Consumer medicine information

DBL Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

DBL Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection Ampoule

Active ingredient

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate

Schedule

What is in this leaflet

This leaflet answers some common questions about DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection.

It does not contain all the available information.

It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you being given DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection against the benefits they expect it will have for you.

If you have any concerns about being given this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep this leaflet in a safe place. You may need to read it again.

What DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection is used for

Dexamethasone phosphate (as sodium) is a glucocorticoid and belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. It may be used to treat an inactive or underactive adrenal gland or to treat a number of different diseases such as certain immune disorders and skin problems, asthma or arthritis.

Corticosteroids reduce inflammation, one of the body’s reactions to injury. Except for its use in the treatment of underactive adrenal glands, dexamethasone phosphate (as sodium) does not cure disease; it treats the symptoms.

Your doctor may have prescribed DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection for another reason. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection has been prescribed for you.

DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection is not addictive.

This medicine is available only with a doctor’s prescription.

Before you are given DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection

When you must not be given it

You should not be given DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection if you have an allergy to dexamethasone phosphate (as sodium) or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:

shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing
swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body
rash, itching or hives on the skin.

You should not be given DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection if you have an internal fungal infection.

You should not be given DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection if you have recently been given a live vaccine such as smallpox or polio/sabin, unless you are being given the dexamethasone phosphate (as sodium) for replacement therapy.

If you are not sure whether you should be given DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Before you are given it

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergies to:

any other medicines
any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Like most corticosteroid medicines, dexamethasone phosphate (as sodium) is not generally recommended for use during pregnancy. Your doctor will discuss with you the possible benefits and risks of using DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection during pregnancy.

Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection may pass into breast milk, and there is a possibility that the breast-fed baby may be affected. Therefore, DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection is not recommended for use during breast-feeding.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have been given any vaccines recently.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have or have had any medical conditions, especially the following:

diabetes, a disorder of sugar metabolism or control
current of recent infections
heart failure or a recent heart attack
kidney disease
liver disease
thyroid disease
inflammation of the bowel wall or other bowel problems
high blood pressure
eye diseases, including infections, ulcers or allergies
epilepsy, seizures or convulsions
a stomach ulcer
intestinal disease
weak or brittle bones
myasthenia gravis, a muscle wasting disease.

If you have not told your doctor or pharmacist about any of the above, tell them before you are given DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection.

Taking other medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines and DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection may interfere with each other. These include:

barbiturates or phenytoin, medicines used to treat epilepsy
aspirin, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, especially phenylbutazone
insulin or other medicines for the control of sugar in the blood
oestrogens and other oral contraceptives
anti-thyroid medicines used to treat an over active thyroid gland
fluid tablets, particularly frusemide and thiazides or other medicines affecting the kidneys
anticoagulant medicines (medicines to prevent blood clots), such as warfarin or heparin
any recent vaccinations or immunisations
cyclosporin, a medicine used to prevent transplant rejection
rifampicin or amphotericin, medicines used to treat infections
digoxin, a medicine used to treat heart conditions
aminoglutethimide, a hormone used treat breast cancer.

These medicines may be affected by DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection or may affect how well it works. You may need different amounts of your medicine, or you may need to take or use different medicines. Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you.

Your doctor and pharmacist may have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while you are being given DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection.

How DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection is given

How much is given

The dose of DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection is variable, depending upon the condition being treated. It may be given as a course of injections or as a single dose. Your doctor will decide what dose will receive. This depends on your condition and other factors, such as your weight.

As soon as an improvement in your condition is noticed, the dosage should be adjusted to the minimum required to control the symptoms.

How it is given

DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection is given as a slow injection or infusion (intravenous drip) into the veins. It may also be given as an injection into an injured muscle or joint.

DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection should only be given by a doctor or nurse.

Overdose

As DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection is most likely to be given to you in hospital under the supervision of your doctor; it is very unlikely that you will receive too much.

