Dexamethasone Acetate: A Comprehensive Commentary

Tracing the Roots: Historical Development

Looking back, dexamethasone acetate traces its roots to the boom years of steroid chemistry research. People working in hormone modification in the middle of the twentieth century pushed for safer corticosteroids, knowing the limits and risks tied to older compounds. Dexamethasone as a parent structure grew in popularity thanks to its potent anti-inflammatory action and lower tendency to spark mineralocorticoid side effects. Turning it into an acetate came about as chemists explored ways to improve dosage precision, shelf stability, and tailor delivery in medical and research labs. A big shift happened as doctors got evidence that dexamethasone acetate could shrink allergic flares and calm aggressive immune responses with more predictable results. The acetate ester form helped dose adjustments and opened up injectable, topical, and slow-release options. Research journals from the 1960s onward keep plenty of record of attempts to reduce negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis—scientists craved more control, and dexamethasone acetate answered this need. Industrial synthesis went commercial not long afterward, feeding both human and animal health markets, while clinics gradually flagged new risks and benefits as real-world use unfolded.

Product Overview and Everyday Uses

Dexamethasone acetate shows up in many forms—powders, injectable solutions, and compounded mixes—letting people working in lab science, hospitals, and veterinary fields use it wherever control over inflammation gives better outcomes. The structure builds on the triamcinolone skeleton, with a 9α-fluoro addition and a 16α-methyl group, plus an acetoxy group at carbon 21. In real life, this means shorter onset and more flexible tissue penetration than pure dexamethasone base. Doctors reach for dexamethasone acetate to ease allergic reactions, manage hormone imbalances, and temper immune attacks in autoimmune diseases, and it’s a favorite for controlling stubborn skin disorders. In animal science, it shows up in protocols tackling joint issues in horses or as an adrenocortical suppressant in diagnostic tests. My experience in hospital pharmacy tells me clinicians like the predictable pharmacokinetics—steady uptake and reliable absorption mean dosing tweaks get the job done instead of causing new problems. People working with research animals depend on it, too, since acetate esters tend to give steadier effects over time, which is critical for experimental controls.

Physical and Chemical Realities

This compound forms a white or off-white crystalline powder, and the fine structure looks uniform to the naked eye. Under the microscope, it packs into needle-like crystals, showing off fair insolubility in water but better mixing with organic solvents such as chloroform and ethanol. Melting point sits around 228-232°C. Chemists can spot dexamethasone acetate by its spectral fingerprint, with key absorptions seen on IR at amide carbonyl and acetate ester bands. With a molecular formula of C24H31FO6 and a molar mass near 434.5 g/mol, it’s clear this molecule brings both heft and complexity. Exposure to moisture over time slowly chips away at purity, plus the acetate can hydrolyze if mishandled in solution. You get a better shelf life in sealed, low-humidity containers—something hospital supply techs pay attention to, since degraded steroids produce unpredictable potency.

Technical Specs and Labeling Concerns

Pharmaceutical-grade dexamethasone acetate often shows assay purity above 98.5 percent, with water content under 0.5 percent by weight. Labels specify batch number, lot-specific expiry, storage temperature range—preferably 2-8°C—and detailed handling precautions. Labels matter in practice because cross-contamination or misidentification in the pharmacy storeroom can send the wrong steroid to the wrong patient or experiment, risking everything from immune suppression to laboratory errors. Vials or ampoules used for injection come with break-resistant packaging, with color-coded labeling for clear distinction from other steroids. Even small differences in esterification change release profile, so the product sheet always spells out “acetate” in bold next to the base name—to call out the risk of mixing it up with phosphate or other dexamethasone salts. Risk of confusion tracks back to both manufacturer and user; pharmacy technicians I’ve worked with double-check every time, aware that switching esters can lead to clinical mistakes.

