Calculate pediatric dosages for Dexamethasone in seconds with our Dexamethasone pediatric dosing calculator. Input the details, press Calculate Dosage, and get precise Dexamethasone prescriptions for every child!
Dexamethasone is a potent corticosteroid used as a single oral dose for pediatric croup to reduce airway swelling and improve breathing. A widely used regimen is 0.6 mg/kg (max 10 mg); some protocols use lower doses (0.15–0.6 mg/kg) in mild/moderate cases per clinician judgment.
Typical croup regimen: single dose ~0.6 mg/kg (max 10–12 mg)
Onset within hours; effect often lasts 24–48 hours
Liquid (e.g., 1 mg/mL) and tablets (e.g., 2–4 mg) are commonly used; injectable solution can be given orally if directed
Single dose rarely needs taper; monitor for behavior/sleep changes
Seek care for increasing breathing difficulty or stridor at rest
| Condition | Age Range | First Line? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis) | Infants and children | Yes | Single oral dose commonly used to reduce airway swelling and improve stridor and cough. |
| Adjunct for other inflammatory airway conditions (per clinician guidance) | Children and adolescents | No | Use case‑by‑case under clinician direction |
Single doses of dexamethasone for croup are usually well tolerated. Mild stomach upset, temporary changes in mood or sleep, or a flushed face can occur and are typically short‑lived.
Focus on breathing comfort and reassurance; serious effects are rare with a single dose.
Stomach upset—give with food if needed
Mood/behavior—brief irritability or restlessness can occur
Sleep—some children have difficulty falling asleep the first night
Infection masking—seek care if fever worsens or breathing becomes more difficult
Organized by affected organ systems
How to discuss side effects with families
Management protocols and monitoring
Common concerns and practical guidance
Hearing your child’s barky cough can be scary—dexamethasone is commonly used for croup and a single dose often brings noticeable relief. Using your child’s weight to guide dosing and giving it at a calm moment can make the experience smoother for everyone.
If using the liquid, shake well and measure the dose with the oral syringe that comes with the medication—this helps you feel confident about the dose. Give slowly into the cheek; offering a small sip afterwards is okay. If your clinician provided a tablet, it can be crushed and mixed in a small amount of soft food, then given right away. If your child vomits right after the dose, call your clinician for advice before repeating—often waiting and trying again later is preferred.
Gentle reminders: a single dose is usually enough for croup. Improvement often starts within a few hours and continues overnight. Keep a simple log if advised to check in with your clinician, and focus on comfort measures (cool mist, calm environment).
Emergency contact: Seek urgent care if your child has stridor at rest, severe breathing difficulty, drooling, appears very fatigued, or if symptoms worsen despite medication.
You’re doing the right things—most children improve quickly after dexamethasone. If you’re worried at any point, please reach out.
Dexamethasone is a potent glucocorticoid that binds cytosolic glucocorticoid receptors, translocates to the nucleus, and modulates gene transcription to reduce inflammatory mediators. In croup, this decreases airway mucosal edema and helps calm stridor and cough.
Essential clinical insights and practical wisdom for safe, effective use in pediatric practice.
Understanding your child's medication is important. We've created comprehensive guides to help you safely administer Dexamethasone and monitor your child's response to treatment.
Many children start improving within a few hours, with benefits often lasting 24–48 hours. Barky cough and stridor typically settle as swelling goes down.
For most children with croup, a single dose is sufficient. Your clinician will advise if additional care is needed based on symptoms.
Yes, dexamethasone can be given with food to reduce stomach upset. Always share your child’s medicines with your clinician—some drugs can interact with steroids.
Short‑term mood or sleep changes can occur but are usually brief. Seek care for worsening breathing, severe agitation, or signs of infection.
If vomiting occurs immediately after the dose, call your clinician for guidance before repeating. If your child keeps the dose down and starts improving, a second dose is usually not needed.
In some cases, clinicians use an intramuscular dose or administer the injectable solution orally. Your care team will choose the best route based on your child’s condition.