Dexamethasone

Dexamethasone (9a-fluoro-16a-methylprednisolone) (Fig. 1) is a semisynthetic glucocorticoid hormone demonstrating a greater binding affinity for the glucocorticoid receptors, a greater potency of action, and a longer half-life, than the natural glucocorticoids. The hormone is used as a drug and in research. Its molecular mode of action is the same as that of the natural glucocorticoids—that is, by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor and activating gene transcription.

Figure 1. Structure of dexamethasone