What is dexamethasone used for in babies?

What is dexamethasone used for in babies?

Croup is caused by a virus. Usually it is mild, and children get well without needing any treatment. Sometimes, however, a child has difficulty breathing. Dexamethasone will reduce inflammation (swelling) and help them to breathe more easily.

When do you give dexamethasone croup?

A single dose of dexamethasone has been shown to be effective in reducing the overall severity of croup, if administered within the first 4-24 hours after the onset of illness. The long half-life of dexamethasone (36-54 h) often allows for a single injection or dose to cover the usual symptom duration of croup.

Can you give dexamethasone to a baby?

Most adults and children (including babies) can take dexamethasone. Dexamethasone is not suitable for some people. Tell your doctor before starting on this medicine if: you have ever had an allergic reaction to dexamethasone or any other medicine in the past.

Is dexamethasone good for croup?

Based on expert opinion and consensus, dexamethasone is the recommended corticosteroid for treatment of croup because of its longer half-life (a single dose provides anti-inflammatory effects over the usual symptom duration of 72 hours). 32 Benefit has generally been demonstrated at doses of 0.15 to 0.60 mg per kg.

Does dexamethasone stunt growth?

Daily Inhaled Steroids Stunt Kids’ Growth, Study Shows Studies have consistently showed children’s height slows down for a few years after starting daily inhaled steroids as an asthma treatment; at these snapshots in time, they lag behind their peers by about 1 cm.

How long does it take for dexamethasone to kick in?

6. Response and effectiveness. Peak effects of dexamethasone are reached within 10 to 30 minutes of administration; however, it may take a couple of days before any inflammation is well controlled.

Can croup come back after steroids?

If your child is well enough to go home, the steroids they have had will continue to work for several hours. However, croup symptoms could return at any time, especially during the night.

Is dexamethasone fast acting?

Dexamethasone is a long-acting, systemic corticosteroid; its potency is about 25 times greater than the short-acting products.

How fast does dexamethasone work?

Peak effects of dexamethasone are reached within 10 to 30 minutes of administration; however, it may take a couple of days before any inflammation is well controlled.

What is the maximum dose of dexsol for croup?

However, a maximum dose of 10mg (25ml Dexsol Oral Solution) is recommended. The following dosage chart should be followed for the treatment of childhood croup at a dose of 0.15mg/kg.

How much dexamethasone can I give my 12 month old for croup?

• Give all children with mild, moderate, or severe croup a single dose of oral dexamethasone (0.15 mg/kg body weight). If it is not possible to weigh the child, as a rough guide the dose would be 1.5–2.0 mg for an average-sized child aged 12–15 months and 2–3 mg for an average-sized child aged 3–4 years2.

What is croup in children?

Croup is an inflammation of the larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), and bronchi (bronchial tubes) that is quite common in children as young as 3 months up to 5 years old. The inflammation causes these passageways to narrow, which can make breathing more difficult.

How do medications treat croup in children?

If croup is diagnosed, the provider may prescribe your child one of the following medications: A steroid, which helps reduce the airway swelling. After a dose, your child may begin to feel better in a matter of hours. Epinephrine, which can also reduce inflammation.