Last reviewed · How we verify
Dexamethasone Oral
Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid that suppresses the immune system and reduces inflammation by binding to glucocorticoid receptors in the cytoplasm.
Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid that suppresses the immune system and reduces inflammation by binding to glucocorticoid receptors in the cytoplasm. Used for Inflammatory and autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus), Allergic reactions and angioedema, Cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure.
At a glance
| Generic name | Dexamethasone Oral |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Pemadex, Dexmethsone, Dexa, dexamethsone, Dexamethasone |
| Sponsor | Hamad Medical Corporation |
| Drug class | Glucocorticoid (corticosteroid) |
| Target | Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology, Oncology (supportive care) |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Dexamethasone enters cells and binds to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, which then translocate to the nucleus and modulate gene transcription. This leads to decreased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduced immune cell activation and proliferation, and suppression of inflammatory mediators. The drug is approximately 25–30 times more potent than the natural glucocorticoid cortisol.
Approved indications
- Inflammatory and autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus)
- Allergic reactions and angioedema
- Cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure
- Adrenocortical insufficiency
- Certain malignancies (as adjunctive therapy)
- Severe infections (septic shock, COVID-19 with respiratory involvement)
Common side effects
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypertension
- Insomnia and mood disturbances
- Increased infection risk
- Osteoporosis (with chronic use)
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Cushingoid features (with prolonged use)
Key clinical trials
- Improving White Blood Cell Collection From Healthy Donors (PHASE4)
- A Clinical Study of Sacituzumab Tirumotecan (Sac-TMT, MK-2870) in People With Breast Cancer (MK-2870-032) (PHASE3)
- A Study to Investigate Blinatumomab in Combination With Chemotherapy in Patients With Newly Diagnosed B-Lymphoblastic Leukemia (PHASE3)
- A Study Comparing Anitocabtagene Autoleucel to Standard of Care Therapy in Participants With Relapsed/ Refractory Multiple Myeloma (PHASE3)
- Pediatric-Inspired Regimen Combined With Venetoclax and Immunotherapy for Adult Ph-Negative Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (NA)
- A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Sacituzumab Tirumotecan (MK-2870) Maintenance Treatment Versus Standard of Care in Participants With Platinum-sensitive Recurrent Ovarian Cancer (MK-2870-022/TroFuse-022/ENGOT-ov84/GOG-3103) (PHASE3)
- Arthrosemid vs. Steroid for the Management Knee Osteoarthritis (PHASE4)
- A Study to Learn About the Study Medicine Elranatamab Alone and With Daratumumab in People With Multiple Myeloma Who Have Received Other Treatments (PHASE3)
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:
- Dexamethasone Oral CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Dexamethasone Oral updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Hamad Medical Corporation portfolio CI