dexamethasone |
<drug> Steroid analogue (glucocorticoid), used as an anti-inflammatory drug. (18 Nov 1997) |
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dexamethasone isonicotinate |
<chemical> 9-fluoro-11 beta,17,21-trihydroxy-16 alpha-methyl-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-isonicotinate. An anti-inflammatory, antiallergic glucocorticoid that can be administered orally, by inhalation, locally, and parenterally. It may cause water and salt retention. Pharmacological action: anti-allergic agents, steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, glucocorticoids, synthetic, glucocorticoids, topical. Chemical name: Pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione, 9-fluoro-11,17-dihydroxy-16-methyl-21-((4-pyridinylcarbonyl)oxy)-, (11beta,16alpha)- (12 Dec 1998) |
dexamethasone suppression test |
<endocrinology, investigation> A test that measures the response of the adrenal glands to ACTH. Dexamethasone is given to the patient and then blood cortisol levels are measured. Under normal conditions, cortisol levels should drop in response to dexamethasone. In this test one milligram of dexamethasone is administered in the morning and then the blood is drawn for analysis the following morning. Abnormal test results can indicate Cushing's syndrome. (27 Sep 1997) |