dexamethasone

A potent synthetic analogue of cortisol, with similar biological action; used as an anti-inflammatory agent and as a test material for adrenal cortical function.

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dexa·meth·a·sone .dek-sə-'meth-ə-.sōn, -.zōn n a synthetic glucocorticoid C₂₂H₂₉FO₅ also used in the form of its acetate C₂₄H₃₁FO₆ or sodium phosphate C₂₂H₂₈FNa₂O₈P esp. as an anti-inflammatory and antiallergic agent see DECADRON

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n.

a corticosteroid drug used principally to treat severe allergies, skin and eye diseases, rheumatic and other inflammatory conditions, and hormone and blood disorders. It is administered by mouth or injection or as eye or ear drops; side-effects include sodium and fluid retention, muscle weakness, convulsions, vertigo, headache, and hormonal disturbances (including menstrual irregularities). Failure of injected (1 mg) dexamethasone to inhibit ACTH production (the dexamethasone suppression test) is a sensitive test for Cushing's syndrome. Trade names: Decadron, Maxidex.

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dex·a·meth·a·sone (dek″sə-methґə-sōn) [USP] a synthetic glucocorticoid, 25 times as potent as cortisol; used topically on the skin and conjunctiva as an antiinflammatory and administered orally in replacement therapy for adrenocortical insufficiency, as an antiinflammatory and immunosuppressant in a wide variety of disorders, and as an antiemetic in cancer chemotherapy. It is also used as a diagnostic aid in the detection of Cushing syndrome in the high-dose and low-dose dexamethasone suppression tests (see under test).