Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate

General Injectables & Vaccines, Inc

Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate 10 mg/mL Injection, USP 10 mL Multi Dose Vial

FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS*

• Description
• Clinical Pharmacology
• Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Indications and Usage
• Contraindications
• Warnings
• Precautions
• Side Effects
• Overdosage
• Dosage and Administration
• How Supplied
• References
• Sample Outer Label

FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

Description

Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection, USP, is a water-soluble inorganic ester of dexamethasone which produces a rapid response even when injected intramuscularly.  

Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate, USP chemically is Pregna-1, 4-diene-3, 20-dione, 9-fluoro-11,17-dihydroxy-16-methyl-21-(phosphonooxy)-disodium salt, (11B, 16a).

It occurs as a white to creamy white powder, is exceedingly hygroscopic, is soluble in water and its solutions have a pH between 7.0 and 8.5.  It has the following structural formula:

C22H28FNa2O8P                                        M.W.516.41

Each mL of Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection, USP (Preservative Free) contains dexamethasone sodium phosphate, USP equivalent to 10 mg dexamethasone phosphate; 13.5 mg sodium citrate, dihydrate; 10 mg benzyl alcohol; and Water for Injection. q.s. pH adjusted with citric acid or sodium hydroxide, if necessary.  pH: 7.0 to 8.5.

Each mL of Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection, USP (Preserved) contains dexamethasone sodium phosphate, USP equivalent to 10 mg dexamethasone phosphate; 13.5 mg sodium citrate, dihydrate; 10 mg benzyl alcohol; and Water for Injection, q.s. pH adjusted with citric acid or sodium hydroxide, if necessary.  pH 7.0 to 8.5.

Clinical Pharmacology

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection has a rapid onset but short duration of action when compared with less soluble preparations.  Because of this, it is suitable for the treatment of acute disorders responsive to adrenocortical steroid therapy.

Naturally occuring glucocorticoids (hydrocortisone and cortisone), which also have salt-retaining properties, are used as replacement therapy in adrenocortical deficiency states.  Their synthetic analogs, including dexamethasone, are primarily used for their potent anti-inflammatory effects in disorders of many organ systems.

Glucocorticoids cause profound and varied metabolic effects.  In addition, they modify the body's immune responses to diverse stimuli.  

At equipotent anti-inflammatory doses, dexamethasone almost completely lacks the sodium-retaining property of hydrocortisone and closely related derivatives of hydrocortisone. 

Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Indications and Usage

By intravenous or intramuscular injection when oral therapy is not feasible.

1. Endocrine Disorders

Primary or secondary adrenocortical insufficiency (hydrocortisone or cortisone is the drug of choice; synthetic analogs may be used in conjunction with mineralocorticoid where applicatlbe; in infancy, mineralocorticoid supplementation is of particular importance).  

Acute adrenocortical insufficeiency (hydrocortisone or cortisone is the drug of choice; mineralocorticoid supplementation may be necessary, particularly when synthetic analogs are used).

Preoperatively, and in the even of serious trauma or illness, in patients with known adrenal insufficiency or when adrenocortical reserve is doubtful.

Shock unresponsive to conventional therapy if adrenocortical insufficiency exists or is suspected.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Nonsuppurative thyroiditis

Hypercalcemia associated with cancer.  

2. Rheumatic Disorders

As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration (to tide the patient over an acute episode of exacerbation) in:

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis

Synovitis of osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy).

Acute and subacute bursitis

Epicondylitis

Acute nonspecific tenosynovitis

Acute gouty arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis

Ankylosing spondylitis

3. Collagen Diseases

During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of:

Systemic lupus erythematosus

Acute rheumatic carditis

4. Dermatologic Diseases

Pemphigus

Severe erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)

Exfoliative dermatitis

Bullous dermatitis herpetiformis

Severe seborrheic dermatitis

Severe psoriasis

Mycosis fungoides

5. Allergic States

Control of severe or incapacitating allergic conditions intractable to adequate trials of conventional treatment in:

Bronchial asthma

Contact dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis

Serum sickness

Seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis

Drug hypersensitivity reactions

Urticarial transfusion reactions

Acute noninfectious laryngeal edema (epinephrine is the drug of first choice).

