DEXAMETHASONE (dex a METH a sone) treats many conditions such as asthma, allergic reactions, arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, adrenal, and blood or bone marrow disorders. It works by decreasing inflammation and slowing down an overactive immune system. It belongs to a group of medications called steroids.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Cushing syndrome
Diabetes
Glaucoma
Heart attack
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Infection, such as herpes, measles, tuberculosis, chickenpox
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Mental health condition
Myasthenia gravis
Osteoporosis
Stomach or intestine problems
Thyroid disease
An unusual or allergic reaction to dexamethasone, lactose, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breastfeeding
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. If you are taking this medication once a day, take it in the morning. Do not use it more often than directed. Do not suddenly stop taking your medication because you may develop a severe reaction. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take. If your care team wants you to stop the medication, the dose may be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be need.
People over 65 years of age may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
Live virus vaccines
This medication may also interact with the following:
Aminoglutethimide
Amphotericin B
Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
Certain antibiotics, such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, troleandomycin
Certain antivirals for HIV or hepatitis
Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
Certain medications to treat myasthenia gravis
Cholestyramine
Cyclosporine
Digoxin
Diuretics
Ephedrine
Estrogen and progestin hormones
Insulin or other medications for diabetes
Isoniazid
Ketoconazole
Medications that relax muscles for surgery
Mifepristone
NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
Rifampin
Skin tests for allergies
Thalidomide
Vaccines
Warfarin
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Cushing syndrome—increased fat around the midsection, upper back, neck, or face, pink or purple stretch marks on the skin, thinning, fragile skin that easily bruises, unexpected hair growth
High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision
Increase in blood pressure
Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness
Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
Stomach bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds
Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Acne
General discomfort and fatigue
Headache
Increase in appetite
Nausea
Trouble sleeping
Weight gain
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.
Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.
This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick. If you have not had the measles or chickenpox vaccines, tell your care team right away if you are around someone with these viruses.
If you are going to need surgery or other procedure, tell your care team that you are using this medication.
You may need to be on a special diet while you are taking this medication. Ask your care team. Also, find out how many glasses of fluids you need to drink each day.
This medication may increase blood sugar. The risk may be higher in patients who already have diabetes. Ask your care team what you can do to lower your risk of diabetes while taking this medication.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.
