Dexamethasone (Viatris)™

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Replacement Therapy:,Adrenocortical insufficiency - Dexamethasone has predominantly glucocorticoid activity and, therefore is not a complete replacement therapy in cases of adrenocortical insufficiency. Dexamethasone should be supplemented with salt and/or a mineralocorticoid, such as deoxycorticosterone. When so supplemented, dexamethasone is indicated in the following: Acute adrenocortical insufficiency - Addison's disease; bilateral adrenalectomy Relative adrenocortical insufficiency Prolonged administration of adrenocortical steroids can produce dormancy of the adrenal cortex. The reduced secretory capacity gives rise to a state of relative adrenocortical insufficiency which persists for a varying length of time after therapy is discontinued. Should a patient be subjected to sudden stress during this period of reduced secretion (for up to two years after therapy has ceased) the steroid output may not be adequate. Steroid therapy should, therefore be reinstituted to help cope with stress such as that associated with surgery, trauma, burns or severe infections where specific antibiotic therapy is available. Primary and secondary adrenocortical insufficiency.,Disease Therapy: Dexamethasone is indicated for therapy of the following diseases - 1. Collagen diseases. Systemic lupus erythematosus, polyarteritis nodosa, dermatomyositis, giant cell arteritis, adjunctive therapy for short-term administration during an acute episode or exacerbation, acute rheumatic carditis -during an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy. 2. Pulmonary disorders. Status asthmaticus, chronic asthma, sarcoidosis, respiratory insufficiency. 3. Blood disorders. Leukaemia, idiopathic thrombocytopaenic purpura in adults, acquired (autoimmune) haemolytic anaemia. 4. Rheumatic diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, adjunctive therapy for short-term administration during an acute episode or exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. 5. Skin diseases. Psoriasis, erythema multiforme, pemphigus, neutrophilic dermatitis, localised neurodermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, sarcoidosis of skin, severe seborrhoeic dermatitis, contact dermatitis. 6. Gastrointestinal disorders. Ulcerative colitis, regional enteritis. 7. Oedema. Cerebral oedema associated with primary or metastatic brain tumours, neurosurgery or stroke, oedema associated with acute non-infectious laryngospasm (or laryngitis). 8. Eye disorders. Allergic conjunctivitis, keratitis, allergic corneal marginal ulcers, chorioretinitis, optic neuritis, anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy. 9. Neoplastic states. Cerebral neoplasms, hypercalcaemia associated with cancer, leukaemias and lymphomas in adults, acute leukaemia in children. 10. Endocrine disorders. Adrenal insufficiency.,Preoperative and postoperative support: Dexamethasone may be used in any surgical procedure when the adrenocortical reserve is doubtful. This includes the treatment of shock due to excessive blood loss during surgery.,Shock: Dexamethasone may be used as an adjunct in the treatment of shock. Refer to section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration. Dexamethasone should not be used as a substitute for normal shock therapy.

Source: ARTG

• Shelf lifetime is 18 Months
• Store below 25 degrees Celsius
• Protect from Light

Source: ARTG

Non-composite pack

This medicine contains one component only.

Component

• Injection
• Intrasynovial
• 2mL amber vial with rubber stopper and aluminium seal

Source: ARTG

These medicine packs are available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is Schedule 4: Prescription Only Medicine.?What is the medicines and poisons schedule?

All medicines and poisons in Australia are categorised by how they are made available to the public. Medicines with a low safety risk are usually less tightly controlled than medicines with a higher safety risk. This system is called ‘scheduling’. You can read more about the scheduling of medicines as well as the different scheduling categories on our Scheduling of medicines and poisons information page.

• 10
• 5

Source: ARTG

This medicine is not listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Talk to your pharmacist about how much it will cost.

Source: PBS

For the active ingredient: Dexamethasone phosphate

You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.

Source: AHT

If you experience a side effect from this medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Or report it directly to the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration).

You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at Report an adverse event or safety problem (Opens in new tab)

Source: ARTG

Healthdirect medicines information is not intended for use in an emergency. If you are suffering an acute illness, overdose, or emergency condition, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

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