Dexamethasone
A potent long-acting steroid. 0.15 mg/kg once for croup; 10 mg IV with bacterial meningitis; 16 mg daily for cord compression.
On this page
Uses
- Croup.
- Bacterial meningitis (adjunct, before or with the first antibiotic dose).
- Spinal cord compression, brain tumour oedema.
- Nausea (chemotherapy, post-operative).
Dose
| Indication | Dose |
|---|---|
| Croup | 0.15 mg/kg orally single dose (up to 0.6 mg/kg if severe) |
| Bacterial meningitis (adult) | 10 mg IV every 6 hours for 4 days |
| Bacterial meningitis (child) | 0.15 mg/kg IV every 6 hours for 4 days (max 10 mg) |
| Spinal cord compression | 16 mg orally or IV daily, then taper after definitive treatment |
Cautions
- High blood sugar, insomnia, agitation, stomach irritation (give a PPI with high doses).
- Avoid in suspected cerebral malaria and TB meningitis without specialist advice (TB meningitis may benefit; specialist decision).
Frequently asked questions
What is the dexamethasone dose for croup?
0.15 mg/kg orally as a single dose, up to 0.6 mg/kg in severe croup.
Used in these guides
Sources
Doses on this page are typical doses from the sources above. Always confirm with a current drug reference, the product leaflet and your hospital protocol, especially in children, pregnancy and kidney or liver disease.
For FCPS Part 1
Revising for FCPS Part 1? Dexamethasone is covered in our textbook chapter Asthma drugs and antihistamines, with practice MCQs.