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Comparator: dexamethasone
Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid that suppresses the immune system and reduces inflammation by binding to glucocorticoid receptors.
Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid that suppresses the immune system and reduces inflammation by binding to glucocorticoid receptors. Used for Inflammatory and autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis), Cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure, Severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.
At a glance
| Generic name | Comparator: dexamethasone |
|---|---|
| Also known as | DEXAMETHASONE TABLETS USP |
| Sponsor | Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC |
| Drug class | Glucocorticoid (corticosteroid) |
| Target | Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology, Rheumatology, Oncology (supportive care) |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Dexamethasone acts as a potent corticosteroid that inhibits phospholipase A2, reducing prostaglandin and leukotriene production, and suppresses T-cell and B-cell proliferation. It decreases inflammatory cytokine production and increases anti-inflammatory mediators, making it effective for reducing inflammation and immune-mediated responses across multiple organ systems.
Approved indications
- Inflammatory and autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis)
- Cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure
- Severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
- Adrenocortical insufficiency
- Supportive care in cancer therapy (chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, prevention of hypersensitivity reactions)
Common side effects
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypertension
- Insomnia and mood disturbances
- Increased infection risk
- Osteoporosis (with chronic use)
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Cushingoid features (with chronic use)
Key clinical trials
- A Study to Assess Change in Disease Activity and Adverse Events (AE)s in Adult Participants With Multiple Myeloma Receiving Etentamig (ABBV-383) as an Intravenous (IV) Infusion Alone or in Combination With Oral, IV, Subcutaneous Daratumumab; Lenalidomide; Dexamethasone; Carfilzomib (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Opioid-Free Pain Protocol After Shoulder Arthroplasty (PHASE4)
- Effectiveness Of Alcohol Addition In Ultrasound-Guided Periarticular Sacroiliac Joint Injection (NA)
- Effect of Aspirin and Folic Acid for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (PHASE3)
- Long-term Follow-up of a Cochlear Implant With Dexamethasone Eluting Electrode Array
- Treatment of COVID-19 by Nebulization of Inteferon Beta 1b Efficiency and Safety Study (PHASE2)
- Quadratus Lumborum Versus Placebo in Open Ventral Hernia Repair (NA)
- Cochlear Implant With Dexamethasone Eluting Electrode Array (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Comparator: dexamethasone CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Comparator: dexamethasone updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC portfolio CI