Crafting the Compound: Preparation Method

Chemists usually begin with crystalline dexamethasone, purified from earlier reactions using microbial fermentation or plant sources. The acetylation step follows the traditional route: mixing dexamethasone with acetic anhydride and a base, such as pyridine, under gentle heat. Chemistry labs run thin-layer chromatography to watch the conversion and halt the process at peak yield. Post-reaction, chemists quench the mix with cold water, extract the product into organic solvent, then wash and dry it before removing volatile leftovers in vacuo. The crude product often gets a final purification through recrystallization using a blend of organic solvents, like ethanol and ethyl acetate, to increase purity. Color tests and melting point checks confirm identity, while high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) ensures no shadow contaminants, which matter in pharmaceuticals where establishing trust with users sits squarely on the data.

Chemical Tweaks and Modifications

Tweaking dexamethasone starts with the parent structure—adding the acetate shifts its lipid solubility and turns metabolic half-life more predictable. Researchers have tried other esterification routes, too, such as phosphate or palmitate, to create slow-release or specialty products for different delivery methods. Chemistry teams note that swapping esters affects binding to plasma proteins, changing how the body clears the drug. Modifying other positions on the ring system creates analogs, with the goal of separating anti-inflammatory punch from side effects. From time to time, new synthesis reactions have spun off analogs with even greater receptor targeting, but none have knocked acetate entirely off the shelf. The ongoing tinkering gives pharmaceutical firms a steady stream of patents, each building on that basic dexamethasone core.

Alternate Names and Product Synonyms

World markets often know dexamethasone acetate by several names: 9α-Fluoro-16α-methylprednisolone 21-acetate, Decadron acetate, Dexamethasone 21-acetate, or plain DEXA-acetate in shorthand. Synonyms become important because supply chains stretch across borders, and doctors and pharmacists order from multiple vendors, often working in rush or crisis conditions. Even minor spelling changes can cause shipment errors, and hospitals sometimes keep both acetate and base salt on site. Trade names from big pharma companies differ, though the active compound stays identical when purity checks out. In my experience, hospitals and research labs carry cheat sheets listing all alternates—nobody wants to risk grabbing the wrong vial, especially in emergencies.

Staying Safe: Safety and Operational Standards

Handling dexamethasone acetate brings clear risk—the compound can suppress immune function and hormone balance, so contact precautions always matter. Lab workers suit up with gloves, lab coats, and splash protection, especially during weighing or stock preparation. Dust particles can drift, so fume hoods pull the weight in research spaces. In hospitals, nurses and pharmacy techs lean heavily on sealed ampoules and prefilled syringes, cutting down on spills and exposure. Disposal carries regulation, with used vials and residual material heading for hazardous waste incineration rather than garbage bins. Training drives safety performance more than anything else, something I’ve seen in hospital rounds—nobody trusts busy environments to protect people without constant reminders and real accountability. Pharmacovigilance programs take center stage any time new side effects or accidents crop up, with strict reporting to authorities at both state and national level.

Application Area: Where Does It Matter?

Nearly everywhere inflammation or tissue rejection threatens health, dexamethasone acetate finds a dedicated following. Hospital pharmacies keep it ready for allergic emergencies, severe asthma flare-ups, and as a key agent in chemotherapy nausea protocols. Surgeons reach for it in ophthalmic, ENT, and joint operations, hoping to dampen post-op swelling. For chronic illnesses like lupus, psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis, this acetate form makes long-term control less grueling compared to other corticosteroids. In the veterinary world, dexamethasone acetate turns up for acute laminitis horses and as a go-to for immunosuppression in diagnostic workups. Research labs draw on its reliability for studies on stress, inflammation, and the body’s feedback loops. It brings flexibility to dosing and timing—crucial for scientists testing everything from autoimmune response to cancer suppression. This compound bridges acute emergencies and long-haul management, so both frontline care teams and research staff keep it within arm’s reach.