However, if you experience severe side effects tell your doctor or nurse immediately. If you are not already in hospital, go to the Accident & Emergency Department at your nearest hospital or immediately contact the Poisons Information Centre for advice on overdose (In Australia, call 13 11 26. In New Zealand, call 0800 764 766).

Symptoms of a DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection overdose may include the side effects listed below in the ‘Side Effects’ section but are usually of a more severe nature.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns.

While you are being given DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection

Things you must do

Tell any other doctors, dentists, and pharmacists who are treating you that you are being given DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection.

If you are about to be started on any new medicine, tell your doctor, dentist or pharmacist that you are being given DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection.

If you plan to have surgery that needs a general anaesthetic, tell your doctor or dentist that you are being given DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection.

If you become pregnant while you are being treated with DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection, tell your doctor immediately.

If you get an infection while you are being given DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection, you must tell your doctor immediately. Like most corticosteroid medicines, dexamethasone phosphate (as sodium) may mask or hide the symptoms of an infection.

Things to be careful of

Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection affects you. As with other corticosteroid medicines, DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection may cause dizziness in some people.

Make sure you know how you react to DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection before you drive a car, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy. If this occurs do not drive. If you drink alcohol, dizziness may be worse.

If you have been given DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection for a painful or inflamed joint, you should be careful not to overuse the joint as long as the inflammation is still present.

Side effects

Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are being treated with DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection.

Dexamethasone phosphate (as sodium) helps most people with immune disorders or inflammation, but it may have unwanted side effects in a few people. All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects. If you are over 65 years of age you may have an increased chance of getting side effects.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.

If you only receive one or two doses of DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection, side effects are rare. With higher doses, or longer-term therapy, side effects become more common.

Tell your doctor or nurse if you notice any of the following and they worry you:

nausea and vomiting
'gas' or abdominal bloating
bad taste in the mouth
menstrual irregularity
weight gain
fluid retention
increased body hair
easy bruising
slow wound healing
muscular weakness
headache
dizziness
thin, fragile skin
acne
reduced growth in children.

Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you notice any of the following:

signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching or hives on the skin; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing
severe stomach pain
blood in the faeces
irregular heartbeat
changes in vision
changes in mood
joint pain or broken bones
seizures or convulsions.

These may be serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention. Serious side effects are rare.

Other side effects not listed above may occur in some patients.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.

Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.

After using DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection

Storage

DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection will usually be stored in the pharmacy or on the ward. The injection is kept in a cool dry place, protected from light, where the temperature stays below 25°C.

Product description

What it looks like

DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection is a clear, colourless solution. It is available in an ampoule.

Ingredients

Active ingredient:

dexamethasone phosphate (as sodium)

Other ingredients (ampoule):

sodium citrate
creatinine
Water for Injections

DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection does not contain lactose, sucrose, gluten, tartrazine or any other azo dyes.

DBL™ Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection is available in the following strengths and packs

4 mg/mL, 5 x 1 mL ampoules
AUST R 16374

Supplier

Australian Sponsor

Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd
Sydney NSW
Toll Free Number: 1800 675 229
www.pfizer.com.au

Date of leaflet update: June 2019.

Published by MIMS September 2019

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

DBL Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection Ampoule

Active ingredient

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate

Schedule

1 Name of Medicine

Dexamethasone phosphate (as sodium).

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Dexamethasone phosphate (as sodium) is a white or slightly yellow, very hygroscopic, crystalline powder. It is odourless or has a slight odour of alcohol. Dexamethasone phosphate (as sodium) is soluble 1 in 2 of water, slightly soluble in alcohol, practically insoluble in chloroform and ether, and very slightly soluble in dioxan.
DBL Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection is a clear colourless solution, free from visible particulate matter. Each millilitre of solution contains dexamethasone sodium phosphate equivalent to 4 mg of dexamethasone phosphate.
The formulation contains sodium citrate dihydrate and creatinine. No preservatives or antioxidants are present. The pH of the solutions is adjusted using sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid.
For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

DBL Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection is a clear colourless solution for injection.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Replacement therapy - adrenocortical insufficiency.

