Corticosteroid — Obstetric and Gynaecological

Dexamethasone (Antenatal / OHSS / CAH)

Brand names: Dexamethasone (generic)

This monograph covers dexamethasone in obstetric and gynaecological use, namely antenatal corticosteroid therapy for fetal lung maturation, an adjunct in ovarian hyperstimulation contexts, and prenatal management considerations in congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

Dexamethasone is a potent long-acting glucocorticoid that, given antenatally, accelerates fetal surfactant production and lung maturation; it crosses the placenta readily, unlike some other steroids.

Prescribing in practice

Antenatal corticosteroids should be given for anticipated preterm birth within the recognised gestational window to reduce neonatal respiratory distress, intraventricular haemorrhage and mortality.
Prenatal dexamethasone for suspected congenital adrenal hyperplasia is experimental and should only be undertaken within specialist services and ideally a research framework.
Monitor maternal blood glucose, as antenatal steroids can cause hyperglycaemia, particularly in diabetes.

Monitoring

Monitor maternal blood glucose after administration and, where relevant, fetal wellbeing, and limit repeated antenatal courses to defined indications.

Counselling the patient

Antenatal steroids help your baby's lungs mature before an early birth.
You may need closer blood sugar monitoring for a few days.
Prenatal use for adrenal conditions is specialist and individualised.

Evidence & guidelines

Antenatal corticosteroids for fetal lung maturation are supported by long-standing trial evidence and recommended by RCOG and NICE for anticipated preterm birth.

Reference: RCOG Green-top 43 (HELLP); NICE NG25 (Antenatal Care); Magee et al. (HELLP corticosteroids); Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators