dexamethasone
- Noun:
- A synthetic corticosteroid medication: Dexamethasone is a potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant drug belonging to the corticosteroid class. It is used to treat a wide range of conditions involving inflammation, allergic reactions, certain autoimmune disorders, and specific types of cancer.
- Noun:
- The doctor prescribed dexamethasone to reduce the severe inflammation in her joints.
- Dexamethasone is a critical component of treatment protocols for some patients with COVID-19.
- Patients receiving chemotherapy often take dexamethasone to manage nausea.
"High-dose dexamethasone": Refers to a treatment regimen using larger-than-standard amounts of the drug, often for specific conditions like certain blood cancers or severe autoimmune crises.
- The patient was started on a course of high-dose dexamethasone.
"Dexamethasone suppression test": A diagnostic test used in medicine, primarily to help diagnose Cushing's syndrome, where the body's response to dexamethasone is measured.
- The endocrinologist ordered a dexamethasone suppression test.
Corticosteroid (n): The broader class of steroid hormones to which dexamethasone belongs.
- Prednisone is another commonly prescribed corticosteroid.
Glucocorticoid (n): A more specific term for a class of corticosteroids, like dexamethasone, that affect carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism and have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Anti-inflammatory steroid: A descriptive term highlighting its primary therapeutic action.
- Corticosteroid agent: A formal term classifying it within a group of drugs.
"Dexamethasone pulse therapy": A treatment method involving intermittent, high-dose administration.
- Dexamethasone pulse therapy can be effective for sudden flare-ups of disease.
"To be on dexamethasone": To be undergoing treatment with this medication.
- She has been on dexamethasone for two weeks to control her asthma.
- Dexamethasone is a prescription medication with significant potential side effects, especially with long-term use. It should only be used under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
- Common brand names under which dexamethasone is sold include Decadron, Dexasone, and Hexadrol.
- a corticosteroid drug (trade names Decadron or Dexamethasone Intensol or Dexone or Hexadrol or Oradexon) used to treat allergies or inflammation