Dexamethasone has predominantly glucocorticoid activity and therefore is not a complete replacement therapy in cases of adrenocortical insufficiency. Dexamethasone should be supplemented with salt and/or a mineralocorticoid, such as deoxycorticosterone. When so supplemented, dexamethasone is indicated in:
Acute adrenocortical insufficiency. Addison's disease, bilateral adrenalectomy.
Relative adrenocortical insufficiency. Prolonged administration of adrenocortical steroids can produce dormancy of the adrenal cortex. The reduced secretory capacity gives rise to a state of relative adrenocortical insufficiency which persists for a varying length of time after therapy is discontinued. Should a patient be subjected to sudden stress during this period of reduced secretion (for up to two years after therapy has ceased) the steroid output may not be adequate. Steroid therapy should therefore be reinstituted to help cope with stress such as that associated with surgery, trauma, burns, or severe infections where specific antibiotic therapy is available.
Primary and secondary adrenocortical insufficiency.

Disease therapy.

Dexamethasone is indicated for therapy of the following diseases.

Collagen diseases.

Systemic lupus erythematosus, polyarteritis nodosa, dermatomyositis, giant cell arteritis, adjunctive therapy for short term administration during an acute episode or exacerbation, acute rheumatic carditis - during an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy.

Pulmonary disorders.

Status asthmaticus, chronic asthma, sarcoidosis, respiratory insufficiency.

Blood disorders.

Leukaemia, idiopathic thrombocytopaenic purpura in adults, acquired (autoimmune) haemolytic anaemia.

Rheumatic diseases.

Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, adjunctive therapy for short term administration during an acute episode or exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.

Skin diseases.

Psoriasis, erythema multiforme, pemphigus, neutrophilic dermatitis, localised neurodermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, sarcoidosis of skin, severe seborrhoeic dermatitis, contact dermatitis.

Gastrointestinal disorders.

Ulcerative colitis, regional enteritis.

Oedema.

Cerebral oedema associated with primary or metastatic brain tumours, neurosurgery or stroke, oedema associated with acute non-infectious laryngospasm (or laryngitis).

Eye disorders.

Allergic conjunctivitis, keratitis, allergic corneal marginal ulcers, chorioretinitis, optic neuritis, anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy.

Neoplastic states.

Cerebral neoplasms, hypercalcaemia associated with cancer, leukaemias and lymphomas in adults, acute leukaemia in children.

Endocrine disorders.

Adrenal insufficiency.

Preoperative and postoperative support.

Dexamethasone may be used in any surgical procedure when the adrenocortical reserve is doubtful. This includes the treatment of shock due to excessive blood loss during surgery.

Shock.

Dexamethasone may be used as an adjunct in the treatment of shock. Dexamethasone should not be used as a substitute for normal shock therapy.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Dosage.

Dosage of dexamethasone sodium phosphate is usually expressed in terms of dexamethasone phosphate.
Dosage requirements are variable and must be individualised on the basis of the disease being treated and patient response.

Intravenous and intramuscular administration.

Intravenous or intramuscular dosage usually ranges from 0.5 to 24 mg of dexamethasone phosphate daily. The duration of therapy is dependent on the clinical response of the patient and as soon as improvement is indicated, the dosage should be adjusted to the minimum required to maintain the desired clinical response. Withdrawal of the drug on completion of therapy should be gradual.
Parenteral dexamethasone is generally reserved for patients who are unable to take the drug orally, or for use in an emergency situation.

Shock (of haemorrhagic, traumatic or surgical origin).

The usual dose for the treatment of shock is 2 to 6 mg/kg bodyweight as a single intravenous injection. This may be repeated in 2 to 6 hours if shock persists.
An alternative regimen of 20 mg by intravenous injection initially, followed by continuous intravenous infusion of 3 mg/kg bodyweight per 24 hours, has been suggested. If required for intravenous infusion, dexamethasone phosphate may be diluted with glucose or sodium chloride injection.
High dose therapy should be continued only until the patient's condition has stabilised and usually for no longer than 48 to 72 hours.
To avoid microbial contamination hazards, infusion should be commenced as soon as practicable after preparation of the mixture and if storage is necessary, store solution at 2 to 8°C. Infusion should be completed within 24 hours of preparation of the solution and any residue discarded.

