Name

Dexamethasone

Alternate Names

Aeroseb-Dex
AK-Dex
AK-Trol
Baldex
Component of Deronil
Component of Dexacidin
Component of Maxitrol
Dalalone
Decaderm
Decadrol
Decadron Tablets
Decajet
Decameth
Decasone
Decaspray
Deenar
Dex-4
Dexacen
Dexacidin
Dexacort Phosphate
Dexameth
Dexasone
Dexasporin
Dexone
Dexsone
Dezone
Gammacorten
Hexadrol
Hexadrol Elixir
Hexadrol Tablets
Infectrol Sterile
Maxidex
Maxitrol
Miral
Mymethasone
Neo-Dexameth
Neodecadron
Neodexair
Ocu-Trol
Oradexon
PMS-Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate
SK-Dexamethasone
Sofracort
Sofradex
Solurex
Spersadex
Sterile Dexamethasone Acetate
Tobradex
Turbinare Decaron Phosphate

Abbreviations

DECA
DM
DSM

Category

Ancillary Agent
Hormones and hormonal mechanisms

Subcategory

Glucocorticoid. Probably not cancer directed--verify with attending MD.

NSC Number

345211

Primary Site

None

Histology

None

Remarks

NOTE* Dexamethasone may be coded as either an ancillary drug or hormone. Review chart to determine if given for supportive care or as hormonal therapy. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: dexamethasone is frequently included in treatment regimens, however, this does not indicate it should be coded as hormone therapy. Be sure to review the regimen tab in "Search Database" for additional coding information.

A long-acting corticosteroid (glucocorticoid). In general, this drug is used more commonly for supportive care, and as an antiemetic than it is as hormone therapy. 25 times as potent as cortisol; used topically as an anti-inflammatory and administered orally in replacement therapy for adrenal insufficiency, as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant in a wide variety of disorders, and as an antiemetic in cancer chemotherapy. Dexamethasone and other corticosteroids may be used to control white cell proliferation in hematopoietic diseases and would be coded as hormone therapy for lymphoid leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma.

Coding

Please see remarks for additional information
Glossary