"Dexamethasone" is an artificially synthesized hormonal drug used in the treatment of inflammatory processes and allergic reactions, which has an antitoxic effect and anti-shock effect, which inhibits the immune system reactions. "Dexamethasone" during pregnancy is prescribed for the treatment of severe diseases of the body and with hormonal imbalance that can cause abortion.
Material Content:
Composition and release forms
"Dexamethasone" is a fluorine-containing glucocorticosteroid. The presence of fluorine molecules in the structure makes the drug more active in stopping inflammatory and allergic processes. The tool has a more effective effect on the body, compared with other corticosteroids.
The drug is produced in the form of tablets with an excellent concentration of the active substance, as well as in a solution for intramuscular, intravenous and intraarticular injection.
For use in ophthalmology, Dexamethasone eye drops are produced.
Why is the drug prescribed?
Failure in a hormonal background in a woman happens for various reasons. This prevents the onset of a long-awaited pregnancy or causes a miscarriage during its course. To normalize the amount of hormones in the female body, doctors use treatment with hormonal drugs.
During pregnancy, various restructuring processes occur in the female body, one of which is hyperandrogenism - this is an increased production of male sex hormones (androgens). Their high content provokes a miscarriage. In most cases, the causes of hyperandrogenism are diseases of the ovaries and adrenal cortex.
"Dexamethasone" during pregnancy is prescribed to preserve the fetus and prevent premature birth. The drug inhibits the synthesis of androgens by the adrenal glands and ovaries, contributing to the healthy development of pregnancy.
The immune system of the female body during pregnancy perceives the emerging new life as a threat and begins to reject it. "Dexamethasone" contributes to the preservation and development of the fetus. When the need for therapy disappears, the dose is reduced gradually.
Any treatment with the use of Dexamethasone, both when planning a pregnancy, and for its preservation, must be carried out according to the recommendations and under the supervision of a doctor.
Instructions for use at different stages of pregnancy
Instructions for use "Dexamethasone" includes general recommendations. Due to the active effect of the drug on the body, its dosage for treatment is selected by the doctor individually. Monitoring the effectiveness of therapy is carried out constantly and includes the mandatory delivery of blood and urine tests every 2 to 3 weeks. Depending on the hormone content of the pregnant woman, the therapeutic dose of the drug is adjusted.
In severe cases, drug treatment is carried out throughout the pregnancy.
In the initial stages of treatment, large doses of Dexamethasone are usually prescribed, followed by their reduction.
Discontinuation of the drug is carried out gradually, reducing the concentration of the previous dose by half. Reception continues for another week.
Pills
Dexamethasone tablets are available in 500 mcg, 1.5 mg and 4 mg doses. The packages contain from 10 to 50 pieces of the tabletted preparation.
To regulate the function of the adrenal cortex, 1 to 1.5 mg of the active ingredient per day is prescribed. The frequency of administration is from 1 to 3 times a day.
The treatment regimen is selected by the doctor depending on the individual characteristics of the patient's body.
Injections
The solution for injection is available in ampoules with a concentration of dexamethasone 4 mg / ml. Ampoules contain: 1 ml - 4 mg, 2 ml - 8 mg of the active substance.
Dexamethasone injections during pregnancy are prescribed only in case of risk of interruption or premature birth with a threat to the life of the child. The procedures are carried out in a hospital under the supervision of medical personnel. Intramuscular or intravenous infusion is applied either by jet or by drip, as prescribed by the attending physician. The dosage of the drug for injection is from 1 to 6 ml per day.
Injections are prescribed by the course, in the future, the patient is transferred to receive the drug in tablet form with a decrease in concentration.
Drug interaction
The concomitant use of Dexamethasone with other drugs can cause various reactions and negative changes in the body:
- with sedatives - the development of glaucoma is possible;
- with psychotropic drugs - the risk of cataracts;
- with drugs that lower blood sugar - a decrease in their effectiveness;
- with cardiac drugs - deterioration of their tolerance due to a decrease in the potassium content in the body;
- with other hormonal drugs, contraceptives - the development of acne or unwanted rapid hair growth;
- diuretics help reduce the effects of corticosteroids and excessive excretion of potassium.
In case of negative manifestations, medication should be discontinued and seek the advice of your doctor.
How does the drug affect the fetus
Uncontrolled use of "Dexamethasone" can adversely affect the development of the child:
- Long-term use of the drug throughout pregnancy can lead to slower fetal growth.
- In the first trimester and during lactation, careful monitoring is necessary, taking into account the expected positive dynamics from treatment and the negative impact on the development of the child.
- Taking the drug at the end of pregnancy can cause a violation of the function of the adrenal cortex in the newborn, which requires immediate corrective treatment.
- Particular control is necessary for the pregnant woman carrying the boy, since the fetus begins to produce additional hormones, which can provoke a miscarriage.
- In the case of a risk of preterm birth, Dexamethasone is used to open the lungs in the child, since the drug promotes the accelerated development of tissues, due to which the respiratory organs of the newborn are able to function normally.
In the case of taking the drug throughout pregnancy, after a successful birth, it is necessary to monitor the subsequent dynamics of the growth and development of the child.
Contraindications, side effects and overdose
“Dexamethasone” for pregnant women is prescribed by the attending physician after conducting appropriate examinations and risk assessments.
The main contraindications for taking the drug during pregnancy:
- intolerance, causing side effects, expressed in nausea, vomiting, dizziness, lowering blood pressure;
- obesity of the II and III stages, since Dexamethasone contributes to an additional gain in body weight;
- infections of any etiology;
- diseases of the stomach, liver, kidneys, expressed in acute form;
- diseases of the heart, blood vessels, joints, thyroid gland;
- mental disorders.
Despite the good tolerability of the drug in most patients, uncontrolled administration of the drug may result in undesirable consequences.
The maximum daily dose should not exceed 5 tablets.
Dexamethasone Analogs
Dexamethasone analogues are generally less effective and require a higher concentration in treatment. For example, Cortisone - 7 times, and Prednisolone - 35 times weaker. Replacing the drug and calculating the dosage of the analogue is carried out by the attending physician.
Each substitute has its own specific features that are taken into account when appointing:
- "Hydrocortisone" is administered through intraarticular injections for diseases of the joints;
- Alclomethasone gives good results in the treatment of inflammatory processes and skin diseases;
- "Hydrocortisone", Budesonide "- identical substitutes in ophthalmology;
- "Betamethasone" - fluorine-containing corticosteroids, is an equivalent analog drug;
- a number of other substitutes: "Prednisolone", "Methylprednisolone", triamcinolone acetonide, mometasone furoate.
Dexamethasone is a broad-spectrum corticosteroids, and it is impossible to select a replacement drug for the treatment of certain diseases.
The ability of "Dexamethasone" to eliminate the imbalance of hormones in the female body has been widely used in obstetrics, despite the warnings indicated in the attached instructions. A prerequisite for Dexamethasone therapy is constant monitoring by the attending physician and strict adherence to the dosage of the drug when used.