6. Opthalmic Diseases

Severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory processes involving the eye, such as:

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus

Iritis, iridocyclitis

Chorioretinitis

Diffuse posterior uveitis and choroiditis

Optic neuritis

Sympathetic ophthalmia

Anterior segment inflammation

Allergic conjunctivitis

Keratitis

Allergic corneal marginal ulcers

7. Gastrointestinal Diseases

To tide the patient over a critical period of the disease in:

Ulcerative colitis (systemic therapy)

Regional enteritis (systemic therapy)

8. Respiratory Diseases

Symptomatic sarcoidosis

Berylliosis

Fulminating or disseminiated pulmonary tuberculosis when used concurrently with appropriate antituberculous chemotherapy.

Loeffler's syndrome not manageable by other means.

Aspiration pneumonitis

9. Hematologic Disorders

Acquired (autoimmune) hemolytic anemia.

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in adults (IV only; IM administration is contraindicated).

Secondary thrombocytopenia in adults

Erythroblastopenia (RBC anemia)

Congenital (erythroid) hypoplastic anemia

10. Neoplastic Diseases

For palliative management of:

Leukemias and lymphomas in adults

Acute leukemia of childhood

11. Edematous States

To induce diuresis or remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome, without uremia, of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus.

12. Miscellaneous

Tuberculous meningitis with subarachnoid block or impending block when used concurrently with appropriate antituberculous chemotherapy.

Trichinosis with neurologic or myocardial involvement.

13. Diagnostic testing of adrenocortical hyperfunction.

14. Cerebral Edema associated with primary or metastatic brain tumor, craniotomy, or head injury.  Use in cerebral edema is not a substitute for careful neurosurgical evaluation and definitive management such as neurosurgery or other specific therapy. 

Contraindications

Systemic fungal infections (see WARNINGS regarding amphotericin B).

Hypersensitivity to any component of this product (see WARNINGS).

Warnings

Because rare instances of anaphylactoid reactions have occurred in patients receiving parenteral corticosteroid therapy, appropriate precautionary measures should be taken prior to administration, especially when the patient has a history of allergy to any drug.  Anaphylactoid and hypersensitivity reactions have been reported for dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection (see ADVERSE REACTIONS)

Corticosteroids may exacerbate systemic fungal infections and, therefore, should not be used in the presence of such infections unless they are needed to control drug raections due to amphotericin B. Moreover, there have been cases reported in which concomitant use of amphotericin B and hydrocortisone was followed by cardiac enlargement and congestive failure.

In patients on corticosteroid therapy subjected to any unusual stress, increased dosage of rapidly acting corticosteroids before, during, and after the stressful situation is indicated.  

Drug-induced secondary adrenocortical insufficiency may result from too rapid withdrawal of corticosteroids and may be minimized by gradual reduction of dosage.  This type of relative insufficiency  may persist for months after discontinuation of therapy; therefore, in any situation of stress occurring during that period, hormone therapy should be reinstituted. If the patient is receiving steroids already, dosage may have to be increased.  Since mineralocorticoid secretion may be impaired, salt and/or a mineralcorticoid should be administered concurrently.  

Corticosteroids may mask some signs of infection, and new infections may appear during their use.  There may be decreased resistance and inability to localize infection when corticosteroids are used.  Moreover, corticosteroids may affect the nitrobluetetrazolium test for bacterial infection and produce false negative results.  

In cerebra malaria, a double-blind tial has shown that the use of corticosteroids is associated with prolongation of coma and a higher incidence of pneumonia and gastrointestinal bleeding.  

Corticosteroids may activate latent amebiasis.  Therefore, it is recommended that latent or active amebiasis be ruled out before initiating corticosteroid therapy in any patient who has spent time in the tropics or in any patient with unexplained diarrhea.  

Prolonged use of corticosteroids may produce posterior subcapsular cataracts, glaucoma with possible damage to the optic nerves, and may enhance the establishment of secondary ocular infections due to fungi or viruses.  

Average and large doses of cortisone or hyrocortisone can cause  elevation of blood pressure, salt and water retention, and increased excretion of potassium.  These effects are less likely to occur with the synthetic derivatives except when used in large doses.  Dietary salt restriction and potassium supplementation may be necessary.  All corticosteroids increase calcium excretion.  

Administration of live virus vaccines, including smallpos, is contraindicated in individuals receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids.  If inactivated viral or bacterial vaccines are administered to individuals receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids, the expected serum antibody response may not be obtained.  However, immunization procedures may be undertaken in patients who are receiving corticosteroids as replacement therapy, e.g., for Addison's disease.  

