IV: intravenous.
* Clinical judgment is required in patients with large amounts of edema, particularly when antitumor therapy has the potential to worsen edema. Increased caution is also required for posterior fossa tumors and edema, which can be associated with rapid deterioration.
¶ If lymphoma is on the differential diagnosis in a patient with a new brain mass, avoid steroids if possible while pursuing urgent neurosurgical consult for biopsy.
Δ Although it has been customary to administer dexamethasone in 4 divided daily doses, its biologic half-life is sufficiently long (36 to 54 hours) to allow once- or twice-daily dosing. This approach is preferred for maintenance therapy because it is easier for patients and has not been associated with diminished efficacy. Use once-daily morning dosing when possible and avoid late evening and middle-of-the-night dosing to help reduce insomnia.