Dexamethasone’s story began in the late 1950s, when chemists searched for new synthetic corticosteroids to address ailments linked to inflammation and overactive immune responses. Dr. Philip Showalter Hench and his colleagues had already shown the world the power of cortisone, and enthusiasm for the class ran high. In the race to refine steroid therapy, researchers at Merck produced dexamethasone, which quickly outperformed older synthetic glucocorticoids by reducing unwanted salt retention and bringing stronger anti-inflammatory action. The FDA approved the drug in 1958, and it found a place in hospitals and clinics for conditions ranging from allergies to severe autoimmune flares. Over the years, dexamethasone has touched nearly every specialty—doctors draw on its power to calm lungs in premature babies, to shrink tumors, to anchor COVID-19 protocols, and to lessen symptoms in advanced cancers.
Dexamethasone shows up on pharmacy shelves and hospital carts in tablets, oral solutions, injectable forms, and as an ingredient in combination therapies. By dampening immune signals, it blunts swelling, pain, and tissue damage. Doctors use it to control everything from life-threatening asthma attacks to basic allergic rashes. In cancer clinics, its value rises again—calming nausea, shrinking brain metastases, or shielding against chemotherapy side effects. The World Health Organization lists dexamethasone as an essential medicine because of this broad reach.
Chemists describe dexamethasone using the formula C22H29FO5 and a molecular weight just over 392 g/mol. It forms a white or almost white crystalline powder, sparingly soluble in water but easily dissolved in alcohol and acetone. Its melting point falls around 262°C. The structure contains a fluoro group attached at the 9-alpha position, boosting the biological punch and fine-tuning its receptor binding. These tweaks to the original cortisone backbone let dexamethasone do its job with long-acting precision and minimal unwanted water retention.
Pharmaceutical labeling lays out the drug’s potency—usually as dexamethasone sodium phosphate for injections or as the plain base for tablets and elixirs. Dosage forms come in 0.5, 2, 4, and 8 mg strengths, with copious warnings about gradual withdrawal and monitoring during long-term courses. Quality standards, set in pharmacopeias worldwide, aim to guarantee purity above 98%, control impurities, and verify that every lot releases medicine as intended. Storage requirements and shelf life draw on decades of careful observation. Each label flags interactions with vaccines, diabetes medications, and blood thinners to reduce avoidable risks.
Making dexamethasone begins with the construction of the basic steroid skeleton. Chemists start with a starting material like 16-dehydropregnenolone or related precursors. Synthesis steps introduce the essential 9-fluoro and 16-methyl substituents using regiospecific fluorination and methylation reactions. Functional groups at key positions are tweaked through catalytic reductions, oxidations, and halogen exchange—all carried out in clean-room factories that keep out moisture and contaminants. Crystallization and purification steps ensure the active ingredient meets strict criteria for pharmaceutical use, finishing with careful drying and packaging away from light and heat.
Chemists shape dexamethasone with reactions that control chirality and site-selectivity, given how sensitive steroid hormones can be to minor changes. Adding a fluorine atom at C9 gives stronger glucocorticoid action, while a methyl group at C16 counters unwelcome mineralocorticoid effects like swelling and hypertension. In the lab, esters such as dexamethasone acetate and phosphate increase water solubility for injectable or ophthalmic use. Researchers still tinker with the molecule, hoping to split its powerful anti-inflammatory actions from the long-term risk of bone loss or infection.
Pharmacies recognize dexamethasone by dozens of names. Trade names like Decadron, Dexona, and Maxidex dot clinic records. Chemists know it under synonyms such as Hexadrol, MK-125, and NSC 34521. Brand-to-brand variation matters little for safety or effectiveness, since international regulations force adherence to the same chemical identity and purity. What matters for patients is having access to the right dosing form, whether that's a single-use ampoule, a dropper bottle for eye surgery, or a blister pack of tablets for a carefully tapered home regimen.
