Other Names for Decadron
Decadron is the brand name for dexamethasone, a synthetic corticosteroid medication. 1, 2
Generic and Brand Name Information
The generic name is dexamethasone, which is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Decadron 1, 2
Dexamethasone sodium phosphate is the specific chemical form used in injectable formulations, while oral tablets contain dexamethasone base 1, 2
The chemical designation is 9-fluoro-11β,17,21-trihydroxy-16α-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione with molecular formula C₂₂H₂₉FO₅ 1
Clinical Context
Dexamethasone is a long-acting, potent systemic corticosteroid with approximately 25 times greater potency than short-acting products like hydrocortisone 3
The drug has been widely used in neurosurgery and oncology since its synthesis by Glen E. Arth in 1958 4
In medical literature and clinical practice, the terms "dexamethasone" and "dex" are commonly used abbreviations, particularly in combination chemotherapy regimens (e.g., "MPT" for melphalan-prednisone-thalidomide with dex, or "PI/dex" for proteasome inhibitor with dexamethasone) 5
Available Formulations
Oral tablets: Available as dexamethasone tablets in 4 mg and 6 mg strengths 1
Injectable solution: Dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection at 4 mg/mL concentration, suitable for intravenous, intramuscular, intra-articular, intralesional, and soft tissue administration 2
The oral and intravenous formulations have equivalent bioavailability with 1:1 conversion (40 mg IV = 40 mg oral) 6