Pushing Boundaries: Research & Development

Academic and industrial teams keep chemists and pharmacologists busy with dexamethasone acetate. One group explores nanoparticle encapsulation, hoping to steer the drug directly into tumors and skip healthy tissue. Others try to pair it with gene therapy protocols, hoping to dial down immune rejection during crispr or viral vector delivery. All the while, old-school pharmacology chases cleaner delivery and fewer side effects, playing with novel ester forms and combination therapy. Clinical research now tracks how dexamethasone acetate interacts with emerging biologics, especially as immunotherapy and precision medicine enter the mainstream. Molecular dynamics simulations chart protein-ligand interactions to predict unplanned off-target effects before they hit the real world. In animal models, researchers follow up on subtle side effects—altered behavior, bone loss, subtle growth changes—knowing that long-term use brings hidden risks. New formulations try to split the benefit from the baggage, offering hope to patients and research projects alike.

Toxicity Research: Watching the Dark Side

Toxicity keeps drug developers and clinicians on their toes. Chronic exposure to dexamethasone acetate can trigger problems ranging from straightforward weight gain and skin thinning to hidden issues like adrenal suppression, osteoporosis, and subtle immune changes. Animal studies spotlight fetal growth disruption and changes in stress response, which push doctors to limit use in pregnancy and childhood. Human case reports continue tying overuse to slow-healing wounds, high blood sugar, and increased infection risk. Hospital guidelines now set clear dosing windows, mandatory tapers, and frequent monitoring for mood, sleep, and blood pressure changes. Labs screen for Cushingoid features during long-term studies, and even short bursts in healthy volunteers call for aftercare to limit steroid crash or psychiatric swings. Nearly every day in hospital or research circles brings reminders that corticosteroids solve one problem and seed two more if left unchecked—so vigilance, not just enthusiasm for the powerful anti-inflammatory action, rules the day.

Future Prospects Worth Watching

Looking ahead, dexamethasone acetate sits at an intersection—tried-and-true duty alongside brand-new applications. Drug delivery research promises smarter targeting, aiming to hang the benefits on disease sites and spare the rest of the body. Synthetic biologists chase engineered analogs that trim fat from side effects while keeping the healing punch. Some teams dream of creating “switch-on, switch-off” steroid actions through designer receptors, letting doctors click a button on the needed effect. Wider use in cancer immunotherapy and gene correction could follow if researchers can control dose exposure and keep the body’s hormone balance steady. Digital monitoring tools, wearable health devices, and predictive diagnostics might help manage risk and flag trouble early. My own circle of medical professionals sees this as both promise and challenge—bring the benefits, but never underestimate the complexity any time you dial up or down the immune system. Dexamethasone acetate will keep serving as a reminder that progress, power, and prudence must keep pace with each other.



What is Dexamethasone Acetate used for?

How Dexamethasone Acetate Earns Its Place in Modern Medicine

Doctors have relied on dexamethasone acetate in clinics and hospitals for decades. This isn’t just a pill you take for a headache. It steps in when diseases flare up and the body's defenses go overboard. Allergies, skin rashes, arthritis pain—these problems push people to seek relief that lasts and allows daily life to carry on. Dexamethasone acetate stands out because it calms the immune system and tamps down swelling better than many of its steroid cousins.

Why Inflammation Gets So Much Attention

Our bodies try hard to protect us with inflammation, but things get rough when this response won’t quit. I’ve seen people lose sleep over nagging joint pain. You’d expect relief from a hot pack or some rest, yet nothing seems to work. That’s where powerful medications come into play. Dexamethasone acetate’s anti-inflammatory impact can push back against swelling in the joints, breathing troubles in the lungs, and problems caused by allergies. Severe asthma attacks or allergic reactions hit hard and fast; having a trusty tool like this one ready can sometimes save lives.

