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Authoritative Clinical Reference
| Parameter | Dose |
|---|---|
|
Starting dose
|
6 mg IV or oral once daily |
|
Titration
|
Not applicable — fixed dose regimen |
|
Usual maintenance dose
|
6 mg once daily |
|
Maximum dose
|
6 mg/day |
| Parameter | Dose |
|---|---|
|
Starting dose
|
10 mg IV stat (or 8–12 mg) |
|
Titration
|
Not applicable for loading |
| Parameter | Dose |
|---|---|
|
Starting dose
|
4 mg IV every 6 hours |
|
Titration
|
Taper based on clinical response once oedema controlled |
|
Usual maintenance dose
|
4 mg IV/oral every 6–8 hours |
|
Maximum dose
|
24 mg/day (higher doses rarely needed) |
| Parameter | Dose |
|---|---|
|
Starting dose
|
4–8 mg IV/IM every 8–12 hours |
|
Titration
|
Not applicable — short-term use |
|
Usual maintenance dose
|
4–8 mg IV/IM twice daily initially; then 4 mg oral once or twice daily |
|
Maximum dose
|
16 mg/day |
| Parameter | Dose |
|---|---|
|
Starting dose
|
12–20 mg IV/oral before chemotherapy (Day 1) |
|
Titration
|
Not applicable |
|
Usual maintenance dose
|
8 mg oral once or twice daily (Days 2–4) |
|
Maximum dose
|
20 mg on Day 1; 8 mg twice daily on subsequent days |
| Parameter | Dose |
|---|---|
|
Starting dose
|
8–12 mg IV/oral before chemotherapy |
|
Titration
|
Not applicable |
|
Usual maintenance dose
|
4–8 mg oral once daily (Days 2–3) |
|
Maximum dose
|
12 mg/day |
| Parameter | Dose |
|---|---|
|
Starting dose
|
4–8 mg IV/IM/oral |
|
Titration
|
Reduce dose as symptoms improve |
|
Usual maintenance dose
|
0.5–4 mg/day oral (if maintenance needed) |
|
Maximum dose
|
16 mg/day for acute phase |
| Parameter | Dose |
|---|---|
|
Starting dose
|
0.5–0.75 mg orally once daily (morning) |
|
Titration
|
Adjust based on symptoms and clinical response |
|
Usual maintenance dose
|
0.5–0.75 mg once daily |
|
Maximum dose
|
1.5 mg/day (equivalent to physiological replacement) |
| Parameter | Dose |
|---|---|
|
Starting dose
|
0.15 mg/kg IV every 6 hours (adult equivalent: ~10 mg IV every 6 hours) |
|
Titration
|
Not applicable |
|
Usual maintenance dose
|
0.15 mg/kg IV every 6 hours |
|
Maximum dose
|
10 mg IV every 6 hours |
| Indication | Dose | Duration | Supervision | Evidence Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Acute Spinal Cord Compression (Malignant) (OFF-LABEL)
|
Loading: 10–16 mg IV; Maintenance: 4–8 mg IV/oral every 6 hours | Until definitive treatment (surgery/radiotherapy); then taper | Specialist only (Oncology/Neurosurgery) | Indian oncology practice; reduces oedema and may improve neurological function temporarily |
|
ARDS (Non-COVID) (OFF-LABEL)
|
20 mg IV on Day 1, then 10 mg IV daily for Days 2–5, then taper | 10–14 days total with taper | Specialist only (Critical Care) | DEXA-ARDS trial; reduces mortality and ventilator days; Indian ICU practice |
|
Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) — First-line (OFF-LABEL)
|
40 mg oral once daily for 4 days; cycles may be repeated | 4-day pulses; repeat PRN | Specialist only (Haematology) | High response rate; alternative to prednisolone; Indian haematology practice |
|
Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia (AIHA) (OFF-LABEL)
|
0.5–1 mg/kg/day oral (equivalent prednisolone dose often used) | Weeks to months; taper based on response | Specialist only (Haematology) | Indian haematology practice |
|
Multiple Myeloma (as part of chemotherapy regimen) (OFF-LABEL)
|
20–40 mg oral weekly or per protocol (e.g., VRd, Rd) | Per chemotherapy protocol | Specialist only (Oncology) | Standard component of myeloma regimens |