Hospitals and pharmacies rely on tight rules when handling dexamethasone, since mistakes come with risk. Repeated high doses can trigger infections, mood swings, or fractures. Sterile technique keeps injectables uncontaminated, while pharmacy automation supports precise pill counts. Doctors stay wary of interactions—live vaccines, insulin, and anticoagulants top the list. Nurses warn patients never to stop suddenly, because sudden steroid withdrawal can cause an adrenal crisis and threaten life. Medical teams focus on balancing short-term relief with long-term risks, screening for osteoporosis and monitoring blood pressure along the way.
Doctors plug dexamethasone into a host of protocols. In rheumatology, it shines during difficult lupus or rheumatoid arthritis flares. Pulmonologists draw on it for severe asthma, COPD, or to reduce swelling during allergic reactions. In the operating room, anesthesiologists use it to prevent nausea and swelling from surgery. Oncology guidelines call on dexamethasone to shrink tumors, block allergic reactions to certain chemotherapies, and temper pain. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the RECOVERY trial in the UK proved its worth—dexamethasone cut deaths among the sickest patients by a dramatic margin. Dosing and duration always come down to balancing immediate benefit with the threat of diabetes, infections, and muscle breakdown.
Bookcases groan under the weight of research on dexamethasone. Scientists investigate new delivery systems, hoping for extended-release patches or biodegradable implants to stabilize joints or eyes with less frequent dosing. AI tools now scan big data for genetic signatures that predict who will benefit best from steroids or who is most at risk for psychosis or weight gain. Studies probe new anti-inflammatory targets downstream from dexamethasone, looking for safer compounds that can relieve suffering without thinning bones or spiking blood sugar.
The power of dexamethasone always comes with a catch. Toxicity research points to classic steroid risks: suppressed growth in children, thinning bones, increased risk of infection, and swings in mood or sleep. Repeated or high-dose courses thin out immune surveillance, and wounds can take longer to heal. Laboratory animals receiving large doses develop muscle wasting, ulcers, and changes to their metabolic profile, particularly with long-term use. Very high doses given rapidly can create arrhythmias or even heart failure—doctors keep crash carts close by in rare situations. Monitoring and gradual dose reduction remain cornerstones of safe use, but scientists continue searching for ways to separate the healing effects from the long shadow of side effects.
Dexamethasone isn’t leaving modern medicine any time soon. The COVID-19 crisis cemented its legacy as lifesaving for patients on ventilators. New formulations in the pipeline target precision dosing and fewer complications—nanoparticles, microneedle patches, and depot injections may bring relief to patients with fewer outpatient visits. Advances in genetic screening could help doctors pick the safest dose, giving patients with genetic risk for diabetes or mental health struggles a tailored plan. As the drug patents long expired, low cost will keep dexamethasone near the top of essential medicine lists worldwide. The challenge ahead involves squeezing even more benefit from the molecule while finding ways to minimize the classic risks of steroid therapy, giving people relief from inflammation and immune storms without long-term sacrifice.
Dexamethasone shows up in clinics and hospitals everywhere. Walk into an emergency room, and you’ll see it stocked, ready for use. It belongs to a group of drugs called corticosteroids. Unlike over-the-counter pain pills, dexamethasone brings a powerful ability to calm the body’s immune storm.
I’ve seen this drug make a big difference during severe asthma attacks. Someone struggling to breathe finally catches a break after a dose reaches their system. That’s because dexamethasone reduces inflammation deep inside the lungs, opening the airways. Doctors often reach for it in allergies that spill over into dangerous swelling, or in hives that just won’t quit.
This drug isn’t limited to asthma. It steps in for people with autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, fighting the uncontrolled inflammation that would otherwise damage joints and organs. People who have received organ transplants depend on it too—without something to throttle their immune system, the new organ would get rejected.
Back in the height of COVID-19, every hospital person I knew kept an eye on the news about dexamethasone. A major study out of the UK called RECOVERY found that patients with severe COVID-19, the ones needing oxygen or ventilators, survived more often when they received this medicine. It doesn't stop the virus, but it reins in the body’s overreaction—the same violent immune response that pushes lungs and hearts to the brink.
