Where is Dexamethasone used?
Dexamethasone is used for the treatment of:
- Allergic reactions
- Arthritis
- Certain skin and eye condition
- Certain bowel disorders
- Certain cancers
- Blood/hormone/immune system disorders
This medication is also used as a test for an adrenal gland disorder or called Cushing’s syndrome.
Dexamethasone belongs to the class of medications known as steroid hormone. In the year 1958, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this medication.
How does Dexamethasone work?
Dexamethasone is a man-made corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are naturally occurring chemicals made by the adrenal glands located above the kidneys. It affects the function of many cells within the body and suppresses the immune system. It also blocks inflammation and is used in a wide variety of inflammatory diseases affecting many organs.
How is Dexamethasone taken?
The recommended dosage for this medicine is based on your condition and response.
This is to be taken by mouth with a full glass of water. Take it with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. If you are taking this once a day, take it at 9 am. Take it at the same time each day. Follow your doctor’s prescription very carefully. To avoid some complications, do not double the prescribed dosage. If you missed a dose, call your doctor for instructions.
Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor. Stopping abruptly may cause an upset stomach, loss of appetite, drowsiness, vomiting, confusion, fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, weight loss, and peeling skin. If you take a large amount for a long period, your doctor perhaps will lessen your dosage slowly to let your body adjust before stopping the medication. Watch for these side effects if you are slowly lessening your dosage and after you stop taking the medication. If these problems befall, call your doctor right away. You may need to increase your dosage temporarily or start taking them again.
What are the possible side effects of Dexamethasone?
- Nausea
- Stomach upset
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Skin rash
- Irregular menstrual period
- Acne
- Increased hair growth
- Trouble sleeping
- Increased appetite
- Easy bruising
- Depression
- Weight gain
- Anxiety
What are the precautions in taking Dexamethasone?
- Call your doctor right away if there is an allergic reaction. Let your doctor know also if you have any allergies, medical history, or current medications including vitamins, herbal products, or food supplements.
- If you are having surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
- Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages while taking this medication.
- This is only used in pregnant when needed. If you are breastfeeding or planning to get a pregnant consult your doctor first.
- You should not share this or any of your medications with others even if they have the same symptoms as yours.
- Do not use this past the expiration date.
- While taking this medication, do not get any vaccines without your doctor’s consent.
- You may be more sensitive to sunlight while taking this drug. Limit your time in the sun and wear protective clothing when outside.
- Keep this away from heat, moisture, and reach of children.