|
Antenatal Corticosteroid for Fetal Lung Maturation (OFF-LABEL)
|
6 mg IM every 12 hours × 4 doses (total 24 mg) | Single course (4 doses over 48 hours) | Specialist only (Obstetrics) | RCOG/WHO recommendations; used when betamethasone unavailable; Indian obstetric practice |
| Parameter | Dose |
|---|---|
|
Starting dose
|
0.15–0.6 mg/kg oral/IM as single dose |
|
Titration
|
Not applicable — single dose usually sufficient |
|
Usual maintenance dose
|
Not applicable |
|
Maximum dose
|
12 mg (single dose) |
| Parameter | Dose |
|---|---|
|
Starting dose
|
0.15–0.3 mg/kg IV/IM/oral |
|
Titration
|
Not applicable for acute use |
|
Usual maintenance dose
|
0.15–0.3 mg/kg/day in 1–2 divided doses |
|
Maximum dose
|
6 mg/dose; 12 mg/day |
| Parameter | Dose |
|---|---|
|
Starting dose
|
0.15 mg/kg IV |
|
Titration
|
Not applicable |
|
Usual maintenance dose
|
0.15 mg/kg IV every 6 hours |
|
Maximum dose
|
10 mg every 6 hours (adult equivalent) |
| Parameter | Dose |
|---|---|
|
Starting dose
|
0.25–0.5 mg/m²/day oral in 1–2 divided doses |
|
Titration
|
Adjust based on 17-OHP levels, growth, bone age |
|
Usual maintenance dose
|
0.25–0.5 mg/m²/day |
|
Maximum dose
|
Individualised; avoid over-replacement |
| Parameter | Dose |
|---|---|
|
Starting dose
|
Protocol-specific (typically 6–10 mg/m²/day) |
|
Titration
|
Per protocol |
|
Usual maintenance dose
|
Protocol-specific |
|
Maximum dose
|
Protocol-specific (may exceed usual limits) |
| Age/Weight | Single Dose (Croup) | Asthma Dose (Daily) |
|---|---|---|
| 6–12 months | 1–2 mg | 1–1.5 mg/day |
| 1–2 years | 2–3 mg | 1.5–2 mg/day |
| 2–5 years | 3–4 mg | 2–3 mg/day |
| 6–12 years | 4–8 mg | 3–6 mg/day |
| >12 years | 8–12 mg | 6 mg/day |
| Indication | Age | Dose | Duration | Supervision | Evidence Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Antiemetic for Chemotherapy (OFF-LABEL)
|
≥1 year | 4–8 mg/m² IV before chemotherapy; 2–4 mg/m² oral for 2–3 days | Per chemotherapy cycle | Specialist only (Paediatric Oncology) | Standard paediatric oncology practice |
|
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) — Induction (OFF-LABEL)
|
Any age | 6–10 mg/m²/day in divided doses as per protocol | 28-day induction cycle | Specialist only (Paediatric Oncology) | Standard ALL protocols (BFM, COG) |
| Renal Function | Recommendation |
|---|---|
|
All eGFR levels
|
No dose adjustment required |
|
Haemodialysis
|
No supplemental dose required; not significantly dialysed |
|
Peritoneal Dialysis
|
No dose adjustment required |
Cautions
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
|
Overall Safety
|
Use only if benefit outweighs risk; crosses placenta |
|
Risk
|
First trimester: possible slight increase in orofacial cleft risk (data inconclusive); later pregnancy: generally well-tolerated short courses |
|
Preferred Alternatives
|
Prednisolone or prednisone preferred for long-term use (greater placental metabolism, less fetal exposure) |
|
Specific Indication
|
Fetal lung maturation (24–34 weeks): 6 mg IM every 12 hours × 4 doses; alternative to betamethasone |
|
When Use May Be Justified
|
Severe maternal illness (asthma, ARDS, COVID-19); fetal lung maturation; obstetric specialist supervision |
|
Monitoring
|
Maternal: blood glucose, BP, signs of infection; Fetal: growth if chronic exposure; Neonatal: glucose, adrenal function after maternal exposure |
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
|
Compatibility
|
Generally compatible with breastfeeding for short courses |
