Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Dexamethasone Acetate

Identification

Product Name: Dexamethasone Acetate
Chemical Name: 9-fluoro-11β,17,21-trihydroxy-16β-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione 21-acetate
Synonyms: Decadron Acetate, Dexamethasone 21-acetate
Molecular Formula: C24H31FO6
Molecular Weight: 434.5 g/mol
CAS Number: 1177-87-3
Recommended Use: Anti-inflammatory agent, pharmaceutical ingredient
Manufacturer: Listed by the supplier on accompanying documentation
Emergency Contact: Refer to supplier or local emergency number associated with hazardous chemicals

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Toxic if swallowed, irritating to eyes, skin, and respiratory system, possible carcinogen based on animal data
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statement: May cause allergic skin reaction; suspected of damaging fertility; toxic to specific organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, exclamation mark, health hazard symbol
Precautionary Statement: Wear protective gloves and eye protection; do not breathe dust or fumes; wash thoroughly after handling; use in well-ventilated area
Potential Health Effects: Long-term exposure to corticosteroids can impact hormonal balance, impair immune response, and increase vulnerability to infections

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical: Dexamethasone Acetate
Concentration: ≥99% (pure substance, as shipped)
Impurities: Acetone, acetic acid, related steroidal impurities may exist in trace amounts based on synthesis method
Other Components: None intentionally added
CAS Number: 1177-87-3

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move individual to fresh air; if breathing is difficult, provide oxygen; seek medical attention if symptoms develop
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes; remove contact lenses; seek immediate medical advice
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash skin thoroughly with water and soap; get medical help for persistent irritation
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth with water; seek medical attention without delay
Medical Note: Symptoms can include nausea, headache, skin eruptions, bronchospasm, allergic reactions; provide symptomatic and supportive treatment

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, foam, water spray
Specific Hazards: Decomposes under intense heat to emit irritating or toxic fumes (carbon oxides, hydrogen fluoride)
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus
Firefighters’ Instructions: Isolate fire area; avoid inhaling fumes; prevent runoff from entering drains or water sources
Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen fluoride, other hazardous gases depending on conditions

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Ventilate contaminated area; avoid dust formation; don nitrile gloves, goggles, and laboratory coat
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage; avoid contamination of soil, surface, or groundwater
Methods for Clean-up: Scoop or sweep up using non-sparking tools; place residue in clearly labeled chemical waste container; decontaminate affected surface with appropriate cleaning solution
Disposal: See disposal considerations; prevent material from being released into environment

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use engineering controls (fume hood or glove box) as much as possible; wear personal protective equipment; avoid generating dust or inhaling particles; wash hands and arms after use
Storage: Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; avoid exposure to sunlight, moisture, or air; store away from incompatible materials (oxidizers and strong acids); maintain at recommended temperature (typically 2-8°C)
Specific Practices: Label all containers clearly; restrict access to trained personnel; keep away from food, drink, or animal feed

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Chemical fume hood, local exhaust ventilation, eyewash stations
Personal Protective Equipment: Impermeable gloves, protective goggles or face shield, lab coat or chemical-resistant apron, closed-toe shoes, NIOSH-approved respirator (if dust exposure risk exists)
Exposure Limits: No OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV established for dexamethasone acetate; exposure should be minimized as a precaution
Hygiene Practices: Prohibit smoking, eating, or drinking in work area; wash thoroughly after handling; remove contaminated clothing before leaving laboratory
Environmental Controls: Avoid release into environment by proper containment and waste handling

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
pH: Not applicable (insoluble in water)
Melting Point: 230–234°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, soluble in ethanol and methanol
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperature
Density: Approximately 1.3 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient (log Pow): 1.83
Flash Point: Not determined
Other Information: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions; sensitive to moisture, prolonged exposure to light
Reactivity: Non-reactive with common materials but reacts with strong oxidizers and acids
Hazardous Reactions: No hazardous polymerization anticipated
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides, hydrogen fluoride, acetic acid, other unidentified toxic gases or vapors during combustion or decomposition
Conditions to Avoid: Prolonged exposure to heat and light, contact with incompatible chemicals, high humidity

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Data limited; oral LD50 (rat) believed to exceed 3000 mg/kg
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure may disrupt endocrine system, suppress adrenal function, cause osteoporosis, impede wound healing
Inhalation Exposure: May cause irritation to respiratory passages, coughing, difficulty breathing
Dermal Exposure: Possible mild irritation; no significant absorption expected from intact skin
Eye Exposure: Irritating; may cause redness, tearing, blurred vision
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic to humans by IARC, NTP, or OSHA; animal studies show long-term steroidal exposure increases tumor incidence
Mutagenicity: Negative in bacterial mutation assays; not expected to cause heritable genetic damage
Reproductive Toxicity: Animal studies at high dose levels show potential for fetal toxicity, birth defects, impaired fertility

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms; may cause long-term adverse effects in aquatic environments
Mobility: Low mobility in soil; highly adsorbed to organic matter
Persistence and Degradability: Expected to be persistent in the environment; slow biodegradation
Bioaccumulation Potential: Risk of bioaccumulation, particularly in water-dwelling animals exposed to corticosteroids
Other Effects: Endocrine disruption observed in some aquatic species following exposure to corticosteroids

Disposal Considerations

Waste Handling: Collect and transfer material to properly labeled, sealed hazardous chemical containers
Disposal Method: Incinerate in approved facility or dispose of as hazardous chemical waste following local, regional, and national regulations
Contaminated Packaging: Dispose of as hazardous waste; decontaminate containers before reuse or recycling
Sewage Disposal: Prohibit disposal via sanitary sewer to prevent water contamination
Special Precautions: Limit exposure to those with proper training; maintain documentation of disposal processes for traceability

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as dangerous goods for transport by ADR/RID, IMDG, or IATA regulations
Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated
Transport Hazard Class: Not assigned
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not environmentally hazardous for transport purposes
Special Precautions for User: Avoid releasing transport residues into environment; ensure secure packaging to prevent leaks or spills during transit

Regulatory Information

TSCA Status: Not listed on the United States Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) inventory
Inventory Listings: Registered for use in pharmaceutical preparations; not subject to REACH restrictions in its pure form
OSHA Regulations: No specific standards; general duty to protect workers applies
WHMIS Classification (Canada): D2A (very toxic material); E (corrosive material)
Other Country-Specific Regulations: Subject to pharmaceutical and hazardous substance regulations in many jurisdictions; users must review applicable local, regional, and international health and safety requirements for handling and disposal