Precautions
Your dose, form, and how often you take it will depend on:
- your age
- the condition being treated
- how severe your condition is
- other medical conditions you have
- how you react to the first dose
How long can you take dexamethasone?
Side effects requiring immediate medical attention
- Aggression
- agitation
- anxiety
- blurred vision
- decrease in the amount of urine
- dizziness
- fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
- headache
- irritability
- mental depression
What are the side effects of dexamethasone?
- Check blood glucose levels more often than usual. ...
- Work with your doctor to increase the dosage of insulin or oral D-medication, depending on blood sugar levels and other health considerations.
- Monitor urine or blood ketones to be sure BG levels aren’t approaching dangerously high.
Why does dexamethasone increase blood sugar?
· Dexamethasone is used to treat many different inflammatory conditions such as allergic disorders and skin conditions. Dexamethasone is also used to treat ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, and breathing disorders. There are many brands and forms of dexamethasone available.
What conditions does dexamethasone treat?
Does dexamethasone work against COVID-19?
Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid used in a wide range of conditions for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant effects.It was tested in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in the United Kingdom’s national clinical trial RECOVERY and was found to have benefits for critically ill patients.
Does treatment with dexamethasone reduce mortality in patients who have COVID-19?
The RECOVERY trial provides evidence that treatment with dexamethasone at a dose of 6 mg once daily for up to 10 days reduces 28-day mortality in patients with Covid-19 who are receiving respiratory support.
Why should COVID-19 patients not take corticosteroids?
The corticosteroids should not be used in the treatment of non-severe COVID-19 patients because corticosteroids suppress the immune response and reduce the symptoms and associated side effects such as slow recovery, bacterial infections, hypokalemia, mucormycosis and finally increase the chances of death.
Are corticosteroids still recommended to treat eligible COVID-19 patients?
Corticosteroids have been advised as a drug to target the host immune response in patients affected with severe lung inflammation due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Who might benefit from dexamethasone if they have COVID-19?
Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid used in a wide range of conditions for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant effects.It was tested in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in the United Kingdom’s national clinical trial RECOVERY and was found to have benefits for critically ill patients.
Does a systemic corticosteroid therapy improve the clinical outcome in hospitalized patients with COVID-19?
Inhaled corticosteroids have been identified as potential COVID-19 therapeutic agents because of their targeted anti-inflammatory effects on the lungs.
Will a cortisone injection interfere with the COVID-19 vaccine?
Musculoskeletal corticosteroid injections are common procedures which are most often performed in an elective, outpatient setting. These can include intra-articular, bursal, tendon, and neuraxial injections. Currently there is no direct evidence of the impact of corticosteroid injections on vaccine efficacy.
What medications should be avoided before the COVID-19 vaccine?
It is not recommended you take over-the-counter medicine – such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen – before vaccination for the purpose of trying to prevent vaccine-related side effects.
Can taking immunosuppressants increase my chances of getting COVID-19?
And medicines called immunosuppressants may make you more likely to have serious complications from the virus, as can your autoimmune disorder itself
What are some of the medications that I can take to reduce the symptoms of COVID-19?
Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) can all be used for pain relief from COVID-19 if they are taken in the recommended doses and approved by your doctor.
Is it OK to use my asthma inhaler while I have COVID-19?
Q: Is it safe to use your asthma inhaler or controller medications if you have COVID-19? Yes, it is safe to use your asthma medications.
What are some treatments for COVID-19?
Remdesivir (Veklury; Gilead) was the first drug approved by the FDA for treating the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is indicated for treatment of COVID-19 disease in hospitalized adults and children aged 12 years and older who weigh at least 40 kg. The broad-spectrum antiviral is a nucleotide analog prodrug.
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use dexamethasone if you are allergic to it, or if you have: 1. a fungal infection anywhere in your body.Tell your doctor if you hav...
How Should I Take Dexamethasone?
Take dexamethasone exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruc...
What Happens If I Overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.An overdose of dexamethasone is not expected to produce life threat...
What Should I Avoid While Taking Dexamethasone?
Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chickenpox or measles. The...
Dexamethasone Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to dexamethasone: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, to...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Dexamethasone?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may in...
What is the purpose of dexamethasone?
Dexamethasone is approved to be used to reduce inflammation and suppress (lower) the body's immune response. It is used with other drugs to treat the following types of cancer: Leukemia. Lymphoma. Multiple myeloma.
Is Dexamethasone used for hypersensitivity?
Thrombocytopenia (low platelet levels). Dexamethasone is also used alone or with other drugs to treat many other diseases and conditions.
What is dexamethasone used for?
While it can be used to treat a deficiency of naturally-occurring gluco corticoids, most commonly, dexamethasone is used to treat inflammatory and autoimmune conditions , like lupus and sarcoidosis.
What is the best medicine to take when taking dexamethasone?
