1. Introduction of Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid with approximately 25 times the anti-inflammatory potency of naturally occurring cortisol. The IUPAC Name of it is (8S,9R,10S,11S,13S,14S,16R,17R)-9-Fluoro-11,17-dihydroxy-17-(2-hydroxyacetyl)-10,13,16-trimethyl-6,7,8,11,12,14,15,16-octahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one. Dexamethasone commonly is used in both small- and large-animal veterinary medicine. It may be given by injection, inhalation orally or topically. Preparations for topical use may include other active ingredients such as antibiotics, antifungals or miticides.

2. Properties of Dexamethasone
Index of Refraction: 1.591 
Molar Refractivity: 100.23 cm³
Molar Volume: 296.2 cm³ 
Surface Tension: 56.5 dyne/cm
Density: 1.32 g/cm³
Flash Point: 297.5 °C
Enthalpy of Vaporization: 97.96 kJ/mol
Boiling Point: 568.2 °C at 760 mmHg
Vapour Pressure: 2.81E-15 mmHg at 25 °C
Melting point: 262-264 °C(lit.)
Storage tempreture: 2-8 °C
Solubility: Ethanol: 1 mg/mL
Appearance: White crystalline solid

3. Toxicity of Dexamethasone

Hazard Codes: Xi,Xn
Risk Statements: 43-40-36/37/38-20/21/22
R20/21/22:Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed. 
R36/37/38:Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin. 
R40:Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect. 
R43:May cause sensitization by skin contact.
Safety Statements: 36/37-45-36-26-22
S22:Do not breathe dust. 
S26: In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. 
S36:Wear suitable protective clothing. 
S36/37:Wear suitable protective clothing and gloves. 
S45:In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show the label whenever possible.)

5. Preparation of Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone is reacted with a source of hypobromite, such as basic N-bromosuccinimide, to form the 9α-bromo-11β-hydrin derivative, which is then ring-closed to an epoxide. A ring-opening reaction with hydrogen fluoride in tetrahydrofuran gives dexamethasone.


6. Use of Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone is used to treat many inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. If given in high doses, it is useful to counteract allergic anaphylactic shock. It is used in transvenous screw-in cardiac pacing leads to minimize the inflammatory response of the myocardium. In oncology, it is given to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to counteract certain side-effects of their antitumor treatment. It is also used in the treatment of high altitude cerebral edema as well as pulmonary edema. Dexamethasone is also used in a diagnostic context namely in its property to suppress the natural pituitary-adrenal axis.

7. Side effect of Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone may have such sife effects:
1)Stomach upset, increased sensitivity to stomach acid to the point of ulceration of esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
2)Increased appetite leading to significant weight gain
3)A latent diabetes mellitus often becomes manifest, glucose intolerance is worsened in patients with pre-existing diabetes
4)Immunsuppressant action, particularly if given with other immunosuppressants, such as cyclosporine, may allow bacterial, viral, and fungal disease to progress more easily and can become life-threatening; fever as a warning symptom is often suppressed.
5)Psychiatric disturbances, including personality changes, irritability, euphoria, or mania and mood swings.

8. Other details of Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone is a potent synthetic member of the glucocorticoid class of steroid hormones, and acts as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant. It is hazardous, so the first aid measures and others should be known. Such as: When on the skin: first, should flush skin with plenty of water immediately for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing. Secondly, get medical aid. Or in the eyes: Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Then get medical aid soon. While, it's inhaled: Remove from exposure and move to fresh air immediately. Then you have the ingesting of the product: Wash mouth out with water, and get medical aid immediately.