Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, acts by bringing about the glucocorticoid effects. Glucocorticoids have potent anti-inflammatory actions, including the reduction in the number and function of various immune cells, such as T and B lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils, at sites of inflammation. Glucocorticoids decrease the production of cytokines, chemokines, and eicosanoids and enhance the production of macrophage migration inhibitory factor.27 Due to its therapeutic anti-inflammatory properties dexamethasone may aid in decreasing the severity of paraquat induced oral mucositis. We identified three main studies. The first trial evaluated the effects of early administration of dexamethasone (experimental) as compared to delayed administration (control). It was noted that the experimental group, that received dexamethasone mouth rinse at presentation and consecutively for three days showed a significant decrease in mucosal lesions and therefore a reduction of associated pain. 23 The other two studies combined dexamethasone with other ingredients in order to form a compounded preparation that substantially reduced the incidence and severity of oral mucositis. 16 21