Many cancer patients receive it to help cope with chemotherapy. It cuts swelling, tames nausea, and helps the appetite. I’ve watched patients finally eat again thanks to this drug. It’s not a cure, but it makes the fight against cancer a little less brutal, and in brain tumors, it keeps swelling down in a space where there’s little room to spare.
No medicine comes without drawbacks. Dexamethasone brings side effects that doctors watch for carefully—bone thinning, high blood sugar, mood swings. People with diabetes notice their sugar readings jump after a few days on it. Some folks find sleep turns choppy and moods unpredictable. For short-term emergencies, most deal with these side effects. The bigger challenge arrives during long-term use. That’s where regular check-ins with health professionals matter. Calcium and vitamin D often come into play to protect bones, and regular blood work gives early warning for issues like infection.
Medicine doesn’t stand still. New treatments come out every year, but dexamethasone doesn’t fade into the background. Its balance of cost, power, and proven results keeps it relevant. Doctors and patients need to talk openly about the plan, so everyone knows what to expect. Smart use means keeping doses as low as possible for the shortest time needed—getting benefit without inviting trouble later.
Every time dexamethasone gets prescribed, a provider balances past evidence and current need. Studies back up its benefits as well as the risks. If there’s one lesson from decades of use, it’s that listening to patients, recognizing warning signs, and adapting over time helps everyone get the most from this old workhorse. As medicine becomes more precise, this drug continues to bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and everyday care.
Dexamethasone often plays a big role in hospitals and clinics. It’s a corticosteroid, a medicine doctors rely on to calm down terrible swelling or stubborn autoimmune issues. Plenty of folks started hearing about it during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it helped patients with serious lung trouble. It’s easy to see why so many put trust in this medication—doctors, nurses, and pharmacists see its effects up close every day. Yet, those same health pros know this pill or injection can make people feel downright different, and not always in ways that boost spirits or give relief.
The face might puff up a bit, hands feel a little swollen, or pants start to fit tighter around the waist. Fluid retention comes with the territory. I’ve watched my own neighbors, recovering from major surgeries, shake their heads over the round cheeks staring back from the mirror—a classic “moon face” doctors call it. Muscle aches or weakness can creep in. Thin skin and easier bruising appear, especially for older people. Acne, along with a few extra hairs in strange spots or more pronounced body hair, catches people off guard. Sometimes folks just describe feeling “off” or tired, like their energy got sucked out.
Dexamethasone ramps up hunger for so many. I’ve seen plates twice their usual size disappear at family dinners, with someone then joking about their “steroid munchies.” Rapid weight gain follows. If someone in the house starts buying bigger pants after starting this med, chances are it’s not just bad luck. On the flip side, sleep sometimes takes a hit. Restlessness at midnight and a brain that can’t shut down—insomnia keeps more than a few up till odd hours.
Some don’t expect this medication to tinker with their heads, but the mind often runs faster or bounces between moods. Flashes of anxiety, periods of blues, or agitation show up. Family members sometimes whisper about housemates seeming “edgier” or snapping more. Trouble concentrating shadows the day, making it harder to read the news or finish a crossword. For many, this part carries more weight than the physical symptoms. Mental health stays just as important as blood sugar or blood pressure when looking at steroid use.
Blood sugar tells its own story. Dexamethasone ramps sugar levels—people living with diabetes spot the change quickly. Extra finger pricks, more careful meal planning, and sometimes new insulin orders come into the picture. For folks without a diabetes diagnosis, new blood sugar numbers prove surprising. White blood cells don’t always respond right, giving infections a head start. A cold that lingers or a cut that won’t heal sets off warning bells, and talking to a provider gets especially critical.
Doctors warn about bone thinning after long-term steroid use. Some folks add calcium and vitamin D, check bone density, and do light exercises to fight off osteoporosis. Blood pressure rises push some toward new medicines or lifestyle tweaks. Regular check-ins really help. Honest talks with health pros, and laying all concerns on the table, make a difference. Reading up, logging symptoms, and calling for help at the first odd sign help catch problems and make life smoother. A little teamwork goes a long way in handling the power—and problems—of dexamethasone.
