RHEUMESSER

Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid; it combines high anti-inflammatory effects with low mineralocorticoid activity. It has an approximately 7 times greater anti-inflammatory potency than prednisolone, another commonly prescribed corticosteroid. At high doses it reduces the immune response.

Lidocaine, like other local anaesthetics, causes a reversible blockade of impulse propagation along nerve fibres by preventing the inward movement of sodium ions through the nerve membrane. Local anaesthetics of the amide-type are thought to act within the sodium channels of the nerve membrane.

Hydroxocobalamin is used in the treatment and prevention of Vitamin B12 deficiency. For adults, the daily requirement of Vitamin B12 is probably about 1 to 2 micrograms and this amount is present in most normal diets. However, Vitamin B12 only occurs in animal products, not in vegetables, and therefore strict vegetarian or vegan diets that exclude dairy products may provide an inadequate amount, although a deficiency may not be apparent for many years.

Acetic acid is indicated for the treatment of superficial infections of the external auditory canal.