the drug Dexamethasone, the dosage is selected individually. In large doses, the drug is administered only until the patient's condition is stabilized. This takes 48-72 hours. A single dose of Dexamethasone in ampoules can reach 20 mg and can be administered up to 4 times a day. The drug drips slowly.
Dexamethasone for inhalations
For this purpose, the drug is used in severe bronchospasm. The contents of 1 ampoule of Dexamethasone are dissolved in 20-30 ml of physiological solution. The resulting mixture is poured into the inhaler and used for the procedure. The duration of one manipulation should not exceed 10 minutes. The number of procedures per day and the duration of the course of such therapy is established by the doctor, which takes into account the type of disorder, its stage, the severity of the clinical picture, the presence or absence of additional symptoms.
Where to store dexamethasone in ampoules?
According to the instructions that comes with the kit, the solution of Dexamethasone should be stored at a temperature of at least +25 degrees. It is necessary to choose a dark, inaccessible place for the child. Shelf life of the injection form of the drug is 5 years. After opening the package, the drug in tablets and eye potassium must be used within 28 days. Ampoules can be stored under the above conditions until the date indicated on the medicine package.
Dexamethasone - analogs in ampoules
With the development of an allergic reaction, the inability to use the drug due to side effects, similar medicines can be prescribed. Most of them contain the same dexamethasone, but the auxiliary components are different. Patients who are not suitable for dexamethasone, analogs may be prescribed the following:
- Dexamed;
- Megadexan;
- Dexazone;
- Maxidex;
- Dexapos.
As an alternative means can be used drugs of the group of glucocorticoids:
- Hydrocortisone;
- Budesonide;
- Mometasone.