Health Information
Glucocorticoids for Croup
Topic Overview
Glucocorticoid medicines (such as budesonide and dexamethasone) decrease Reference inflammation Opens New Window and swelling in the body. Some children who have Reference croup Opens New Window symptoms get this medicine to help prevent croup from getting worse.
- Dexamethasone may be given either orally or by injection into the muscle (IM). Although one dose may be all that is needed, your child may be given a few more doses to take by mouth at home.
- Budesonide is given by Reference nebulizer Opens New Window.
Glucocorticoids have been shown to work well for children who have croup symptoms. Children usually get relief within 6 hours of having the medicine. And serious side effects are rare when one dose is given.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference May 29, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Reference Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MD, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics |
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