Prophylaxis of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (Formulary)

Refer to guidance on antenatal corticosteroids at www.rcog.org.uk and to Patient Group Direction. Depending on availability, either betamethasone or dexamethasone may be used.

Please consider if a steroid emergency card needs to be given to the patient alongside the traditional steroid treatment card.  This is to support the timely recognition and treatment of potential adrenal crisis and is suitable for some patients on oral, inhaled, topical or rectal steroids.  For more information, including which patients should receive the card, see HIS for details.  Steroid emergency cards have been distributed to, hospitals, GP surgeries and community pharmacies. Primary care can order replacement cards from 01463 706886.

See Peri-operative guidelines for patients with or at risk of adrenal insufficiency.

BETAMETHASONE

Important: Therapy notes

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Injection 4mg/1mL (as sodium phosphate)

Dosage:

By intramuscular injection, 2 doses of 12mg, given 24 hours apart off-label.

DEXAMETHASONE

Important: Therapy notes

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Injection 3·3mg/1mL, 6·6mg/2mL (as sodium phosphate)

Dosage:

By intramuscular injection, 2 doses of 12mg, given 24 hours apart off-label.

Editorial Information

Document Id: F342