dexamethasone

noun

dexa·​meth·​a·​sone ˌdek-sə-ˈme-thə-ˌsōn 

-ˌzōn

: a synthetic glucocorticoid C₂₂H₂₉FO₅ used especially as an anti-inflammatory agent

Examples of dexamethasone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At least six products are on the FDA’s shortages list, including dexamethasone sodium phosphate and methylprednisolone acetate injections. —Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 12 Feb. 2024

The drug shortage extends beyond chemotherapy to what Marks called supportive drugs, ones like dexamethasone and other steroids that calm inflammation and ease nausea. —Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 5 Oct. 2023

First, in the early 2000s, there was a three-drug regimen with Revlimid (sold generically as lenalidomide), Velcade (Bortezomib) and dexamethasone, then in 2018 as a four-drug combination with the addition of Darzalex (daratumumab). —Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 1 Sep. 2023

Some other altitude sickness medications include dexamethasone and nifedipine. —Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 14 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

dexa- (blend of deca- and hexa-) + methyl + -a- (perhaps from pregnane, a parent compound of corticoid hormones) + -sone (as in cortisone)

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

dexamethasone

noun

dexa·​meth·​a·​sone ˌdek-sə-ˈmeth-ə-ˌsōn, -ˌzōn 

: a synthetic glucocorticoid C₂₂H₂₉FO₅ also used in the form of its acetate C₂₄H₃₁FO₆ or sodium phosphate C₂₂H₂₈FNa₂O₈P especially as an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agent see decadron