The Power and Responsibility of Using Strong Medicines

Doctors appreciate how dexamethasone acetate works for tough autoimmune conditions, serious skin problems, and even certain cancers. As the immune system stumbles, attacking healthy tissues, this treatment presses pause and lets patients catch their breath. You’ll find it included in plans for lupus and some types of leukemia. After surgeries, especially around the brain or spine, specialists use it to keep swelling from getting out of hand. Dexamethasone acetate isn’t just used by itself: doctors often pair it with other drugs to make treatments easier on the rest of the body.

The Roadblocks People Face

Steroids come with a price. I’ve watched loved ones wrestle with side effects: mood swings, extra weight, and brittle bones after long-term use. Blood sugar climbs, blood pressure gets tougher to control, and sometimes infections slip through an immune system dialed down by this medication. These downsides make it clear it’s not a drug for everyday aches and pains.

Smart Solutions and Careful Choices

Strong medicine deserves thoughtful use. Doctors track doses and timing, looking for the sweet spot that tackles disease but avoids trouble down the line. They support patients by offering drug holidays, checking bone density, and working with other specialists if blood sugar rises. In clinics, talking through risks and benefits matters more than ever. People feel more confident managing their health when they know what’s in their prescription and what signs to watch for.

Dexamethasone acetate’s rewards come with serious trade-offs. Managing illnesses like severe arthritis and allergic reactions sometimes calls for a strong push, but safety rests on teamwork between doctors and patients. Newer treatments and better guidelines should focus on tailoring care without turning every flare-up into an invitation for side effects. There's real hope in education—both for colleagues and families at home—so the right medicine gets used for the right reasons.

What are the common side effects of Dexamethasone Acetate?

What Dexamethasone Acetate Means for Patients

Dexamethasone Acetate brings strong benefits for people who need it. Doctors use it to fight inflammation, ease allergies, or to slow down a hyperactive immune system. Cancer care teams often use it, too. Patients facing tough conditions sometimes walk away with a better quality of life, even if just for a while. But good effects don’t always come without costs. Like any powerful drug, dexamethasone acetate tends to bring side effects that aren’t just minor annoyances. Some can change day-to-day life. Recognizing these early can keep issues from turning into real problems.

Common Reactions You Might Notice

Plenty of folks mention trouble with sleep after starting dexamethasone acetate. It can bring a burst of energy, but that charge also makes it hard to fall asleep or rest deeply. Hunger takes off, too. I’ve sat with friends in chemo wards staring into a fridge at midnight, fighting cravings they never had before the steroid. If the medication sticks around for weeks, people can add weight and spot extra padding in unusual places—cheeks, belly, even the back of the neck. These body changes hit confidence hard.

Mood struggles come along, too. Some days, the world feels sharper, irritations come quicker, patience washes away. Friends have described moments of anxiety or sadness that felt unfamiliar and tough to shake. Blood sugar jumps around for some, even in folks without diabetes. Those who already check their blood sugar can face big swings. During long treatment, muscles shrink and skin thins, raising the risk of bruises and small wounds that take ages to heal.

Big Risks: What Needs Attention

Dexamethasone acetate puts pressure on bones. It can slowly draw calcium away, raising the risk of osteoporosis. I’ve heard from older adults who slipped and broke a bone, only to learn their daily steroid tipped the scales. High doses or long courses add up, so anyone on the drug for months should talk about bone health. Doctors often recommend adding vitamin D and calcium as a buffer. Infections can sneak in as well—cuts, coughs, or fevers demand quick phone calls to a medical team.

Balancing Treatment and Side Effects

Nobody likes feeling sick from what’s supposed to help. Still, honest conversations build trust between patients and their care groups. If sleep vanishes, checking schedules can help—taking the dose in early morning rather than evening sometimes settles the nerves. For big hunger swings, laying out healthier snacks keeps weight in check. Watching mental health matters just as much as logging blood pressure. Friends and family help here, too. Being open about mood or energy shifts can steer loved ones to offer a helping hand.

