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IV dexamethasone
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 Cerebral edema associated with primary or metastatic brain tumors, Acute inflammatory and allergic conditions, Adrenocortical insufficiency.
At a glance
| Generic name | IV dexamethasone |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection USP, Decadron, Dexasone, decort, ST |
| Sponsor | University Health Network, Toronto |
| Drug class | Glucocorticoid (corticosteroid) |
| Target | Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology, Inflammation, 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 responses. The IV formulation provides rapid systemic delivery for acute inflammatory or immunosuppressive effects.
Approved indications
- Cerebral edema associated with primary or metastatic brain tumors
- Acute inflammatory and allergic conditions
- Adrenocortical insufficiency
- Severe infections (adjunctive therapy)
- Autoimmune and rheumatologic disorders
Common side effects
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypertension
- Insomnia and mood disturbances
- Immunosuppression and increased infection risk
- Hypokalemia
- Osteoporosis (with chronic use)
- Gastrointestinal upset
Key clinical trials
- Novel Combination Therapy in the Treatment of Relapsed and Refractory Aggressive B-Cell Lymphoma (PHASE2)
- Testing the Addition of the Anti-cancer Drug Venetoclax and/or the Anti-cancer Immunotherapy Blinatumomab to the Usual Chemotherapy Treatment for Infants With Newly Diagnosed KMT2A-rearranged or KMT2A-non-rearranged Leukemia (PHASE2)
- A Study of Sacituzumab Tirumotecan (Sac-TMT, MK-2870) as Monotherapy and in Combination With Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in Participants With Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (MK-2870-011/TroFuse-011) (PHASE3)
- 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)
- CB-839 HCl in Combination With Carfilzomib and Dexamethasone in Treating Patients With Recurrent or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (PHASE1)
- Sacituzumab Tirumotecan (MK-2870) Versus Pemetrexed and Carboplatin Combination Therapy in Participants With Epidermal Growth Factor (EGFR)-Mutated, Advanced Nonsquamous Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Who Have Progressed on Prior EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (MK-2870-009) (PHASE3)
- 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)
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:
- IV dexamethasone CI brief — competitive landscape report
- IV dexamethasone updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University Health Network, Toronto portfolio CI