Warning.

Further diluted solutions which are not clear, or which show evidence of particulate matter contamination, should be discarded.

Cerebral oedema.

The treatment schedule and route of administration should reflect the severity and aetiology of the cerebral oedema. Treatment needs to be tailored to the individual response. An initial dose of 10 mg intravenously followed by 4 mg intramuscularly every 6 hours until the symptoms of oedema subside (usually after 12 to 24 hours). After 2 to 4 days the dosage should be reduced and gradually stopped over a period of 5 to 7 days. Patients with cerebral malignancy may require maintenance therapy with doses of 2 mg intramuscularly or intravenously 2 to 3 times daily.
High doses of dexamethasone may be used to initiate short term intensive therapy for acute cerebral oedema. Following an initial high loading dose, the dose is scaled down over the 7 to 10 day period of intensive therapy, and subsequently reduced to zero over the next 7 to 10 days. See Table 1.

Intra-synovial and soft tissue injections.

Dosage varies with the degree of inflammation and the size and location of the affected area. Injections may be repeated from once every 3 to 5 days (e.g. for bursae) to once every 2 to 3 weeks (for joints). Frequent intra-articular injection may result in damage to joint tissues. See Table 2.

Method of administration.

DBL Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection may be administered intravenously or intramuscularly for systemic effect, or as an intra-synovial or soft tissue injection for local effect.
Contains no antimicrobial agent. For single patient use. Use once only and discard any residue.

4.3 Contraindications

Administration of dexamethasone is contraindicated in the following cases:
Systemic fungal infections, or other systemic infections unless specific anti-infective therapy is given (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use);
Hypersensitivity to dexamethasone or other corticosteroids or to any component of the injection;
Administration of live virus vaccines (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use);
In patients with myasthenia gravis, peptic ulcer, osteoporosis or psychoses.

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Corticosteroids may increase susceptibility to or mask the symptoms of infection, and therefore should be used with caution in patients with systemic infections. Chicken pox, measles and other infections can have a more serious or even fatal effect in non-immune children or adults on corticosteroids. Immunosuppression is most likely to occur in patients receiving longer term, high dose systemic corticosteroid treatment; however patients receiving moderate doses for short periods, or low doses over a prolonged period, may also be at risk.
Corticosteroids should be administered with caution to patients with latent tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity, as reactivation of the disease may occur. These patients should therefore undergo chemoprophylaxis during prolonged corticosteroid therapy.
Corticosteroids should be used cautiously in patients with ocular herpes simplex because of possible corneal perforation.
Administration of live virus vaccines is contraindicated in individuals receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids (see Section 4.3 Contraindications). The antibody response to other vaccines may be diminished. If inactivated viral or bacterial vaccines are administered to patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids, the expected serum antibody response may not be obtained. However, immunisation procedures may be undertaken in patients who are receiving corticosteroids as replacement therapy, e.g. for Addison's disease.
Long term treatment should not be abruptly discontinued, as too rapid withdrawal may lead to drug induced secondary adrenocortical insufficiency. This may be minimised by gradual dosage reduction. This type of relative insufficiency may persist for months after therapy is discontinued. Therefore, in any situation of stress occurring in that period (such as anaesthesia, surgery or trauma), corticosteroid doses may need to be increased or the therapy reinstituted. Following prolonged therapy, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in symptoms of the corticosteroid withdrawal syndrome, including fever, myalgia, arthralgia and malaise.
Dexamethasone should be used only with extreme caution in patients with diabetes mellitus or in those with a family history of diabetes, infectious diseases, congestive heart failure or recent myocardial infarction, chronic renal failure, diverticulitis, hypertension, keratitis, epilepsy and/or seizure disorder, non-specific ulcerative colitis (if there is a probability of impending perforation, abscess or other pyogenic infection), fresh intestinal anastomoses, active or latent peptic ulcer, osteoporosis, myasthenia gravis or in elderly persons. Geriatric patients may be more likely to develop hypertension and osteoporosis as a result of corticosteroid therapy.
Corticosteroids should be used with caution in patients who have had a recent cardiac infarction, as there have been reports of an apparent association between the use of corticosteroids and left ventricular free wall rupture in these patients; in patients with a history of severe affective disorders particularly of steroid induced psychoses; patients with previous steroid myopathy, liver failure, renal insufficiency, glaucoma; patients with thromboembolic disorders, patients with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy since transient rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuria have been reported following strenuous physical activity; Cushing's disease. Corticosteroids show an enhanced effect in patients with hypothyroidism or cirrhosis.
Intra-articular injection of corticosteroids may produce systemic as well as local effects. Appropriate examination of any joint fluid present is necessary to exclude a septic process. Local injection of a steroid into an infected site is to be avoided. Corticosteroids should not be injected into unstable joints. Frequent intra-articular injection may result in damage to joint tissues. Patients should be advised strongly of the importance of not overusing joints in which symptomatic benefit has been obtained as long as the inflammatory process remains active.