Solutions Worth Considering

The medical world doesn’t ignore these problems. Research has tracked steroids closely, giving doctors a set of tools to spot trouble early and react quickly. For ongoing users, a bone scan helps measure strength before fractures happen. Blood tests protect against hidden diabetes or infections. Pharmacists and nurses walk patients through strategies for day-to-day challenges—simple things like meal timing, gentle exercise, or journaling moods. Staying active, eating well, asking questions, and keeping every appointment can cut risks to a minimum and keep life on as even a path as possible. Trust builds through teamwork, and health improves when everyone looks out for these side effects together.

How should Dexamethasone Acetate be administered or taken?

Understanding Why Dosing Matters

Doctors give out dexamethasone acetate to treat everything from stubborn inflammatory conditions to bad allergies, to cancer complications, and a few tough autoimmune flare-ups. It’s a heavy hitter with steroids, not the gym-rat kind, but the strong anti-inflammatory kind. The catch: you can’t just swallow a random amount or rub in a little cream on a whim.

The human body reacts to this medicine in a big way, so paying attention to the doctor’s directions spares you a mess of problems. Swallowing too much or stopping without warning turns your immune system into a carnival ride—unpredictable and rough. Dexamethasone acetate comes as tablets, injections, and creams, and each one deserves respect for how it enters the body.

How You Take It Makes All the Difference

Tablets land on the prescription pad often. Swallow them whole, with food or milk, so your stomach stays calm. I remember a neighbor who ignored this tip and paid the price with a gnawing pain for days. The solution sounds simple: grab a snack along with the pill.

Doctors sometimes give dexamethasone acetate by injection. Hospital staff mix and deliver the exact amount through the vein or into muscle. At home, nobody should roll up a sleeve and try to inject it by copying a video. There’s a reason pharmacy staff get trained on this—precision is crucial because too much slows down healing, too little and symptoms return with a vengeance.

Some folks deal with skin conditions where creams or topical solutions come in handy. Even then, more is not better. I saw a friend once lather on more cream hoping to speed up relief, and all that earned was a red, tender patch that took weeks to fade. Using the thinnest possible layer with gentle hands goes further than globbing it on.

Avoiding Trouble: Practical Tips from Real Lives

Always take dexamethasone at the same time every day. This routine keeps your hormone cycles from spinning out. Forget to take it? Call the doctor if you remember too late instead of doubling up.

Buying the drug online or borrowing some from a friend might seem convenient, but counterfeit medicine and dosing mistakes aren’t worth the gamble. Talk to a pharmacist with any questions—the best ones answer even the silliest-sounding queries without judgment.

Doctors talk about “tapering off” dexamethasone. This slow step-down protects the body from withdrawal, headaches, weakness, or worse. Nobody’s pride gets bruised by needing reminders to follow the plan closely, even if it takes marking a calendar. The adrenal glands get sluggish from too much steroid, and a sudden stop can land you in the ER.

Listening, Learning, and Sharing Information

In many clinics, nurses repeat the safest way to use dexamethasone at each visit and give written instructions to take home. Patients who ask questions—about foods to avoid, how to store the medicine, or what to watch for—spot side effects early and stay safer.

Every medicine has power, especially steroids like dexamethasone acetate. Using them the right way comes from trusting reliable sources, following instructions, sharing concerns, and never playing doctor at home. I’ve seen lives deeply improved by the right use, and real trouble when folks improvise or skip doses. Take it seriously, and dexamethasone does its job.

Are there any precautions or contraindications with Dexamethasone Acetate?

Understanding the Value—and the Risks

Dexamethasone acetate holds a strong reputation as a potent corticosteroid. Doctors reach for it to help with serious problems like allergic reactions, swelling in the brain, or as part of cancer treatments. Experience shows that impressive results walk hand-in-hand with real risks. Every prescription invites a responsibility—a need to slow down and really weigh the pros and cons in the context of the person receiving the treatment.

