For Patients/Families

Dexamethasone
Steroid drug given to improve lung function in infants who have severe chronic lung disease or in some infants who have severe, acute lung disease. The use of dexamethasone is somewhat controversial because it often has a temporary effect only and carries the risk of high blood sugar, high blood pressure and other potential side effects. However, in some babies it results in a dramatic improvement in lung function and a marked reduction in the need for ventilator support.