What is dexamethasone, steroid Trump given?

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump was given a dose of the steroid dexamethasone in the course of his coronavirus treatment, his medical team said Sunday.

But what is dexamethasone?

Dexamethasone has been shown to improve patient survival, The Associated Press reported. Steroids reduce inflammation, which sometimes develops in patients with the coronavirus.

While its use has shown promise, the World Health Organization advised against using it early in the treatment of the virus because it can impede recovery. In September, the health group recommended its use in critically ill coronavirus patients, The New York Times reported.

The National Institutes of Health recommends the drug’s use for patients who need a ventilator or who might need supplemental oxygen. The board said the steroid should not be used in patients who did not need supplemental oxygen.

Cox Media Group