Adrenocortical insufficiency.

Pharmacologic doses of corticosteroids administered for prolonged periods may result in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) suppression (secondary adrenocortical insufficiency). The degree and duration of adrenocortical insufficiency produced is variable among patients and depends on the dose, frequency, time of administration and duration of therapy.
Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency include: malaise, muscle weakness, mental changes, muscle and joint pain, desquamation of the skin, dyspnoea, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, fever, hypoglycaemia, hypotension and dehydration.
During prolonged courses of corticosteroid therapy sodium intake may need to be reduced and calcium and potassium supplements may be necessary. Monitoring of fluid intake and output and daily weight records may give an early warning of fluid retention.
Acute adrenal insufficiency leading to a fatal outcome may occur if glucocorticoids are withdrawn abruptly, therefore withdrawal of corticosteroids should always be gradual. A degree of adrenal insufficiency may persist for 6 to 12 months; therefore in any situation of stress occurring during that period steroid therapy may need to be reinstituted. Since mineralocorticoid secretion may be impaired treatment with salt and/or a mineralocorticoid may also be needed.

Anti-inflammatory/ immunosuppressive effects and infection.

Suppression of the inflammatory response and immune function increases susceptibility to infections and their severity. The clinical presentation may often be atypical and serious infections such as septicaemia and tuberculosis may be masked and may reach an advanced stage before being recognized when corticosteroids are used. The immunosuppressive effects of glucocorticoids may result in activation of latent infection or exacerbation of intercurrent infections.
Chickenpox is of particular concern since this may be fatal in immunosuppressed patients. Patients without a definite history of chickenpox should be advised to avoid close personal contact with chickenpox or herpes zoster and if exposed they should seek urgent medical attention. If a diagnosis of chickenpox is confirmed the illness warrants specialist care and urgent treatment.
Live vaccines are contraindicated in individuals on high doses of corticosteroids and should be postponed until at least 3 months after stopping corticosteroid therapy.

Ocular effects.

Prolonged use of corticosteroids may produce subcapsular cataracts and nuclear cataracts (particularly in children), exophthalmos or increased intraocular pressure, which may result in glaucoma with possible damage to the optic nerves.

Psychiatric effects.

Patients and/or carers should be warned that potentially severe psychiatric reactions may occur. Symptoms typically emerge within a few days or weeks of starting treatment. Most reactions recover after either dose reduction or withdrawal, although specific treatment may be necessary. Patients and/or carers should be encouraged to seek medical advice is worrying psychological symptoms develop, especially if depressed mood or suicidal ideation is suspected.
Particular care is required when considering the use of corticosteroids in patients with existing or previous history of severe affective disorders.
Psychic derangements range from euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes and severe depression to frank psychotic manifestations.

Use in the elderly.

Long-term use in the elderly should be planned bearing in mind the more serious consequences of the common side-effects of corticosteroids in old age, especially osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, hypokalaemia, susceptibility to infection and thinning of the skin. Close medical supervision is required to avoid life threatening reactions.

