Adult
PO
Anti-inflammatory 0.75-9 mg/day in 2-4 divided doses.
Acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis 30 mg/day for 1 wk followed by 4-12 mg/day for 1 mth.

IV
Unresponsive shock -as phosphate. Initial: 40 mg as a single dose, may repeat 2-6 hrly.
Bacterial meningitis 0.15 mg/kg 4 times/day 10-20 mins before or w/ 1st dose of anti-infective treatment.
Prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting associated with cytotoxic therapy 10-20 mg 15-30 mins before start of chemotherapy.

IV/IM
Cerebral oedema caused by malignancy - phosphate. Initial: 10 mg IV followed by 4 mg IM 6 hrly until response is achieved.
Intra-articular inflammatory joint diseases 0.8-4 mg depending on size of affected joint.
For soft tissue: 2-6 mg. May repeat every 3-5 days to 2-3 wkly.

Ophth
Ocular inflammation As 0.1% susp: Apply 1-2 drops 4-6 times/day, up to hrly admin in more severe disease. As 0.05% oint: Apply 0.5-1 inch ribbon of oint up to 4 times/day.

Adverse drug reactions: growth retardation, osteoporosis, peptic ulcer, glaucoma and subcapsular cataracts, vertebral compression fractures. Cushing-like features, pancreatic dysfunction and pancreatitis, GI upsets, increased appetite, increased fragility of the skin. Increased susceptibility to infection.

Adapted from CIMS Drug Information System. Internet. Accessed on January 10, 2016. /a>