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

However, this means that people taking dexamethasone might be more prone to getting ill from infections and viruses in their environment and may struggle to fight off those illnesses. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

Meanwhile, dexamethasone phosphate is a drug often used to treat severe allergic reactions, which often comes in an injection form. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024

Vail-Bon dietary supplement: This product is tainted with dexamethasone and chlorpheniramine, which can be harmful due to its side effects such as immune system suppression, allergic reactions, interference with lab tests and elevated blood sugar levels, according to MedlinePlus. —Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 30 Sep. 2024

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

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