Corticosteroids (Systemic)
| Drug |
Dosage |
Remarks |
| Dexamethasone |
0.5-10 mg PO 24 hourly or 0.4-20 mg IM/slow IV |
Adverse Reactions
- Ophthalmological effects (increased intraocular pressure, visual disturbances); GI effects (acute pancreatitis, peptic ulcer with possible perforation and hemorrhage); Other effects (fluid and electrolyte disturbance, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, cushingoid state, growth retardation, menstrual irregularities, manifestations of latent DM, impaired wound healing, convulsion and increased intracranial pressure with papilledema)
Special Instructions
- Contraindicated in patients with systemic fungal infection
- Use with caution in patients with CHF, DM, chronic renal failure, hypertension, GI diseases, recent intestinal anastomoses, osteoporosis, infectious diseases, myasthenia gravis, ocular herpes simplex, quiescent TB
- Risk of posterior subcapsular cataracts, glaucoma with possible damage to optic nerves and enhanced establishment of secondary ocular infections due to fungi or viruses upon prolonged use
|
| Hydrocortisone |
100-500 mg IV over 30 seconds-10 minutes
May be repeated 2-6 hourly |
| Methylprednisolone |
4-48 mg/day PO given in divided doses
or
10-40 mg IM/IV |
| Triamcinolone |
4-48 mg/day PO |
