Product Name: Dexamethasone
Chemical Name: 9-Fluoro-11β,17,21-trihydroxy-16α-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione
CAS Number: 50-02-2
Recommended Use: Glucocorticoid for pharmaceutical, veterinary, or research applications
Manufacturer: Contact local or regional distributor
Emergency Contact: Refer to regional poison control center or official emergency hotlines
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS for standard handling
Main Hazards: Can cause endocrine disruption, possible immunosuppression if inhaled or absorbed through skin in large amounts, irritation of eyes and respiratory system, may cause allergic reactions in some individuals
Label Elements: None required for standard laboratory or pharmacy use
Risk Phrases: May be harmful if swallowed or inhaled, may cause skin and eye irritation
Precautionary Statements: Avoid all unnecessary exposure, wear suitable protection, handle in well-ventilated space
Active Ingredient: Dexamethasone (purity typically >98%)
Other Components: Pharmaceutical excipients, inactive binders as per formulation
Impurities: May contain trace amounts of related corticosteroids from synthesis process
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, monitor breathing. Seek medical attention if symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath develop.
Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water. Remove and wash contaminated clothing. If irritation persists, contact a healthcare provider.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; keep rinsing. Consult a physician if redness or pain appears.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. Seek medical advice if discomfort or persistent symptoms occur.
General Advice: Show this safety data sheet to first responders or physicians.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
Special Hazards: Thermal decomposition may generate hazardous vapors including carbon oxides and halogenated compounds
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing to avoid exposure
Fire-Fighting Instructions: Avoid inhalation of combustion products, keep run-off water from entering drains, and use water spray to cool exposed containers
Personal Precautions: Use protective equipment, ensure proper ventilation
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering drains, water sources, or soil
Method for Cleanup: Sweep or scoop up spillage, place in a suitable labeled container. Clean spill area thoroughly—avoid creating dust. Dispose of collected material in accordance with local regulations.
Handling: Avoid all sources of dust, wear appropriate protective gear, and avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling. Use in fume hood or well-ventilated area.
Storage: Store in a tightly closed container in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place. Keep away from incompatible materials such as oxidizing agents. Protect from light and moisture; store at temperatures recommended by manufacturer, typically room temperature or below.
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or work in a chemical fume hood
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear lab coat, disposable gloves (nitrile recommended), and safety goggles. In case of high risk exposure, use NIOSH-approved respirator.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not allow dust or solution to remain on skin or clothing.
Exposure Limits: No established OSHA, NIOSH, or ACGIH occupational exposure limits as of latest revision.
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 262–264°C
Boiling Point: Not available
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, freely soluble in acetone and methanol
pH: Not applicable in powder form
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Relative Density: 1.29 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient (log Pow): 1.73
Other Properties: Stable at recommended storage conditions, sensitive to light
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures for at least two years from date of manufacture if stored as recommended
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, light exposure, strong oxidizers
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen fluoride under fire conditions
Reactivity: No dangerous reactions known under normal conditions
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Effects: May cause irritation to mucous membranes, headache, dizziness
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure can lead to adrenal suppression, immunosuppression, weight gain, hypertension, glucose intolerance
Toxicological Data: LD50 (rat, oral) >3000 mg/kg, LD50 (mouse, oral) >3000 mg/kg
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Other Effects: May affect hormonal balance, reproductive toxicity not ruled out in prolonged high exposure
Sensitization: Not reported, though hypersensitivity possible in susceptible individuals
Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms at sufficiently high concentrations; corticosteroids can affect aquatic life cycles
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately persistent; not readily biodegradable in environment
Bioaccumulative Potential: Bioaccumulation unlikely at low concentrations used in clinical or laboratory setting
Mobility in Soil: Moderate mobility expected; absorbs to some extent to soil particles
Other Adverse Effects: Prevent uncontrolled release into water systems to reduce ecosystem exposure
Disposal Methods: Dispose of product in accordance with federal, state, and local environmental control regulations
Incineration: Preferred method for large quantities—use a chemical incinerator equipped with afterburner and scrubber for vented gases
Small Quantities: May be disposed of through chemical waste programs
Contaminated Packaging: Triple-rinse containers, then offer for recycling or disposal
Precautions: Never discharge into drains, surface water, or soil directly
UN Number: Not classified as dangerous cargo under ADR, IMDG, or IATA regulations
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Protect package from physical damage, moisture, and keep separate from foodstuffs or pharmaceuticals not intended for corticosteroid use
Safety, Health, and Environmental Regulations: Not subject to major chemical restriction under REACH, TSCA, or DSL; pharmaceutical controls may apply
OSHA Hazard Communication: Not classified as a hazardous chemical under standard criteria, but handle as a pharmaceutical with respect for occupational exposure
SARA Title III: Not listed as hazardous
California Prop 65: No components present at greater than 0.1% are subject to labeling
Other Regulatory Controls: Prescription status, special disposal requirements for healthcare facilities, must follow all federal, state, and local laws regarding use and disposal
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