Pharmacokinetics of dexamethasone and its phosphate ester.
Dexamethasone in form of its phosphate was given intravenously in two different doses (1.5 mg kg-1 and 15 mg). Plasma levels of the ester and dexamethasone were measured and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. The results indicate no dose-dependency of the pharmacokinetic parameters in the investigated range for dexamethasone. Conversion from the prodrug to the active form was rapid; maximum dexamethasone plasma concentrations were reached after 10 min. The results were verified by dexamethasone level monitoring in patients after chronic dosing. Predicted and achieved steady state levels agreed well.
D000328:Adult; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007700:Kinetics; D008297:Male
C004180:dexamethasone 21-phosphate; D003907:Dexamethasone