Question:medium
Which drug is used to promote fetal lung maturity?
Which drug is used to promote fetal lung maturity?
Show Hint
A placenta-crossing glucocorticoid boosts surfactant.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
- Dexamethasone
- Folic acid
- Beclomethasone
- None
Show Solution
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: The mechanism wanted is corticosteroid-driven surfactant synthesis, so look for the systemic glucocorticoid that crosses the placenta.
Step 2: Dexamethasone fits exactly; given antenatally when preterm delivery is expected within $24$ to $48$ hours, it boosts surfactant and cuts respiratory distress syndrome.
Step 3: Folic acid targets neural tube defects, and beclomethasone is an inhaled asthma steroid that does not reach the fetus in useful amounts. Neither matures the lung, so dexamethasone stands.
\[\boxed{\text{Dexamethasone}}\]
Step 2: Dexamethasone fits exactly; given antenatally when preterm delivery is expected within $24$ to $48$ hours, it boosts surfactant and cuts respiratory distress syndrome.
Step 3: Folic acid targets neural tube defects, and beclomethasone is an inhaled asthma steroid that does not reach the fetus in useful amounts. Neither matures the lung, so dexamethasone stands.
\[\boxed{\text{Dexamethasone}}\]
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