Dexamethasone is a type of
steroid medication. It is used in the treatment of
rheumatic problems, a number of
skin diseases, severe
allergies,
asthma,
chronic obstructive lung disease,
croup,
brain swelling, and along with
antibiotics in
tuberculosis, among others. In
adrenocortical insufficiency it should be used together with a medication that has greater
mineralocorticoid effects such as
fludrocortisone. In
preterm labor it may be used to improve outcomes in the baby. It may be taken by mouth, as an
injection into a muscle, or
intravenously. The effects of dexamethasone are frequently seen within a day and last for about three days.