A meta-analysis of seven clinical trials of critically ill COVID-19 participants, each treated with one of three different corticosteroids found a statistically significant reduction in death. The largest reduction was obtained with dexamethasone (36% compared to placebo).In September 2020, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) endorsed the use of dexamethasone in adults and adolescents, from twelve years of age and weighing at least 40 kilograms (88 lb), who require supplemental oxygen therapy. Dexamethasone can be taken by mouth or given as an injection or infusion (drip) into a vein.In November 2020, the Public Health Agency of Canadas Clinical Pharmacology Task Group recommended dexamethasone for hospitalized patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Although dexamethasone, and other glucocorticoids, reduce mortality in COVID-19 they have also been associated with an increased risk of secondary infections, secondary infections being a significant issue in critically ill COVID-19 patients.The mechanism of action of dexamethasone involves suppression of late-stage interferon type I programs in severe COVID-19 patients. Endocrine
Dexamethasone is the treatment for the very rare disorder of glucocorticoid resistance.In adrenal insufficiency and Addisons disease, dexamethasone is prescribed when the patient does not respond well to prednisone or methylprednisolone.It can be used in congenital adrenal hyperplasia in older adolescents and adults to suppress Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) production. It is typically given at night. Pregnancy
Dexamethasone may be given to women at risk of delivering prematurely to promote maturation of the fetus lungs.
The drug is available in most areas of the world. Nonmedical use
Dexamethasone is given in legal Bangladesh brothels to prostitutes not yet of legal age, causing weight gain aimed at making them appear older and healthier to customers and police.Dexamethasone and most glucocorticoids are banned by sporting bodies including the World Anti-Doping Agency. Veterinary use
Combined with marbofloxacin CAS number 115550-35-1and clotrimazole, dexamethasone is available under the name Aurizon, CAS number 50-02-2, and used to treat difficult ear infections, especially in dogs. It can also be combined with trichlormethiazide to treat horses with swelling of distal limbs and general bruising. See also
Dexamethasone suppression test

References
External links

"Dexamethasone". Drug Information Portal. U.S. National Library of Medicine. "Dexamethasone Ophthalmic". MedlinePlus. "Dexamethasone Injection". MedlinePlus.