Who Should Be Careful

Some groups face bigger risks. For instance, people with ongoing infections don't just react poorly to dexamethasone acetate—their problems usually get worse. This drug suppresses the immune system, which opens the door for bacteria, viruses, and fungi to do their damage. You can't ignore the fact that folks with tuberculosis, fungal infections, or even uncontrolled viral illnesses often experience worsening symptoms or complications because their bodies can’t mount a strong defense during treatment. Several case reports back this up, highlighting tragic outcomes after oversight.

People with poorly controlled diabetes also run into walls. Steroids crank up blood sugar—sometimes a lot. Anyone who’s managed diabetes with a close eye on their glucose levels knows that blood sugar swings mess with daily life and bump up the risk for complications. Doctors should warn folks with diabetes that dexamethasone acetate can push blood sugar over the edge; regular checks become non-negotiable for safety.

Mental Health and Steroids

The mental side of steroids matters just as much as the physical. Mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, or even psychosis have all been linked to high doses or rapid changes in corticosteroid use. These symptoms don’t just disrupt daily life: for some patients and families, it feels like personality changes out of nowhere. From my own time working in primary care, I’ve watched people struggle dearly—not knowing if it’s them, the illness, or their medicine at fault. That’s why awareness and supportive conversations count for so much. Doctors and loved ones both play roles making sure small changes don’t spiral out of control.

Precautions in Daily Living

With immunosuppression comes a laundry list of simple but essential precautions. Avoiding sick contacts, keeping up with handwashing, and steering clear from crowded places lower the chance of picking up new infections. Changes in weight, sleep, appetite, and even bruising or thinning skin might come as a surprise but aren’t unusual. Nurses, pharmacists, and doctors all counsel patients about staying alert for these problems. That vigilance forms the backbone of safer use wherever the medication is involved.

Drug interactions deserve real attention. Blood thinners, certain antibiotics, diabetes medications, and even some vaccines interact poorly with dexamethasone acetate. People on more than one drug should speak up. Pharmacists serve a major role flagging bad combinations so potentially serious side effects don’t slip through the cracks.

Picking the Best Path Forward

Patients and health professionals both make better choices when they talk openly and honestly. Sharing complete health histories means fewer surprises. Labs and vital signs give hard evidence about safety, and check-ins catch early warning signs before tiny problems take over. Decision-making needs to feel like a partnership, not a lecture. With dexamethasone acetate, that means respecting its power and realizing that careful planning usually keeps things safer for everyone involved.

Can Dexamethasone Acetate interact with other medications?

The Importance of Knowing Your Drug Mix

Anytime a doctor prescribes a new medication, the question usually comes up: will it get along with what I already take? With something like dexamethasone acetate, that question matters—even more so for people on multiple medications. This corticosteroid handles inflammation and manages autoimmune conditions, but it rarely works alone in someone’s medicine cabinet. Too often, patients learn about drug interactions after the fact, when a strange symptom pops up or something stops working as expected.

Where Interactions Show Up

Most of the trouble falls into a few big categories: blood thinners, diabetes drugs, and certain antibiotics. Warfarin stands out—mixing it with dexamethasone can change how blood clots. Some folks might end up with bruises, others with higher clotting risk, depending on how the steroid shifts metabolism. I’ve watched someone go from routine labs to a string of anxious phone calls, all because a new prescription wasn’t cross-checked.

Blood sugar levels tell another story. Dexamethasone can weaken the effect of insulin and oral diabetes medications. Many don’t realize it until their sugar readings creep higher, even when diet and exercise haven’t changed. For those already struggling to keep blood sugar on target, the wrong combo swings a door wide for complications. Diabetics need coaching and sometimes a dose adjustment, or temporary extra monitoring, so nothing sneaks past them or their care team.

Immune Effects and Hidden Risks

If someone takes immunosuppressants, either for a transplant or an autoimmune problem, adding dexamethasone can push their immune system even lower. That means a higher risk of infections. The same applies to certain antivirals or antifungals; they might increase or decrease steroid levels in the blood, leading everything from weaker effect to harmful side effects like mood changes, sleep issues, or even bone loss over time.

