Dexamethasone 9, 11-epoxide is an impurity in the commercial preparation of dexamethasone. Dexamethasone is an anti-inflammatory compound approved by the FDA for several conditions, including arthritis, skin diseases, croup, brain swelling, and others.

Dexamethasone palmitate (a derivative of Dexamethasone), anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, glucocorticoid receptor agonist, is reported as an ingredient of Limethason in Japan and Lipotalon in Germany. Limethason (Dexamethasone palmitate) inhibits the function of leukocytes and tissue macrophages. It restricts the migration of leukocytes in the area of inflammation. Limethason (Dexamethasone palmitate) decreases capillary permeability caused by histamine release. It inhibits the activity of fibroblasts and collagen formation. Limethason inhibits the activity of phospholipase A2, which leads to suppression of the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Limethason (Dexamethasone palmitate) is indicated for rheumatoid arthritis.

Dexamethasone is an anti-inflammatory agent that is FDA approved for the treatment of many conditions, including rheumatic problems, a number of skin diseases, severe allergies, asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, croup, brain swelling and others. Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid agonist. Unbound dexamethasone crosses cell membranes and binds with high affinity to specific cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptors. Adverse reactions are: Glaucoma with optic nerve damage, visual acuity and field defects; cataract formation; secondary ocular infection following suppression of host response; and perforation of the globe may occur; muscle weakness; osteoporosis and others. Aminoglutethimide may diminish adrenal suppression by corticosteroids. Macrolide antibiotics have been reported to cause a significant decrease in corticosteroid clearance.