Dexamethasone (By mouth)
dex-a-METH-a-sone
Treats inflammation and many other medical problems. This medicine is a corticosteroid.
Drug classes
Antiemetic, Diagnostic Agent, Adrenocortical Function, Endocrine-Metabolic Agent, Immune Suppressant (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Dexamethasone provides relief for inflamed areas of the body. It is used to treat a number of different conditions, such as inflammation (swelling), severe allergies, adrenal problems, arthritis, asthma, blood or bone marrow problems, kidney problems, skin conditions, and flare-ups of multiple sclerosis. Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid (cortisone-like medicine or steroid). It works on the immune system to help relieve swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet, Liquid
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
Take your medicine with food to reduce stomach upset.
Measure the oral liquid medicine using the dropper that came with it, or use a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
If a dose is missed:
If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can.
If your schedule is one dose every other day and you cannot use the missed dose until late in the day, wait until the next morning to use your medicine. Then skip a day and go back to your regular schedule.
If your schedule is one dose every day, use the missed dose as soon as you can. Then go back to your regular schedule.
If your schedule is more than one dose every day, use the missed dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use two doses at that time. Then go back to your regular schedule.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Avoid drinking alcohol while you are using dexamethasone.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using blood thinners (Coumadin®), diuretics (water pills), ephedrine, insulin, phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin®), potassium supplements, rifampin, or Tegretol®.
Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while using dexamethasone. Vaccines may not work as well while you are using this medicine.
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to dexamethasone or if you have a fungal infection.
Warnings
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before using this medicine.
This medicine may cause problems if you have certain medical conditions. Make sure your doctor knows about any allergies, medical problems, or mental conditions you now have or have had in the past.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to use less and less before stopping it completely.
Let your doctor know if you have any events causing unusual stress or anxiety in your life. Your dose of this medicine may need to be changed.
It may be easier for you to get an infection while you are receiving dexamethasone. Avoid people who are sick or have infections. If you are exposed to chickenpox or measles, tell your doctor right away.
Carefully follow any diet instructions your doctor gives you while you are using dexamethasone.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using dexamethasone.
Your doctor may need to check you at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Keep all your appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, sudden swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
Black or tarry stools
Increased urination or thirst
Pain or swelling in stomach or abdomen
Unexplained fever, sore throat
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Easy bruising, small purple spots on your skin
Increased hair growth
Increased sweating
Irregular menstrual periods
Mood changes or trouble sleeping
Swelling in the hands, arms, legs, or feet
Thinning skin
Weight gain
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Baycadron Elixer, Decadron, Dekpak 13 Day Taperpak, DexPak, DexPak 10 Day TaperPak, DexPak 13 Day TaperPak, DexPak 6 Day TaperPak, DexPak Jr, Dexamethasone Intensol, Zema-Pak
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
