UPSC Articles
Drug Dexamethasone found to cut death rates among critical Covid-19 patients
Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-II – Health; GS-III – Science & Technology (Developments of & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life)
In News:
- Researchers leading a major clinical trial in the UK recently announced that the drug dexamethasone had been found to reduce death rates by one-third in the most severely ill Covid-19 patients.
Important value additions
Dexamethasone
- It is a corticosteroid, an easily available medicine.
- It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
- Its effects are frequently seen within a day, and last for about three days.
- It is used when there is any inflammation in the body due to infection or injury.
- It has been used for years by sportspersons to hasten their rehabilitation from injuries and recover from infections.
- It is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA’s) list of prohibited substances.
- Athletes are, however, barred from using dexamethasone only during competition.
- It will not be considered a doping offence if it is detected prior to a competition.