Patients who are on drugs which suppress the immune system are more susceptible to infections than healthy individuals.  Chickenpox and measles, for example, can have a more serious or even fatal course in non-immune children or adults on corticosteroids.  In such children or adults who have not had these diseases, particular care should be taken to avoid exposure.  The risk of developing a diseminated infection varies among individuals and can be related to the dose, route and duration of corticosteroid administration as well as to the dunderlying disease.  If exposed to chickenpox, prophylaxis with varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG) may be indicated.  If chickenpox develops, treatment with antiviral agents may be considered.  If exposed to measles, prophylaxis with immune globulin (IG) may be indicated.  (See the respective package inserts for VZIG and IG for complete prescribing information).

The use of dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection in active tuberculosis should be restricted to those cases of fulminating or disseminated tuberculosis in which the corticosteroid is used for the management of the disease in conjunction with an appropriate antituberculous regimen.  

If corticosteroids are indicated in patients with latent tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity, close observation is necessary as reactivation of the disease may occur.  During prolonged corticosteroid therapy, these patients should receive chemoprophylaxis.  

Literature reports suggest an apparent association between use of corticosteroids and left ventricular free wall rupture after a recent myocardial infarction; therefore, therapy with corticosteroids should be used with great caution in these patients.  

Usage in Pregnancy

Since adequate human reproduction studies have not been done with corticosteroids, use of these drugs in pregnancy or in women of childbearing potential requires that the anticipated benefits be weighed against the possible hazards to the mother and embryo or fetus.  Infants born to mothers who have received substantial doses of corticosteroids during pregnancy should be carefully observed for signs of hypoadrenalism.  

Corticosteroids appear in breast milk and could suppress growth, interfere  with endogenous corticosteroid production, or cause other unwanted effects.  Mothers taking pharmacologic doses of corticosteroids should be advised not to nurse. 

Precautions

This product, like many other steroid formulations, is sensitive to heat.  Therefore, it should not be autoclaved when it is desirable to sterilize the exterior of the vial.

Following prolonged therapy, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in symptoms of the corticosteroid withdrawal syndrome including fever, mylagia, arthralgia, and malaise.  This may occur in patients even without evidence of adrenal insufficiency.  

There is an enhanced effect of corticosteroids in patients with hypothyroidism and in those with cirrhosis.  

Corticosteroids should be used cautiously in patients with ocular herpes simplex for fear of corneal perforation.

The lowest possible dose of corticosteroid should be used to control the condition under treatment, and when reduction in dosage is possible, the reduction must be gradual.

Psychic derangements may appear when corticosteroids are used, ranging from euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, and severe depression to frank psychotic manifestations.  Also, existing emotional instability or psychotic tendencies may be aggravated by corticosteroids.  

Aspirin should be used within caution in conjunction with corticosteroids in hypoprothrombinemia.

Steroids should be used with caution in nonspecific ulcerative colitis, if there is a probability of impending perforation, abscess, or other pyogenic infection, also in diverticulitis, fresh intestinal anastomoses, active or latent peptic ulcer, renal insufficiency, hypertension, osteoporosis, and myasthenia gravis.  Signs of peritoneal irritation following gastrointestinal perforation in patients receiving large doses of corticosteroids may be minimal or absent.  Fat embolism has been reported as a possible complication of hypercortisonism.

When large doses are given, some authorities advise that antacids be administered between meals to help prevent peptic ulcer.

Steroids may increase or decrease motility and number of spermatozoa in some patients.  

Phenytoin, phenobarbital, ephedrine, and rifampin may enhance the metabolic clearance of corticosteroids resulting in decreased blood levels and lessened physiologic activity, thus requiring adjustment in corticosteroid dosage.  These interactions may interfere with dexamethasone suppression tests which should be interpreted with caution during administration of these drugs.  

False negative results in the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) in patients being treated with indomethacin have been reported.  Thus, results of the DST should be interpreted with caution in these patients.

The prothrombin time should be checked frequently in patients who are receiving corticosteroids and coumarin anticoagulants at the same time because of reports that corticosteroids have altered the response to these anticoagulants.  Studies have shown that the usual effect produced by adding corticosteroids is inhibition of response to coumarins, although there have been some conflicting reports of potentiation not substantiated by studies.

When corticosteroids are administered concomitantly with potassium-depleting diuretics, patients should be observed closely for development of hypokalemia.

