By Michelle Roberts
A cheap and widely available drug called dexamethasone (click here) can help save the lives of patients who are seriously ill with coronavirus.
UK experts say the low-dose steroid treatment is major breakthrough in the fight against the deadly virus.
It cut the risk of death by a third for patients on ventilators. For those on oxygen, it cut deaths by a fifth.
The drug is part of the world's biggest trial testing existing treatments to see if they also work for coronavirus.
Researchers estimate that if the drug had been available in the UK from the start of the coronavirus pandemic up to 5,000 lives could have been saved. Because it is cheap, it could also be of huge benefit in poor countries struggling with high numbers of Covid-19 patients....
It comes in all forms; IV for hospitalized patients for fast effect, elixir and pills for homecare and children.
Oral route according to the Mayo Clinic:
Take this medicine (click here) exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance for unwanted effects.
Measure the oral liquid with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.
The Dexamethasone Intensol™ solution is a concentrated liquid. Measure the concentrated liquid with the special oral dropper that comes with the package. The liquid should be added to water, juice, soda or a soda-like beverage, applesauce, or pudding. Stir the mixture well and drink or eat it right away. Do not store the mixture for future use....
