Guidelines
Initiation of Steroid Therapy

Initiation of Steroid Therapy

Note

For patients who have already received a dose of antibiotic(s), use of dexamethasone is NOT recommended.

Adults

Dexamethasone 10 mg q6h for 4 days, with first dose administered 10-20 mins before, or at least concomitant with, the first dose of antimicrobials

DISCONTINUE if no evidence of pneumococcal meningitis.

Infants* and Children

*6 weeks and older

Dexamethasone 0.15mg/kg IV STAT 10-20 minutes prior to, concomitant with, or within 30 minutes after initiation of the first dose of antimicrobials, then q6h x 2-4 days

DISCONTINUE if no evidence of H. influenzae type b.

Neonates

Not recommended.