The slower rate of absorption by intramuscular administration should be recognized.  

Information for Patients

Susceptible patients who are on immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids should be warned to avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles.  Patients should also be advised that if they are exposed, medical advice should be sought without delay.

Pediatric Use

Growth and development of infants and children patients on prolonged corticosteroid therapy should be carefully followed.

Side Effects

Fluid and electrolyte disturbances:
Sodium retention
Fluid retention
Congestive heart failure in susceptible patients
Potassium loss
Hypokalemic alkalosis
Hypertension

Musculoskeletal:
Muscle weakness
Steroid myopathy
Loss of muscle mass
Osteoporosis
Vertebral compression fractures
Aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads
Tendon rupture
Pathologic fracture of long bones

Gastrointestinal:
Peptic ulcer with possible subsequent perforation and hemorrhage
Perforation of the small and large bowel; particularly in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Pancreatitis
Abdominal distention
Ulcerative esophagitis

Dermatologic:
Impaired wound healing
thin fragile skin
Petechiae and ecchymoses
Erythema
Increased sweating
May suppress reactions to skin tests
Burning or tingling, especially in the perineal area (after IV injection)
Other cutaneous reactions, such as allergic dermatitis, urticaria, angioneurotic edema

Neurologic:
Convulsions
Increased intracranial pressure with papilledema (pseudotumor cerebri) usually after treatment
Vertigo
Headache
Psychic disturbances

Endocrine:

Menstrual irregularities
Development of cushingoid state
Suppression of growth in pediatric patients
Secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness, particularly in times of stress, as in trauma, surgery, or illness.
Decreased carbohydrate tolerance
Manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus
Increased requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents in diabetics
Hirsutism

Ophthalmic:
Posterior subcapsular cataracts
Increasaed intraocular pressure
Glaucoma
Exophthalmos
Retinopathy of prematurity

Metabolic:
Negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism

Cardiovascular:
Myocardial rupture following recent myocardial infarction (see WARNINGS)
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in low birth weight infants

Other:
Anaphylactoid or hypersensitivity reactions
Thromboembolism
Weight Gain
Increased appetite
Nausea
Malaise
Hiccups

The following additional adverse reactions are related to parenteral corticosteroid therapy:
Hyperpigmentation of hypopigmentation
Subcutaneous and cutaneous atrophy
Sterile abscess
Charcol-like arthropathy

Overdosage

Reports of acute toxicity and/or death following overdosage of glucocorticoids are rare,.  In the event of overdosage, no specific antidote is available; treatment is supportive and symptomatic.

The oral LD50 of dexamethasone in female mice was 6.5 g/kg.  The intravenous LD50 of dexamethasone sodium phosphate in female mice was 794 mg/kg.

Dosage and Administration

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection, 10 mg/mL-For intravenous and intramuscular injection only.

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection can be given directly from the vial, or it can be added to Sodium Chloride Injection or Dextrose Injection and administered by intravenous drop.

Solutions used for intravenous administration of further dilution of this product should be preservative free when used in the neonate, especially the premature infant.

When it is mixed with an infusion solution, sterile precautions should be observed.  Since infusion solutions generally do not contain preservatives, mixtures should be used within 24 hours.

DOSAGE REQUIREMENTS ARE VARIABLE AND MUST BE INDIVIDUALIZED ON THE BASIS OF THE DISEASE AND THE RESPONSE OF THE PATIENT.

Intravenous and Intramuscular Injection

The initial dosage of dexamethasone sodium phospate injection varies from 0.5 to 9 mg a day depending on the disease being treated.  In less severe diseases doses lower than 0.5 mg may suffice, while in severe diseases doses higher than 9 mg may be required.  

The initial dosage should be maintained or adjusted until the patient's response is satisfactory.  If a satisfactory clinical response does not occur after a reasonable period of time, discontinue dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection and transfer the patient to other therapy.

After a favorable initial response, the proper maintenance dosage should be determined by decreasing the initial dosage in small amounts to the lowest dosage that maintains an adequate clinical response.  

Patients should be observed closely for signs that might require dosage adjustment, including changes in clinical status resulting from remissions or exacerbations of the disease, individual drug responsiveness, and the effect of stress (e.g., surgery, infection, trauma).  During stress it may be necessary to increase dosage temporarily.  

If the drug is to be stopped after more than a few days of treatment, it usually should be withdrawn gradually.

