On Wednesday, sources from the health ministry revealed that new guidelines for COVID treatment will cap the steroid dosage for patients with hypoxia. They stated that the revised guidelines will fix the daily lower dose of methylprednisolone injection at 32 mg or 40 mg of prednisolone or an equivalent daily dose of dexamethasone (6 mg), irrespective of a patient’s body weight.

Recently, the Infectious Diseases Society of America revealed the recommended total daily dose of dexamethasone (6 mg) for 10 days or until discharge. That dosage is equivalent to 32 mg of methylprednisolone and 40 mg of prednisone.

Dr. Rahul Pandit stated that he does not advise using 40 mg of methylprednisolone or 6 mg of dexamethasone in hypoxic COVID patients. The new revision in clinical guidelines will help create more awareness. Dr. Anita Matthew, of Fortis Hospital, stated that 40 mg is the most preferred upper limit. She stated that the dosage was increased for patients who were obese or those with severe lung infections.

During the third wave of COVID in India, she explained, many professionals recommended 80 mg doses for 1-2 weeks. However, Dr. Mala Kaneri, of Jaslok Hospital, stated that this led to the increased incidence of mucormycosis among COVID patients. She went on to say that there is no denying that steroids were used inappropriately during the first two waves of coronavirus infection. 

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/in-new-rules-govt-set-to-cap-steroid-dose-for-hospitalised-covid-patients/96932421 )