Paediatric use.

Corticosteroids cause growth retardation in infancy, childhood and adolescence, which may be irreversible and therefore long-term administration of pharmacological doses should be avoided. If prolonged therapy is necessary, treatment should be limited to the minimum suppression of the hypothalamo-pituitary adrenal axis and growth retardation, the growth and development of infants and children should be closely monitored.
Children are at special risk from raised intracranial pressure.

Effects on laboratory tests.

Dexamethasone suppression tests may be affected by drugs which enhance the metabolic clearance of corticosteroids (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).
False negative results in the dexamethasone suppression test have been reported in patients being treated with indomethacin or high doses of benzodiazepines or cyproheptadine.
Corticosteroids have been reported to alter the response to anticoagulant agents (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions). The prothrombin time should be checked frequently in patients receiving these combinations.
Corticosteroids may affect a wide range of diagnostic tests. They may affect brain and skeletal imaging using ⁹⁹Tc, by decreasing uptake of ⁹⁹Tc into cerebral tumours or bone respectively, and may decrease ¹²³I and ¹³¹I uptake into the thyroid. Corticosteroids may alter the results of the gonadorelin test for hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis function, affect thyroid function test results, and suppress skin test reactions including tuberculin and histoplasmin skin tests, and patch tests for allergy. Corticosteroids may also affect the nitroblue tetrazolium test for bacterial infection and produce false negative results.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

Medicines that induce hepatic enzyme cytochrome P-450 isozyme 3A4 such as barbiturates, phenylbutazone, phenytoin or rifampicin, rifabutin, carbamazepine, primidone and aminoglutethimide may increase the metabolism and thus reduce the effects of corticosteroids. Ephedrine and aminoglutethimide may also increase dexamethasone metabolism.
Medicines that inhibit hepatic enzyme cytochrome P-450 isozyme 3A4 such as ketoconazole, ciclosporin or ritonavir may decrease glucocorticoid clearance. A reduction in corticosteroid dose may be needed to reduce the risk of adverse effects.
Antithyroid agents, oestrogens and other oral contraceptives may decrease hepatic metabolism and thus increase the effects of corticosteroids. The dose of corticosteroid may need to be adjusted if oestrogen therapy is commenced or stopped.
The effects of anticoagulant agents are usually decreased (but may be increased in some patients) if corticosteroids are administered concurrently. Close monitoring of the INR or prothrombin time is recommended.
Seizures have reportedly occurred in adult and paediatric patients receiving high dose corticosteroid therapy concurrently with cyclosporin.
Concurrent administration of dexamethasone with anticoagulants, heparin, streptokinase, urokinase, alcohol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including aspirin may increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration or haemorrhage. Aspirin should be used cautiously in conjunction with corticosteroids in patients with hypothrombinaemia. The renal clearance of salicylates is increased by corticosteroids and steroid withdrawal may result in salicylate intoxication. Patients should be observed closely for adverse effects of either medicine.
Potassium loss may occur as a result of dexamethasone administration (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)). Concurrent administration of corticosteroids with potassium depleting diuretics (such as thiazides, frusemide or ethacrynic acid), carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as acetazolamide or amphotericin B may result in severe hypokalaemia. The activity of digitalis glycosides and nondepolarising neuromuscular blocking agents may be potentiated as a result of glucocorticoid induced hypokalemia. The efficacy of potassium supplements and potassium sparing diuretics on serum potassium concentrations may be reduced by concurrent corticosteroid administration. Monitoring of serum potassium concentration is therefore recommended.
Glucocorticoids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Dosage adjustment of asparaginase and of anti-diabetic agents such as sulphonylureas and insulins may be necessary.
The growth promoting effect of somatropin may be inhibited.
There is an increased risk of hypokalaemia if high doses of corticosteroids are given with high doses of salbutamol, salmeterol, terbutaline or formoterol.
Concurrent use of antacids may decrease absorption of corticosteroids - efficacy may be decreased sufficiently to require dosage adjustments in patients receiving small doses of corticosteroids.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