When the intravenous route of administration is used, dosage usually should be the same as the oral dosage.  In certain overwhelming, acute, life-threatening situations, however, administration in dosages exceeding the usual dosages may be justified and may be in multiples of the oral dosages.  

The slower rate of absorption by intramuscular administration should be recognized.

Shock
There is a tendency in current medical practice to use high (pharmacologic) doses  of corticosteroids for the treatment of unresponsive shock.  The following dosages of dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection have been suggested by various authors.  
Author    Dosage
Cavanagh1
    3 mg/kg of body weight per 24 hours by constant intravenous infusion after an initial intravenous injection of 20 mg
Dietzman2
    2 to 6 mg/kg of body weight as a single intravenous injection
Frank3
    40 mg initially followed by repeat intravenous injection every 4 to 6 hours while shock persisits
Oaks4
    40 mg initially followed by repeat intravenous injection every 2 to 6 hours while shock persists
Schumer5
    1 mg/kg of body weight as a single intravenous injection
Administration of high dose corticosteroids therapy should be continued only until the patient's condition has stabilized and usually not longer than 48 to 72 hours.  

Although adverse reactions associated with high dose, short term corticosteroid therapy are uncommon, peptic ulceration may occur.  

Cerebral Edema
Dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection is generally administered initially in a dosage of 10 mg intravenously followed by four mg every six hours intramuscularly until the symptoms of cerebral edema subside.  Response is usually noted within 12 to 24 hours and dosage may be reduced after two to four days and gradually discontinued over a period of five to seven days.  For palliative management of patients with recurrent or inoperable brain tumors, maintenance therapy with 2 mg two or three times a day may be effective.

Acute Allergic Disorders

In acute, self-limited allergic disorders or acute exacerbations of chronic allergic disorders, the following dosage schedule combining parenteral and oral therapy is suggested:

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection, first day, 4 or 8 mg intramuscularly.
Dexamethasone tablets, 0.75 mg; second and third days, 4 tablets in two divided doses each day; fourth day, 2 tablets in two divided doses; fifth and sixth days, 1 tablet each day; seventh day, no treatment; eighth day, follow-up visit.  

This schedule is designed  to ensure adequate therapy during acute episodes, while minimizing the risk of overdosage in chronic cases.  

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever the solution and container permit.

How Supplied

Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection, USP (Preservative Free) equivalent to 10 mg dexamethasone phosphate, is supplied in a single dose vial as follows:
Product No.
    NDC No.
    Strength
    Vial Size
500601
    63323-506-01
    10 mg/mL
    1mL
Packaged in twenty-fives.


Dexamehtasone Sodium Phosphate Injection, USP (Preserved) equivalent to 10 mg dexamethasone phosphate, is supplied in a multiple dose vial as follows:

Product No.
     NDC No.
    Strength
    Vial Size
501610
    63323-516-10
    10mg/mL
    10 mL
Packaged in tens.

Vial stoppers do not contain natural rubber latex.  

Storage

Store at 20 to 25o C (68 to 77o F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature}.  Sensitive to heat.  Do not autoclave.

Protect from freezing.

Protect from light.

Single dose vials-Store in container until time of use.  Discard unused portion.  

Multiple dose vials-Store in container until contents are used.

References

   1. Cavanagh, D.; Singh, K.B.: Endotoxin shock in pregnancy and abortion, in: "Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Shock", Schumer, W.; Nyhus, L.M., Editors, Urbana, University of Illonois Press, 1970, pp. 86-96.
   2. Dietzman, R.H.; Ersek, R.A.; Bloch, J.M.; Lilleheir, R.C.: High-output, low-resistance gram-negative septic shock in man, Angiology 20: 691-700, Dec. 1969.
   3. Frank, E.: Clinical observations in shock and management (in: Shields, T.F., ed.: Symposium on current concepts and management of shock); J. Main Med. Ass. 50: 195-200, Oct 1968.
   4. Oaks, W.W.; Cohen, H.E.: Endotoxin shock in the geriatric patient, Geriat. 22; 120-130, Mar 1967.
   5. Schumer, W.; Nyhus, L.M.: Corticosteroid effect on biochemical parameters of human oligemic shock, Arch. Surg. 100: 405-408, Apr. 1970

APP
Pharmaceuticals, LLC
Schaumburg, IL 60173
45955D
Revised: April 2008

Sample Outer Label