European Medicines Agency endorses use of dexamethasone in COVID-19 patients on oxygen or mechanical ventilation

Based on a review of RECOVERY trial, dexamethasone is recommended as an option in adults and adolescents (>12 years; > 40 kg) who require supplemental oxygen therapy. The recommended dose, administered orally or by injection/infusion is 6 milligrams once a day for up to 10 days.

SPS commentary:

The open-label RECOVERY trial (n=6425) reported lower 28-day mortality with dexamethasone in mechanical ventilated patients  (29.3 vs. 41.4%; rate ratio 0.64) or those on oxygen (23.3 vs. 26.2%; 0.82) but not in patients requiring no respiratory support pts (17.8 vs. 14.0%; 1.19) compared to  usual care.

European Medicines Agency

Resource links:

RECOVERY study