Dexamethasone

💊 What is Dexamethasone used for?

• •Severe or disabling allergic conditions that have not responded to conventional treatment, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, drug hypersensitivity reactions, and serum sickness
• •Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) and acute rheumatic carditis
• •Severe skin conditions, such as pemphigus, severe psoriasis, severe seborrheic dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, and severe erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
• •Swelling caused by fluid buildup, including inducing diuresis or remission of protein loss in nephrotic syndrome
• •Adrenal insufficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hypercalcemia linked to cancer, and nonsuppurative thyroiditis
• •Ulcerative colitis and regional enteritis, used to get a patient through a critical period of the disease
• •Certain blood disorders, such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in adults, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and some anemias
• •Certain cancers, including leukemia and lymphomas in adults and acute leukemia of childhood (for palliative management)
• •Severe eye inflammation and allergic eye conditions, such as uveitis, keratitis, and optic neuritis
• •Lung conditions, such as symptomatic sarcoidosis, berylliosis, and certain tuberculosis infections, along with trichinosis with nerve or heart involvement and tuberculous meningitis (used with antituberculous treatment)

How it works

The label describes glucocorticoids as adrenocortical steroids, both natural and synthetic. It says dexamethasone is a synthetic adrenocortical steroid. The warnings state that corticosteroids suppress the immune system, which is why they can increase the risk of infection.

How it is usually taken

• •The label says it is taken by mouth.
• •The label says the dose varies and must be set for each person based on the condition and how the person responds. Follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist.
• •The label says the dose is usually lowered slowly over time to the lowest amount that still keeps the condition under control.
• •The label says that if the medicine is to be stopped after more than a few days, it usually should be withdrawn gradually.
• •The label says that during stress, such as surgery, infection, or trauma, the dose may need to be increased for a short time.
• •The label excerpt does not give food instructions for this product.

Comes as

• •Oral elixir (liquid): 0.5 mg of dexamethasone per 5 mL (one teaspoonful). It is a clear pink-red liquid sold in an 8 fl oz (237 mL) bottle without a dropper.

⚠️ Dexamethasone side effects

🛑 Who should not take Dexamethasone, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You have a known systemic fungal infection. The label lists this as a contraindication.
• 🚨You have a known sensitivity (allergy) to dexamethasone.
• 🚨You have cerebral malaria. The label says to avoid corticosteroids in this condition.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your prescriber about any infections you have, including fungal infections. The label says the medicine is not for use with known systemic fungal infections.
• •Tell your prescriber if you have or have been exposed to tuberculosis, or if you have a positive tuberculin test. The label says reactivation of tuberculosis may occur.
• •The label says hepatitis B should be screened for before starting prolonged treatment, because hepatitis B can reactivate.
• •Tell your prescriber if you have spent time in the tropics or have unexplained diarrhea. The label says amebiasis should be ruled out first.
• •Tell your prescriber if you have a known or suspected Strongyloides (threadworm) infection.
• •Tell your prescriber if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, a recent heart attack, osteoporosis, glaucoma, or stomach ulcers. These are listed among possible side effects in the label.
• •The label says live virus vaccines, including smallpox, are not given to people on immunosuppressive doses. Tell your prescriber about any planned vaccines.
• •Tell your prescriber if you have been around anyone with chickenpox or measles, or if you have never had these diseases. The label says to seek medical advice without delay if exposed.
• •Tell your prescriber if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

🔀 Dexamethasone with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

The label does not say.

Alcohol and food

The liquid contains 5% alcohol, according to the label's description. The label excerpt does not give other alcohol or food instructions.

🤰 Dexamethasone in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says adequate human reproduction studies have not been done with corticosteroids. Use during pregnancy, or in women who could become pregnant, requires that the expected benefits be weighed against possible hazards to the mother and the baby. The label says infants born to mothers who received substantial doses during pregnancy should be carefully watched for signs of low adrenal function (hypoadrenalism).

Breastfeeding

The label says corticosteroids pass into breast milk and could slow growth, interfere with the body's own corticosteroid production, or cause other unwanted effects. It says mothers taking pharmacologic doses should be advised not to nurse.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

The label does not say.

If a dose is missed

The label does not say.

If too much is taken

The label says serious toxicity or death from glucocorticoid overdose is rare. It says no specific antidote is available, and treatment is supportive and symptomatic. If you think someone has taken too much, get medical help right away.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Dexamethasone

• Why am I being prescribed dexamethasone for my condition, and how long will I need it?
• What dose should I take, and how should I lower it if my prescriber decides to stop?
• Should I be tested for hepatitis B or tuberculosis before I start?
• What should I do if I am exposed to chickenpox or measles?
• How will my blood sugar, blood pressure, and infection risk be monitored?
• Which vaccines are safe for me to get while I take this medicine?
• What should I do if I become sick or have a major stress, such as surgery or injury, while taking it?

❓ Dexamethasone: frequently asked questions