Corticosteroids may increase or decrease the motility and number of spermatozoa in some patients.
(Category C)
In animal experiments, corticosteroids have been found to cause malformations of various kinds (cleft palate, skeletal malformations). These findings do not seem to be relevant to humans. Reduced placental and birth weight have been recorded in animals and humans after long-term treatment. Since the possibility of suppression of the adrenal cortex in the newborn baby after long term treatment must be considered, the needs of the mother must be carefully weighed against the risk to the foetus when prescribing corticosteroids. However, the short term use of antepartum corticosteroids for the prevention of respiratory distress syndrome, when warranted, does not seem to pose a risk.
Australian categorisation definition of Category C:
Drugs which, owing to their pharmacological effects, have caused or may be suspected of causing, harmful effects on the human fetus or neonate without causing malformations. These effects may be reversible.
Corticosteroids appear in breast milk and could suppress growth, interfere with endogenous corticosteroid production or cause other unwanted effects in breastfed infants. Women taking corticosteroids should be advised not to breastfeed.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

The effects of this medicine on a person's ability to drive and use machines were not assessed as part of its registration.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

The following adverse effects have been reported with dexamethasone therapy. Except for allergic reactions, the adverse effects listed have been associated with prolonged therapy and/or high doses.

Endocrine effects.

Adrenal suppression, menstrual irregularities, amenorrhoea, development of Cushingoid state, weight gain, secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness particularly in times of stress (e.g. trauma, surgery or illness), decreased carbohydrate tolerance, increased requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycaemic agents in diabetes, development of diabetes mellitus, hyperglycaemia, hirsutism, growth suppression in infancy, childhood and adolescence, increased appetite.

Cardiovascular effects.

Thromboembolism, hypertension, polymorphonuclear leucocytosis, neuropathy, vasculitis, impaired myocardial contractility (prolonged treatment), congestive heart failure in susceptible patients, myocardial rupture following recent cardiac infarction, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in low birth weight infants.

Musculoskeletal effects.

Proximal myopathy, osteoporosis, arthropathy, muscular atrophy, muscle weakness, steroid myopathy, vertebral compression fractures, aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads, pathological fracture of long bones, avascular osteonecrosis, tendon rupture, myalgia. These may occur as a result of protein catabolism associated with prolonged glucocorticoid therapy.

Ocular effects.

Increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, papilloedema, posterior subcapsular cataracts, cataracts, exophthalmos, corneal or scleral thinning, retinopathy of prematurity, enhanced establishment of secondary fungal and viral eye infections.

Dermatological effects.

Impaired wound healing, hirsutism, skin atrophy, allergic dermatitis, urticaria, erythema, thin fragile skin, telangiectasia, petechiae and ecchymoses, increased sweating, may suppress skin test reactions, burning or tingling especially in the perineal area (after intravenous injection), angioneurotic oedema, acne, striae, easy bruising.

Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects.

Increased susceptibility to and severity of infections with suppression of clinical symptoms and signs. Opportunistic infections, recurrence of dormant tuberculosis.

Gastrointestinal effects.

Dyspepsia, nausea, peptic ulcer with possible perforation and haemorrhage, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, increased appetite which may result in weight gain, diarrhoea, acute pancreatitis, perforation of the small or large bowel particularly in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, abdominal distension, ulcerative oesophagitis, oesophageal candidiasis, nausea.

Neurological effects.

Euphoric side effects, mental disturbances, psychological dependence, depression, insomnia, dizziness, headache, convulsions, increased intracranial pressure with papilloedema, vertigo. Aggravation of schizophrenia, aggravation of epilepsy suicidal ideation, mania, delusions, hallucinations, irritability, anxiety, insomnia and cognitive dysfunction.

Fluid and electrolyte disturbances.

Electrolyte imbalance (retention of sodium and water with oedema and hypertension), potassium loss, hypokalaemic alkalosis, hypocalcaemia.

Metabolic effects.

Nitrogen depletion, negative nitrogen and calcium balance due to protein catabolism.

