Dexamethasone (Decadron) Nursing Considerations

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Dexamethasone

Trade Name

Decadron

Indication

Manage cerebral edema, assess for Cushing’s Disease

Action

Suppress inflammation and normal immune response. Used in inflammatory states to decrease inflammation.

Therapeutic Class

Antiasthmatics, corticosteroids

Pharmacologic Class

Corticosteroids

Nursing Considerations

• Excreted by the liver – monitor liver profile • Avoid in active untreated infections • May cause CNS alterations • May cause peptic ulcers • May cause Cushingoid appearance (buffalo hump, moon face) • Weight gain • Osteoporosis • Decrease wound healing • May elevate blood sugars • May increase cholesterol and lipid values