Working in healthcare, few drugs carry the weight Dexamethasone does. It’s part of every hospital crash cart, standard kit in clinics, even home packs for folks with allergy histories. Experience teaches that this is no everyday pill—how you take Dexamethasone shapes everything about how it works, including the risks.
Dexamethasone comes as tablets, liquids, eye drops, and injectable forms. Each comes with its own set of reasons: Pills and liquids work for everyday inflammation or immune problems like asthma. Injections are for urgent situations, such as bad allergic reactions or severe asthma attacks. Eye drops handle swelling in the eye after surgery or injury.
I’ve seen patients get surprised by how much a missed step can change outcomes. Not eating before a dose sometimes means stomach pain. Starting or stopping suddenly might bring on weakness, mood changes, or make an old illness flare up. The rule never changes: Follow the dose your doctor sets. Medical teams set the schedule after weighing factors like body weight, age, the problem being treated, and even other drugs you’re on.
Most adults take their Dexamethasone dose in the morning, with food. Taking it with a meal helps protect the stomach. Doses often get spread throughout the day for serious conditions, so checking with a pharmacist never hurts. Missing a dose, or stopping suddenly after a long run, opens the door to withdrawal—headaches, fatigue, even dangerous adrenal crisis. Certain diseases like lupus or COPD need a carefully shortened dose over days or weeks, not a sudden stop.
Long runs on this medicine sometimes cause side effects: swelling, blood sugar spikes, infection risk goes up. Plenty of patients with diabetes need more sugar checks when on Dexamethasone. Other folks end up with mood swings or trouble sleeping. After decades watching patients, it’s clear that honest talks about side effects—before trouble starts—make the biggest difference. Reporting swelling, fevers, confusion, chest pain, vision changes as soon as they appear can head off worse problems.
Before picking up that first prescription, smart patients ask about dose, schedule, and what foods or other medicines to avoid. Grapefruit juice, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, and certain vaccines all mix badly. Checking these details saves headaches for everyone—patients, doctors, family members caring at home.
Family members who write down times and doses on a sheet on the fridge seem to have the smoothest time. Doctors who deal with chronic diseases recommend pill organizers for good reason—they stop double doses, skipped pills, and confusion between morning and night. Pharmacists help by suggesting reminders or apps, especially for anyone juggling more than one medicine.
In the end, Dexamethasone saves lives. How you take it decides whether you get better—or hit bumps that don’t need to happen. Talking with your doctor, never making changes on your own, keeping track of the schedule, and speaking up about symptoms, form the building blocks that keep this powerful medicine working safely. Every patient has a different story—building good habits turns Dexamethasone from a risky tool into a real help.
Dexamethasone has a reputation for saving lives in hospitals. Doctors trust it for asthma, certain cancers, brain swelling, and severe COVID-19 cases. People sometimes don’t realize this drug packs a punch, even at low doses. The hype around its success stories sometimes buries the hard realities that come with it. Growing up with a family member taking steroids for arthritis taught me that even miracle drugs can turn sour if you’re not careful.
Dexamethasone belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids, meant to mimic hormones your adrenal glands make for handling inflammation and stress. Drug regulators like the FDA and EMA flag dexamethasone for prescription-only use because risks squat right next to benefits. And the side effects don’t always show up right away. Among the most serious warnings: long-term use can suppress the immune system. For anyone with a weakened system already, an extra infection could mean a trip to the ER or worse.
Some side effects ride under the radar until they spiral out of control. Blood sugar jumps can show up, especially in people with diabetes. Weight gain and mood changes creep in after a couple of weeks. I’ve seen firsthand how tough it gets for people dealing with “steroid rage” or sleeplessness, making life rough for the person taking it and their support circle. High blood pressure, fluid retention, and even sudden vision changes can all stem from dexamethasone. One of the most insidious issues – bone weakness – builds quietly over time, leading to osteoporosis and a much higher fracture risk, especially in older folks.
