Dexamethasone is best described as which of the following?

• A. An antibiotic used to treat brain infections
• B. A diuretic used to lower intracranial pressure
• C. A corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and cerebral edema with brain injury and tumors
• D. An anticonvulsant used to prevent seizures

Answer: (C)

Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and cerebral edema. In brain injury and tumors, swelling around damaged or abnormal tissue increases intracranial pressure and can worsen neurological function. Dexamethasone helps by stabilizing capillary membranes and suppressing inflammatory mediators, which lowers vascular permeability and reduces edema in the brain. This relief of swelling can improve neurologic signs and symptoms and help manage intracranial pressure.

It’s not an antibiotic, a diuretic, or an anticonvulsant, so those options don’t fit the intended use here. If you’re using this in practice, remember to monitor for steroid-related effects such as elevated blood glucose, infection risk, and potential gastrointestinal irritation, especially with longer courses.