Dec Adr On

DECADRON 1. Name & class of drug – generic and trade name. GENERIC NAME: Dexamethasone acetate, dexamethasone sodium phosphate BRAND NAME: Dalalone D. P., Decadron-LA, Decaject-LA, Dexacen LA-S, Dexone LA, Dexone LA, Solurex LA, AK-Dek, Alba Dex, Decadrol, CLASSIFICATION: Hormones and synthetic substitutes, adrenal corticosteroid, glucocorticosteiroid 2. Dose range and routes for adult & geriatric client. PREPARATIONS: PO/IV/IM DOSING: tablets – 0.25mg, 0.5 mg, 0.75 mg, 1 mg, 1.5 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg, 6 mg Oral solution – 0.5 mg/5ml, 0.5 mg/0.5mg  *** I don’t understand this measurement, but it’s directly out of the book Topical aerosol – 0.01%, 0.04% Injection suspension – 8mg/ml, 16mg/ml Injection – 4mg/ml, 10mg/ml, 20mg/ml, 24mg/ml Cream – 0.3% Ophthalmic sol’n – 0.01% Ophthalmic ung - 0.05% 3. Purpose prescribed. Underline reason your client is prescribed drug. THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS: anti-inflammatory and immunosuppression properties USES: inflammatory conditions, allergic states, collagen diseases, hematologic disorders, cerebral edema, addisonian shock, palliative tx of neoplastic disease, adjunction short-term therapy in acute rheumatic disorders and GI diseases, diagnostic test for Cushing’s syndrome, differential diagnosis of adrenal hyperplasia and adrenal adenoma.

4. Major side effects & drug interactions. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Barbiturates increase steroid metabolism. Diuretics compound K+ loss. Ambenonium, neostigmine, pyridostigmine may cause muscle weakness in pts with myasthenia gravis. May inhibit antibody response to vaccines and toxoids. SIDE EFFECTS: Nasal irritation (aerosol), edema (cv), hyperglycemia (endocrine), posterior subcapsular cataract (special senses), oral candidiasis (GI), impaired wound healing (skin) 5. Nursing Implications & teaching. • • • • • • • •

Watch for hypoadrenocorticism: lack of response to med, malaise, orthostatic hypotension, muscular weakness, pain, N/V, anorexia, hypoglycemic reactions, mental depression Watch for hyperadrenocorticism: changes in appearance, easy bruising Hiccups that occur for several hours Evaluate electrolytes and bp at regular intervals Add K+ rich foods to diet Doses may need to be adjusted during periods of stress, inform Dr of changes in living condition D/C med gradually Prevent exposure to infection, trauma as drug is an immunosuppressor