Dexamethasone Therapeutic Uses, Mechanism of Action and Potential Side Effects

Dexamethasone is a potent, long-term acting synthetic glucocorticoid class of steroid drugs that have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant properties. The authors in this book discuss the therapeutic uses, mechanisms of action and potential side effects of dexamethasone. Topics include dexamethasone for the treatment of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS); dexamethasone effects in hyperinfection syndrome due to strongyloidiasis; dexamethasone use in retinal disease and anti-tumour activities; perioperative uses of dexamethasone; comparison between cortisol and dexamethasone negative feed-back action in humans; the effect of dexamethasone on parathyroid hormone-related protein expression by oral cancer cells; and the effects of dexamethasone on the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts.