From the Research
Yes, dexamethasone can be given orally to pediatric patients, as it is commonly used for various conditions including acute asthma exacerbations, croup, and certain inflammatory disorders 1. The typical oral dosing for children is 0.15-0.3 mg/kg/day, divided into 1-4 doses, with a maximum of 10 mg/day. However, the exact dose and duration depend on the specific condition being treated and the child's age and weight.
Key Considerations
- Oral dexamethasone is available in tablet and liquid forms, making it easier to administer to children of different ages.
- When prescribing, it's essential to consider potential side effects, especially with prolonged use, such as growth suppression and adrenal insufficiency 2.
- Short courses (1-5 days) are often used for acute conditions and generally have a lower risk of significant side effects.
- Always taper the dose for longer courses.
- The oral route is preferred when possible due to its convenience and lower cost compared to parenteral administration, but effectiveness is comparable to other routes for most indications 3, 4, 5.
Administration and Efficacy
- A single dose of oral dexamethasone (0.3 mg/kg) can be an effective alternative to prednisone in treating mild to moderate asthma exacerbations in children 2.
- Injectable dexamethasone administered orally may also be an efficacious treatment for asthma exacerbation in pediatric patients 4.
- Single-dose dexamethasone offers a simple and reliable treatment for mild-to-moderate pediatric asthma exacerbations, with easier administration and compliance compared to traditional 5-day courses of prednisone or prednisolone 5.