Dexamethasone loves to blunt the body’s normal defenses. Tuberculosis, oral thrush, and hidden infections can get worse without much warning. Health authorities around the world recommend regular checkups and tell patients to report fevers and persistent coughs. The CDC and WHO both underline that people should never self-medicate with corticosteroids for “minor” illness, even with COVID-19.
Pediatricians stay vigilant when prescribing dexamethasone for kids, as growth can slow, and mental health struggles can appear. Pregnant people or those who might become pregnant must weigh risks, as exposure can affect fetal development, especially in the first trimester. Studies show a possible association between prolonged use and low birth weight, plus minor birth defects. Expecting parents deserve a straight talk about these risks before agreeing to this medication.
Decision-making with dexamethasone always comes down to balancing the good with the bad. Open conversations with a trusted healthcare provider make a huge difference; people need space to ask about alternatives. Taking the lowest possible effective dose for the shortest duration stands out as one of the smartest moves – a message hammered in training and echoed by patient advocacy groups like the National Institutes of Health. Staying alert to any new symptoms, keeping follow-up appointments, and never suddenly stopping the medicine without medical guidance can ward off many of the worst complications. For anyone prescribed dexamethasone, old-fashioned vigilance still works best.
Dexamethasone often comes up in conversations about treating inflammation, allergies, or serious illnesses. Its reputation as a strong corticosteroid is well-earned. I’ve seen it work wonders in a hospital setting. It’s helped cancer patients breathe better and given relief to folks stuck in the weeds of chronic illness. Yet, nothing about a powerful medication comes simple. Especially not the way it behaves with other drugs people may already be taking.
Conversations with pharmacists and doctors confirm my own experience: the list of drugs that play badly with dexamethasone feels like it goes on forever. Let’s talk antibiotics. Mixing dexamethasone with drugs such as clarithromycin or erythromycin can push up the steroid levels in the blood, sometimes to a point where side effects start popping up. I’ve noticed this most in older folks with long medication lists, and the fallout ranges from shaky hands to confusion you never saw coming.
People on blood thinners like warfarin often run into issues. Dexamethasone can lower the effect of these anticoagulants, raising the risk of clots. On the flip side, some antifungal medications ramp up steroid levels, turning routine symptoms into complicated diagnoses. Imagine a person with diabetes having to juggle rising blood sugars because their steroid dose and their antifungal medicine clashed—nobody wants to play that guessing game.
What sticks with me is how many people don’t realize that it’s not just prescription drugs. Over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen gets risky when steroids enter the picture, as the stomach lining gets hammered from both sides. That means double the odds for ulcers or bleeding. Even basic daily supplements like St. John’s wort can nudge the liver into breaking down dexamethasone too quickly, which leaves you less protected from the medical reason you needed steroids in the first place.
The World Health Organization points out that more than a third of dangerous drug interactions can be avoided with real conversation between patient and doctor. Many hospitals have drug-interaction alerts built into their systems these days, but plenty of prescribing happens outside of electronic safety nets. I’ve noticed this gap in clinics swamped by patients, or in rural areas where resources don’t reach as far. Adverse reactions still slip by. In a 2022 systematic review, corticosteroid interactions—dexamethasone included—accounted for a significant slice of all hospital readmissions linked to meds. That tells me the problem often appears on the ground, not just in research papers.
Clear communication always wins. Every new medication deserves a double-check with a professional. Digital apps and pill organizers help, though nothing replaces face-to-face talk with a pharmacist or doctor. Doctors who encourage their patients to bring up herbal supplements, vitamins, and even that aspirin someone takes “just in case” protect their patients the most. With medicines as potent as dexamethasone, there’s no margin for guessing. Everyone deserves to stay safe—no matter how many meds are on their nightstand.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | (8S,9R,10S,11S,13S,14S,16R,17R)-9-fluoro-11,17-dihydroxy-17-(2-hydroxyacetyl)-10,13,16-trimethyl-6,7,8,10,12,14,15,16-octahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one |
| Other names |
Decadron
Dexasone Hexadrol Maxidex Ozurdex Baycadron |
| Pronunciation | /ˌdɛk.səˈmɛθ.ə.səʊn/ |
| Preferred IUPAC name | (8S,9R,10S,11S,13S,14S,16R,17R)-9-fluoro-11,17-dihydroxy-17-(2-hydroxyacetyl)-10,13,16-trimethyl-6,7,8,9,10,11,12,14,15,16-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one |
| Other names |
Decadron
Dexasone Hexadrol Maxidex Ozurdex Baycadron DexPak Zema-pak |
| Pronunciation | /ˌdɛk.səˈmɛθ.ə.səʊn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 50-02-2 |
| Beilstein Reference | 627414 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:41879 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL39 |
| ChemSpider | 21100 |
| DrugBank | DB01234 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03e3a8d7-d263-4f51-b8c7-95e7fc3c27b5 |
| EC Number | 5.3.1.24 |
| Gmelin Reference | 23209 |
| KEGG | C00247 |
| MeSH | D008403 |
| PubChem CID | 5743 |
| RTECS number | QM1992000 |
| UNII | 7S5I7G3JQL |
| UN number | UN2811 |
| CAS Number | 50-02-2 |
| Beilstein Reference | 639490 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:41879 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL14 |
| ChemSpider | 21100 |
| DrugBank | DB01234 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 05d11f8a-7add-4c0c-8dbe-11cdc7b2aa98 |
| EC Number | 5.3.1.24 |
| Gmelin Reference | 35206 |
| KEGG | C00247 |
| MeSH | D008769 |
| PubChem CID | 5743 |
| RTECS number | QM9455000 |
| UNII | XB6TZ4V3JB |
| UN number | UN2811 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C22H29FO5 |
| Molar mass | 392.461 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to practically white, odorless, crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.42 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Sparingly soluble |
| log P | 1.83 |
| Vapor pressure | 4.96E-14 mmHg |
| Acidity (pKa) | 12.25 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 12.12 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -9.2 × 10⁻⁶ |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.566 |
| Dipole moment | 2.61 D |
| Chemical formula | C22H29FO5 |
| Molar mass | 392.461 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to almost white, crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.41 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Sparingly soluble |
| log P | 1.83 |
| Acidity (pKa) | 12.42 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 12.48 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -8.5e-6 |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.566 |
| Viscosity | Viscosity not reported |
| Dipole moment | 1.27 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 374.5 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -730.6 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -6312 kJ/mol |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 587.8 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -671.8 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -6452 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | H02AB02 |
| ATC code | H02AB02 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | May cause endocrine disruption, immunosuppression, gastrointestinal disturbances, psychiatric effects, and increased infection risk. |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | Look for medical advice before use, Keep out of reach of children, Do not use during pregnancy, Prescription only, Do not stop abruptly |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | No hazard statements. |
| Precautionary statements | Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Use only as directed by your doctor. Do not use after the expiration date. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-2-0 |
| Flash point | 233.3 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | Lethal Dose (LD50) (rat, oral): 16 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Mouse oral LD50 = 16 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | DQ787U602J |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.75 mg |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | No IDLH established. |
| Main hazards | Danger! Causes serious eye irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07, GHS08 |
| Pictograms | GH,IN,LP,NO,RV,SA,SM,SS,VS |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child. |
| Precautionary statements | P201, P202, P281, P308+P313, P405, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-0-0 |
| Flash point | 233.3 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): 16 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose) of Dexamethasone: 16 mg/kg (oral, rat) |
| NIOSH | WV3150000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | 5 mg/m3 |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.75 mg |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not listed |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Betamethasone
Hydrocortisone Prednisolone Methylprednisolone Triamcinolone Fludrocortisone Corticosterone Desoximetasone |
| Related compounds |
Betamethasone
Prednisolone Hydrocortisone Triamcinolone Methylprednisolone |