Other effects.

Allergic reactions, leucocytosis, anaphylactic or hypersensitivity reactions, weight gain, increased appetite, fatigue, malaise, hiccups.
Glucocorticoids, especially in large doses, increase susceptibility to infection, and may mask the symptoms of infection (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Too rapid a reduction of corticosteroids following prolonged treatment can lead to acute adrenal insufficiency, hypotension and death. A steroid withdrawal syndrome, seemingly unrelated to adrenocortical insufficiency, and consisting of anorexia, nausea and vomiting, lethargy, headache, fever, joint pain, desquamation, myalgia, weight loss and/or hypotension, has been reported following abrupt withdrawal of glucocorticoids.
Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, subcutaneous and cutaneous atrophy, sterile abscess, postinjection flare (following intra-articular use) and Charcot-like arthropathy have also been associated with parenteral corticosteroid therapy.

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at http://www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.9 Overdose

Symptoms.

Reports of acute toxicity and/or deaths following overdosage with glucocorticoids are rare. Exaggeration of corticosteroid related adverse effects may occur including hypertension, oedema, peptic ulceration, hyperglycaemia and altered mental state. Anaphylactic or hypersensitivity reactions may occur.

Treatment.

No antidote is available. Treatment of overdosage is symptomatic. The dosage should be reduced or the drug withdrawn. Anaphylactic and hypersensitivity reactions may be treated with adrenaline (epinephrine), positive pressure artificial respiration, and aminophylline. The patient should be kept warm and quiet.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia). In New Zealand, call 0800 764 766.

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Dexamethasone is a synthetic adrenocorticosteroid with glucocorticoid activity. It is one of the most active glucocorticoids, being about 25 to 30 times as potent as hydrocortisone. Unlike hydrocortisone, dexamethasone has little if any mineralocorticoid activity.
Dexamethasone has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant activity. Glucocorticoids prevent the development of the inflammatory response, i.e. redness, swelling, tenderness. They also inhibit capillary dilation and phagocytosis and appear to prevent the hypersensitivity responses which occur after antigen-antibody reactions.
The principal metabolic actions of dexamethasone are on gluconeogenesis, glycogen deposition and protein and calcium metabolism. Dexamethasone also influences the mobilisation, oxidation, synthesis and storage of fats.
Dexamethasone suppresses the release of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary, resulting in inhibition of endogenous corticotrophin secretion.
Except for its use in the treatment of adrenal insufficiency, dexamethasone does not cure disease. Rather, the anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant actions of dexamethasone suppress the symptoms associated with the disease.

Clinical trials.

No data available.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Absorption.

Dexamethasone phosphate (as sodium) is absorbed rapidly following intramuscular or intravenous injection. Intramuscular injections of dexamethasone phosphate give maximum plasma concentrations of dexamethasone at 1 hour. The biological half life of dexamethasone is about 190 minutes.

Distribution.

In the circulation, small amounts of dexamethasone are bound to plasma proteins.

Metabolism.

Synthetic corticosteroids such as dexamethasone are less extensively protein bound and more slowly metabolised than hydrocortisone. Dexamethasone penetrates into tissue fluids and cerebrospinal fluids.
Metabolism occurs in most tissues, but primarily in the liver.

Excretion.

The inactive metabolites are excreted in the urine, mainly as glucuronides and sulphates, but also as unconjugated metabolites. Small amounts of unchanged drug are also excreted in the urine. Up to 65% of a dose of dexamethasone is excreted in the urine within 24 hours.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

No data available.

Carcinogenicity.

No data available.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Sodium citrate dihydrate, Creatinine, Hydrochloric acid, Sodium hydroxide, Water for injections.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibilities were either not assessed or not identified as part of the registration of this medicine.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store below 25°C. Protect from light.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

DBL Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection is available in cartons of 5 ampoules.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Chemical formula: C₂₂H₂₈FNa₂O₈P.
Molecular weight: 516.4.

Chemical structure.

CAS number.

2392-39-4.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

S4.

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DBL Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection

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