Dexamethasone

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Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid steroid first developed in its pharmaceutical form in 1957. It is indicated for the treatment of a variety of inflammatory conditions and presentations across a range of different body systems and disorders (DrugBank, 2024). It is recommended for the management of the common childhood condition croup, which manifests as primary laryngotracheitis and is symptomatic of a barking cough (Hibberd et al, 2024).

The versatility of dexamethasone therapy is demonstrated in its ability to be effective via various routes of administration, including oral tablets, intravenous and intramuscular injections. It can also be given as intravitreal implants in the eye and otic suspension for ear infections.

The mode of action of dexamethasone is to bind to glucocorticoid receptors. These receptors are responsible for initiating inflammatory reactions and, by blocking these, the body's natural responses are inhibited. The inflammatory processes such as vasodilation, capillary permeability and leukocyte accumulation at the site of the infection are reduced.