What is Dexamethasone?
Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid medication used to reduce inflammation and suppress immune responses in various conditions such as:
- Allergies
- Arthritis
- Certain cancers.
What are the uses of Dexamethasone?
Dexamethasone used to treat:
- Blood or hormonal disorders
- Arthritis
- Allergic reactions
- Skin infections
- Eye problems
- Tuberculosis
- Respiratory problems
- Digestive disorders
- Cancer treatment
- Immune system disorders
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Get A Second OpinionWhat are the Side effects of Dexamethasone?
The following are the side effects of dexamethasone oral tablets include:
- Body pains
- Body swelling
- Skin issues(rash/burning sensation)
- Difficulty in breathing
- Sudden change in weight
- Dizziness
- Sudden changes in sugar levels
- Allergic reactions
- Cramps
- Slow wound healing
- Bleeding
- Mood changes
- Intestinal bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Depression
- Abnormal vision
Precautions When Using Dexamethasone:
Tell the doctor about your current health issues, medications, and medical history so that the physician can properly prescribe the right medicine and dose.
Conditions to inform the doctor about before taking the medicine:
- Hypercalcemia/hypervitaminosis D
- Malabsorption syndrome
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Allergies to dexamethasone or any other reactions
- Infections (tuberculosis, herpes, fungal infections)
- Psychiatric or mood disorders (psychosis, anxiety, depression)
- Mineral imbalances (low potassium/calcium levels)
- Thyroid disease
- Stomach/intestinal complications (ulcers, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, unexplained diarrhea)
- High blood pressure
- Eye disease
- Cardiac problems
- Blood clots
Precautions for different groups:
- For Liquid Form: Be careful if you have diabetes, liver issues, or dietary restrictions.
- For Older Adults: Watch out for bone pain, stomach issues, and confusion.
- For Kids: Keep an eye on their growth if they use the medicine for a long time.
- During Pregnancy: Use only if really needed, and tell the doctor if the baby shows any odd signs.
- Breastfeeding: Talk to the doctor first about any risks for the baby.
Common precautions:
- Inform the doctor about corticosteroid use before surgery, emergency care, or in case of serious illness/accident
- Report unusual tiredness or weight loss
- Avoid contact with infected individuals (chickenpox, measles, flu)
- Avoid alcohol consumption
- Obtain doctor's approval for immunizations/vaccinations
- Avoid contact with individuals recently immunized with live vaccines (e.g., nasal flu vaccine)
How to use Dexamethasone?
Instructions for Taking Medication:
- Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor.
- To avoid stomach discomfort, take it with food or milk.
- If taking the tablet form, swallow with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 millilitres), unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
- If using the liquid form, carefully measure the dosage using a special measuring device/spoon.
Dosage Schedule:
- If taking it once daily, take it before 9 AM in the morning.
- For non-daily schedules, mark your calendar with reminders for consistency.
- Dosage and Duration:
- Dosage and duration depend on your medical condition and response to treatment.
- Take exactly as prescribed and follow the dosing plan carefully.
- Your doctor may gradually reduce your dose to prevent side effects.
Missed Dose:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Never double up to make up for a missed dose.
Overdose:
Overdosing on this medication can be harmful, causing severe symptoms such as loss of consciousness or breathing problems.
Discontinuation Warning:
- Consult the doctor before stopping to prevent worsening conditions.
- Stopping the drug suddenly can cause nausea, dizziness, tiredness, or muscle/joint pain.
- Your doctor may gradually reduce your dose to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
- Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Interactions with Other Drugs
Drug Interactions
To avoid serious side effects, keep track of all medications you're using, including herbal products, and consult your doctor or pharmacist before making any changes.
Specific Interactions
This medication may interact with:
- Aldesleukin
- Drugs causing bleeding or swelling (e.g., clopidogrel, warfarin, aspirin, ibuprofen)
- Mifepristone
It can also affect the effectiveness of other drugs, including certain cancer medications and praziquantel.
Aspirin Usage
Continue low-dose aspirin for heart or stroke prevention unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
Lab Tests
Be cautious, as this medicine can interfere with specific lab tests, potentially causing false results. Inform lab staff and healthcare providers about your medication usage.
Storage
- Keep away from children
- Throw away the expired medicine
- Keep at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture.
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Book an AppointmentDesloratadin vs Cetrizine
| Basis | Dexamethasone | Prednisone |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | Corticosteroid (steroid), also known as a glucocorticoid | (steroid), also known as a glucocorticoid |
| Generic name | Generic | Generic brand (Rayos— delayed-release tablets) |
| Brand name | Decadron (no longer commercially available) | Deltasone (no longer commercially available),Rayos (delayed-release tablets) |
| Form | Available in Tablet form, oral solution, injection, ophthalmic drops (alone and in combination with other ingredients), ophthalmic ointments (in combination with other ingredients) | Form of Tablet and oral solution |
| Standard dosage | Varies by indication and response to treatment | Varies by indication and response to treatment |
| Treatment | Short-term, varies from person to person | Short-term period and in some patients it may take long-term under prescriber’s care |
| For | For adults some times for children | For adults some times for children |