|
Expected Drug Level in Milk
|
Low (corticosteroids present in small amounts) |
|
Risk to Infant
|
Minimal with short-term maternal use; theoretical risk of adrenal suppression with high-dose prolonged exposure |
|
Preferred Alternatives
|
Prednisolone may be preferred (more data; greater maternal metabolism) |
|
Infant Monitoring
|
Growth, feeding, signs of adrenal insufficiency (rare) with prolonged high-dose maternal therapy |
|
Recommendation
|
Short courses acceptable; for prolonged high-dose use, consider alternatives or monitor infant |
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
|
Starting dose
|
Use lowest effective dose (typically lower end of dose range) |
|
Titration
|
Slower titration and taper; elderly more susceptible to adverse effects |
|
Increased Risks
|
Osteoporosis and fractures; hyperglycaemia and new-onset diabetes; hypertension; fluid retention and heart failure exacerbation; infections (including reactivation TB); delirium and psychiatric disturbance; GI bleeding (especially with NSAIDs); myopathy; cataracts; skin fragility |
|
Additional Precautions
|
Consider bone protection (calcium, vitamin D, bisphosphonate) for courses >3 months; monitor glucose; use PPI if GI risk factors; avoid NSAIDs if possible |
| Interacting Drug | Mechanism | Effect | Management |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Rifampicin, Rifabutin
|
Strong CYP3A4 induction | Significantly reduced dexamethasone levels and efficacy (may need 2–3× dose) | Increase dexamethasone dose; monitor clinical response; consider alternative steroid |
|
Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital
|
CYP3A4 induction | Reduced dexamethasone efficacy | May need dose increase; monitor response |
|
Ketoconazole, Itraconazole
|
CYP3A4 inhibition | Increased dexamethasone levels and toxicity | Use with caution; monitor for steroid adverse effects; reduce dose if necessary |
|
Ritonavir, Cobicistat
|
Strong CYP3A4 inhibition | Markedly increased dexamethasone exposure; Cushing syndrome risk | Avoid if possible; if essential, reduce dexamethasone dose significantly; monitor closely |
|
Live Vaccines (BCG, OPV, MMR, Varicella, Yellow Fever)
|
Immunosuppression | Risk of disseminated vaccine infection |
Avoid live vaccines during high-dose immunosuppressive therapy and for 3 months after
|
|
NSAIDs
|
Additive GI toxicity | Significantly increased risk of peptic ulceration and GI bleeding | Avoid combination if possible; if essential, co-prescribe PPI; monitor for GI symptoms |
|
Warfarin and other Vitamin K Antagonists
|
Unclear mechanism; variable effect on INR | May increase or decrease anticoagulant effect | Monitor INR closely when starting, stopping, or changing dexamethasone dose |
| Interacting Drug | Effect | Management |
|---|---|---|
|
Insulin, Oral Antidiabetics
|
Corticosteroids antagonise glucose-lowering effect | Monitor blood glucose frequently; adjust antidiabetic doses as needed |
|
Antihypertensives
|
Corticosteroids may reduce efficacy (fluid retention, vasoconstriction) | Monitor BP; may need antihypertensive dose adjustment |
|
Diuretics (Thiazides, Loop)
|
Additive hypokalaemia | Monitor potassium; supplement if needed |
|
Digoxin
|
Steroid-induced hypokalaemia may increase digoxin toxicity | Monitor potassium and digoxin levels |
|
Amphotericin B
|
Additive hypokalaemia | Monitor potassium closely; supplement as needed |
|
Fluoroquinolones (Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin)
|
