Generic Name:Dexone,Dexamethasone 0.5mg
Brand name Decadron
Used in the following combined preparations Dexa-Rhinaspray, Maxidex, Maxitrol, Otomize, Sofradex
GENERAL INFORMATION
Dexamethasone is a long-acting corticosteroid prescribed for a variety of skin and soft tissue conditions that are caused by allergy or inflammation. The drug can be injected into joints to relieve joint pain and stiffness due to rheumatoid arthritis. It is injected into a vein for the emergency treatment of shock and brain swelling (due to head injury, stroke, or a tumour), asthma, and emphysema. Eye drops are available to treat eye inflammation.
Low doses of dexamethasone taken for short periods rarely cause serious side effects. However, as with other corticosteroids, long-term treatment with high doses can cause unpleasant or dangerous side effects.
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets, injection, eye drops, ear drops/spray.
Frequency and timing of doses
2-4 x daily with food (by mouth); 1-6 hourly (eye drops).
Dosage range
Usually 0.5-10mg daily.
Onset of effect
1-4 days.
Duration of action
Some effects may last several days.
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 2 hours, take a single dose now and skip the next.
Stopping the drug
Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor. It may be necessary to withdraw the drug gradually.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to be a cause for concern.
But if you notice any unusual symptoms, or if a large overdose has been taken, notify your doctor.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
The more serious adverse effects only occur when dexamethasone is taken in high doses for long periods of time. These are carefully monitored during prolonged treatment.
INTERACTIONS
Antidiabetic drugs
Dexamethasone reduces the action of these drugs. Dosage may need to be adjusted accordingly to prevent abnormally high blood sugar.
Barbiturates, Phenytoin, and rifampicin
These drugs may reduce the effectiveness of dexamethasone. The dosage may need to be adjusted accordingly.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
These drugs may increase the likelihood of indigestion from dexamethasone.
Vaccines Dexamethasone can interact with some vaccines. Discuss with your doctor.
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Corticosteroid
Overdose danger rating Low
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic Yes
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have had a peptic ulcer.
You have glaucoma.
You have had tuberculosis.
You have suffered from depression or mental illness.
You have a herpes infection.
You are taking other medications.
Avoid exposure to chickenpox or shingles if you are on systemic treatment.
Pregnancy
Safety in pregnancy not established. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
The drug passes into the breast milk, but at normal doses adverse effects on the baby are unlikely. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Reduced dose necessary.
Over 60
No known problems.
Driving and hazardous work
No known problems.
Alcohol
Avoid. Alcohol may increase the risk of peptic ulcer with this drug.
PROLONGED USE
Prolonged use of this drug can lead to glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes, mental disturbances, muscle wasting, fragile bones, and thin skin, and can retard growth in children. People receiving long-term treatment with this drug are advised to carry a treatment card.
