| Dexamethasone
Drug Info Generic Name:
Dexamethasone Tablets (dex-a-METH-a-sone)
Brand Name: Decadron
Dexamethasone is used for:
Treating certain conditions associated with decreased
adrenal gland function. It is also used to treat severe
inflammation due to certain conditions, including severe
asthma, severe allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative
colitis, certain blood disorders, lupus, multiple sclerosis,
and certain eye and skin conditions. It may also be used
for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid. It works by decreasing
or preventing tissues from responding to inflammation.
It also modifies the body's response to certain immune
stimulation.
Do NOT use Dexamethasone if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in Dexamethasone
you have a systemic fungal infection
you are taking mifepristone
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away
if any of these apply to you.
Before using Dexamethasone :
Some medical conditions may interact with Dexamethasone
. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical
conditions, especially if any of the following apply to
you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or
are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation,
or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you are scheduled for a vaccination with a live virus vaccine (eg, smallpox)
if you have an underactive thyroid, liver or kidney problems, diabetes, or
ulcerative colitis
if you have heart problems, esophagitis, gastritis, stomach obstruction or
perforation, or an ulcer
if you have a history of mental problems (eg, depression), glaucoma, cataracts,
or other eye problems
if you have a herpes infection in your eye or any other type of infection
(bacterial, fungal, or viral); have or recently had tuberculosis (TB) or tested
positive for TB, measles, or chickenpox
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Dexamethasone . Tell
your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines,
especially any of the following:
Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, hydantoins
(eg, phenytoin), or rifampin because they may decrease
Dexamethasone 's effectiveness
Clarithromycin, azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), steroidal contraceptives
(eg, desogestrel), or troleandomycin because because weakness, confusion, muscle
aches, joint pain, or low blood sugar, may occur
Methotrexate or ritodrine because the risk of their side effects may be increased
by Dexamethasone
Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin),mifepristone , or live vaccines because their
effectiveness may be decreased by Dexamethasone
Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or aspirin because their actions and side effects
may be increased or decreased by Dexamethasone
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that
may occur. Ask your health care provider if Dexamethasone
may interact with other medicines that you take. Check
with your health care provider before you start, stop,
or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Dexamethasone :
Use Dexamethasone as directed by your doctor. Check the
label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Take Dexamethasone by mouth with food.
If you miss a dose of Dexamethasone , take it as soon as possible. If it
is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your
regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have
about how to use Dexamethasone .
Important safety information:
Dexamethasone may lower the ability of your body to
fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds
or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of
infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills. Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Dexamethasone before you receive
any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
Dexamethasone may cause an elevation in blood pressure, salt and water retention,
and increased potassium loss. You may need to restrict the use of salt and
take a calcium supplement.
Dexamethasone can cause calcium loss and promote the development of osteoporosis.
Take adequate calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Diabetes patients -- Dexamethasone may affect your blood sugar. Check blood
sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes
medicine.
Caution is advised when using Dexamethasone in CHILDREN; they may be more
sensitive to its effects.
Corticosteroids may affect growth rate in CHILDREN and teenagers in some
cases. They may need regular growth checks while they take Dexamethasone .
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: It is not known if Dexamethasone can cause
harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need
to discuss the benefits and risks of using Dexamethasone while you are pregnant.
Dexamethasone is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Dexamethasone
. Possible side effects of Dexamethasone :
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people
have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor
if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become
bothersome:
Difficulty sleeping; feeling of a whirling motion; increased
appetite; increased sweating; indigestion; mood changes;
nervousness.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE
side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty
breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth,
face, lips, or tongue); appetite loss; black, tarry stools;
changes in menstrual periods; convulsions; depression;
diarrhea; dizziness; exaggerated sense of well-being; fever;
general body discomfort; headache; increased pressure in
the eye; joint or muscle pain; mood swings; muscle weakness;
personality changes; prolonged sore throat, cold, or fever;
puffing of the face; severe nausea or vomiting; swelling
of feet or legs; unusual weight gain; vomiting material
that looks like coffee grounds; weakness; weight loss.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may
occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about
side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
(1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch .
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison
Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm),
or emergency room immediately.
Proper storage of Dexamethasone :
Store Dexamethasone at room temperature, between 59 and
86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat,
moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep
Dexamethasone out of the reach of children and away from
pets.
General information:
If you have any questions about Dexamethasone , please
talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care
provider.
Dexamethasone is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed.
Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your
doctor.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain
all information about Dexamethasone . If you have questions
about the medicine you are taking or would like more information,
check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care
provider. |
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