Increased risk of tendon rupture | Use with caution; advise patient to report tendon pain |
|
Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus
|
Mutual inhibition of metabolism; possible additive immunosuppression | Monitor drug levels; watch for toxicity of both agents |
|
Aspirin (Anti-inflammatory doses)
|
Additive GI bleeding risk; steroids may increase aspirin clearance | Co-prescribe PPI; monitor for GI symptoms; may need aspirin dose adjustment |
|
Oestrogens / Oral Contraceptives
|
May increase corticosteroid effect (reduced clearance) | Monitor for steroid adverse effects |
|
Neuromuscular Blocking Agents (Pancuronium, Vecuronium)
|
May enhance or prolong neuromuscular blockade | Use with caution in ICU setting |
| Adverse Effect | Clinical Action |
|---|---|
|
Adrenal Suppression / Adrenal Crisis (on abrupt withdrawal after prolonged use)
|
Never stop abruptly after >7–10 days use; taper gradually; stress-dose steroids during illness/surgery |
|
Peptic Ulcer with Haemorrhage/Perforation
|
Consider PPI prophylaxis in high-risk patients; discontinue if severe GI symptoms; endoscopy if bleeding |
|
Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis) (especially femoral head)
|
High-dose/prolonged use; investigate hip pain; MRI for diagnosis; orthopaedic referral |
|
Severe Infections / TB Reactivation / Opportunistic Infections
|
Screen for latent TB before prolonged use; maintain high suspicion for infection (fever may be masked) |
|
Hyperglycaemia / New-Onset Diabetes / DKA
|
Monitor glucose; treat with insulin if needed; may require admission in severe cases |
|
Severe Psychiatric Reactions (psychosis, severe depression, mania, suicidal ideation)
|
May require dose reduction or discontinuation; psychiatric consultation |
|
Posterior Subcapsular Cataract / Glaucoma
|
Ophthalmologic evaluation for chronic use; may need treatment |
|
Osteoporotic Fractures
|
Bone protection for prolonged use; DEXA scan; treat osteoporosis |
|
Growth Suppression in Children
|
Use lowest effective dose; alternate-day therapy if possible; monitor growth |
|
Myopathy (Steroid Myopathy)
|
Proximal weakness; CK usually normal; reduce dose; physiotherapy |
|
SJS/TEN (rare)
|
Discontinue immediately; dermatology consultation; hospitalisation |
|
Anaphylaxis (rare, especially with IV)
|
Discontinue; emergency management |
| Timing | Parameters |
|---|---|
|
Baseline (before starting, especially for prolonged use)
|
Blood glucose (FBG, HbA1c); blood pressure; weight; serum electrolytes (potassium); complete blood count; chest X-ray or Mantoux/IGRA for latent TB (if >2 weeks planned use); bone density (DEXA) if osteoporosis risk; ophthalmologic examination (baseline) |
|
Short-term use (<2 weeks)
|
Blood glucose (daily if diabetic or hospitalised); BP; clinical assessment for adverse effects |
|
After initiation of prolonged therapy (2–4 weeks)
|
Blood glucose; electrolytes; BP; weight; signs of infection; mood/behaviour |
|
Long-term use (every 1–3 months)
|
Blood glucose/HbA1c; BP; weight; potassium; signs of Cushing syndrome; infections; mood; growth (children); DEXA annually; ophthalmologic examination annually |
|
Before discontinuation
|
Assess HPA axis suppression (if >2 weeks use); plan taper; educate on stress dosing |
| 0.5 mg tablet | ₹0.80–₹3.00 per tablet | — |
|---|---|---|
| 4 mg tablet | ₹2.00–₹6.00 per tablet | — |
| 4 mg/mL injection (2 mL) | ₹8–₹25 per ampoule | NLEM listed |
| 8 mg/2mL injection | ₹15–₹40 per ampoule | — |
| 0.1% eye drops (5 mL) | ₹25–₹60 | — |
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