Which medication is used as a steroid for chemotherapy premedication?

Prepare for the PTCB Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT) Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Achieve exam success with our comprehensive materials!

Dexamethasone is used as a steroid for chemotherapy premedication due to its potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. In the context of chemotherapy, it helps to prevent or reduce the severity of side effects such as nausea and vomiting, which can occur as a result of certain chemotherapeutic agents. By administering dexamethasone before the start of chemotherapy, healthcare providers aim to enhance patient comfort and improve tolerability of cancer treatment.

In this scenario, those other medications serve different purposes. Ibuprofen and aspirin are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) primarily used for pain relief and inflammation, not specifically for chemotherapy premedication. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine that may be used for anxiety or sedation, but it does not carry the steroid properties needed in this instance. Therefore, dexamethasone is the appropriate choice for managing the side effects associated with chemotherapy administration.

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