Even Over-the-Counter Choices Matter

Over-the-counter drugs get overlooked a lot. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, common painkillers like ibuprofen, taken with dexamethasone, strain the stomach lining and raise ulcer risk. Many rely on these for headaches or knee pain, not realizing the stomach can’t always handle that double hit. Someone who already has acid reflux, for example, is especially vulnerable. I’ve heard from people who only learn this connection after a scare in the emergency room or a midnight call to the pharmacy.

Solutions Rely on Communication

Doctors and pharmacists have resources to flag problem combos, but the system only works if everyone shares full medication lists—including supplements and herbal products. The responsibility doesn’t just land on health professionals; patients have to know what they take and speak up. Simple strategies help: write out a medication schedule, bring all pill bottles to appointments, and ask direct questions if something feels off after starting dexamethasone. Digital health records help connect the dots, but low-tech habits like carrying a medicine list in your wallet work just as well on busy days.

Keeping communication lines open and checking every combo can sidestep most issues. Drug interactions won’t ever fade away, but honest conversations and a little vigilance give people a strong hand to play in their own care.

Dexamethasone Acetate
Names
Preferred IUPAC name (8S,9R,10S,11S,13S,14S,16R,17R)-9-Fluoro-11,17-dihydroxy-17-(2-acetyloxyacetyl)-10,13,16-trimethyl-6,7,8,10,11,12,14,15,16,17-decahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one
Other names Dexamethasone 21-acetate
Decadron acetate
Acetyl-dexamethasone
Hexadecadrol acetate
Pronunciation /ˌdɛk.səˈmɛθ.əˌsoʊn əˈsiː.teɪt/
Identifiers
CAS Number 1177-87-3
Beilstein Reference 585338
ChEBI CHEBI:31373
ChEMBL CHEMBL1200438
ChemSpider 51055
DrugBank DB14643
ECHA InfoCard 100.036.126
EC Number EC 3.2.1.10
Gmelin Reference 1446754
KEGG C05433
MeSH Dexamethasone Acetate MeSH: "Dexamethasone Acetate
PubChem CID 197713
RTECS number UF8750000
UNII 7S5I7G3JQL
UN number 3276
Properties
Chemical formula C24H31FO6
Molar mass 434.497 g/mol
Appearance White or almost white crystalline powder
Odor Odorless
Density 1.32 g/cm³
Solubility in water Insoluble in water
log P 2.56
Vapor pressure <0.0000001 mmHg (25°C)
Acidity (pKa) 12.42
Basicity (pKb) 12.22
Magnetic susceptibility (χ) -8.6E-6 cm³/mol
Refractive index (nD) 1.556
Viscosity Viscous liquid
Dipole moment 6.21 D
Thermochemistry
Std molar entropy (S⦵298) 339.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹
Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) -882.7 kJ/mol
Pharmacology
ATC code H02AB02
Hazards
Main hazards May cause cancer. Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
GHS labelling GHS02, GHS07, GHS08
Pictograms GHS06, GHS08
Signal word Danger
Hazard statements H302 + H332: Harmful if swallowed or if inhaled.
Precautionary statements P264, P280, P261, P271, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P332+P313, P337+P313, P362+P364
NFPA 704 (fire diamond) NFPA 704: 2-1-0
Flash point > 249.3 °C
Autoignition temperature 250 °C
Lethal dose or concentration LD50 (oral, rat): 1660 mg/kg
LD50 (median dose) LD50 (median dose): Mouse oral 1660 mg/kg
NIOSH DB11376
PEL (Permissible) Not established
REL (Recommended) 0.05 mg/kg
IDLH (Immediate danger) Not listed
Related compounds
Related compounds Corticosteroid
Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone sodium phosphate
Dexamethasone valerate
Betamethasone
Prednisolone
Hydrocortisone