Hydrochlorothiazide: Taking this diuretic (water pill) when you are taking dexamethasone can exacerbate low potassium levels. Erythromycin: This antibiotic can raise the concentration of dexamethasone in the body. Metformin: This medication is used to treat high blood sugar in diabetes.
How to take dexamethasone for acne?
Take the tablet form of the medication with a full glass of water (8 oz). To prevent stomach upset, it can be taken with food. Dexamethasone is typically used for treating chronic conditions, but it can be a short-term treatment for acne.
Why is dexamethasone not prescribed?
Because it suppresses the immune system, dexamethasone isn’t usually prescribed when a person is at risk of developing an infection. However, it is sometimes used, with caution, to manage the effects of severe inflammatory reactions caused by infections. Bill Oxford / Getty Images.
Can dexamethasone be life threatening?
Severe. Severe side effects of dexamethasone are rare and can be life-threatening. These side effects may require urgent medical intervention. If you experience serious side effects, do not abruptly stop taking dexamethasone, because that can cause withdrawal effects. Severe side effects include: 1 .
When is the recovery trial for dexamethasone?
Low-dose dexamethasone is one of several existing medications being investigated as potential treatments for COVID-19 infection in the RECOVERY (Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy) trial, which began in March 2020. It is being used to treat people suffering from severe complications, particularly patients on ventilators.
Can dexamethasone be used as a patch?
When used as a patch, cream, or eye drops, the medication is generally applied directly to the affected area .
What is the name of the brand of Dexamethasone?
Brand name: DexPak. Dexamethasone comes as an oral tablet, oral solution, eye drops, and ear drops. It’s also available as an injectable solution or an intraocular solution given after surgery. These two forms are given only by a healthcare provider. Dexamethasone oral tablet is used to treat many conditions.
Does aminoglutethimide work?
Using this drug with dexamethasone may decrease the amount of dexamethasone in your body. This means it may not work as well.
Does dexamethasone lower cholesterol?
If you take dexamethasone with certain drugs used to lower cholesterol, it can keep your body from absorbing dexamethasone well. This could keep dexamethasone from working well. Examples of these drugs include:
Does dexamethasone help the immune system?
This can damage the body’s tissues. Steroids such as dexamethasone help block the immune system’s response to inflammation, which helps prevent this damage. For adrenal insufficiency: The adrenal gland helps control certain body functions.
Can dexamethasone cause a rash?
Allergic reaction: Dexamethasone may cause an allergic reaction in rare cases. If you have trouble breathing, a rash, or itchy skin, or notice swelling of your arms, feet, or tongue, call your doctor immediately. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Can dexamethasone cause irregular heartbeats?
Taking this drug with dexamethasone could increase your risk of irregular heartbeats caused by low potassium levels. (Potassium is a mineral that helps your nerves, muscles, and organs work normally.)
Does dexamethasone cause muscle cramps?
Using this drug with dexamethasone raises your risk of low potassium levels. (Potassium is a mineral that helps your nerves, muscles, and organs work normally.) This can cause muscle cramps, weakness, tiredness, and an irregular heartbeat.
How does dexamethasone work?
Dexamethasone works by mimicking the effect of cortisol, a hormone released by the adrenal glands (which are located on top of the kidneys) that controls metabolism and stress.
How long does it take for dexamethasone to work?
Response and effectiveness. Peak effects of dexamethasone are reached within 10 to 30 minutes of administration; however, it may take a couple of days before any inflammation is well controlled. 7. Interactions.
How long does it take for dexamethasone to stop causing muscle pain?
Your doctor will advise you how to reduce the dosage of dexamethasone gradually over several weeks or months to allow the adrenal glands to return to their normal patterns of secretion. Too rapid a withdrawal of dexamethasone may cause symptoms such as bone and muscle pain, fatigue, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting.
What medications interact with dexamethasone?
Common medications that may interact with dexamethasone include: antacids. antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, rifabutin, rifampin, or troleandomycin. anticholinesterases, such as neostigmine, or pyridostigmine.
What to do if you have a fever while taking dexamethasone?
Also, talk to your doctor if you notice any changes with your mood or any other worrying side effects. Wear a medical alert bracelet that states you are taking dexamethasone.
Does Dexamethasone affect heart?
May interact with a number of other drugs including aspirin, digoxin, NSAIDs, hormonal contraceptives, other drugs metabolized by CYP 3A4, and warfarin. Dexamethasone may cause low blood potassium levels which may affect how some heart medications work.
Does dexamethasone cause heart failure?
Dexamethasone may also increase the risk of infection and its anti-inflammatory action can mask signs of infection. May not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions such as heart failure, diabetes, osteoporosis, tuberculosis, cushingoid syndrome, and peptic ulcers.
What is the trade name for dexamethasone?
Decadron is the trade name for dexamethasone. Dexasone and diodex or hexadrol are other names for dexamethasone. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade name decadron or other names dexasone or diodex or hexadrol when referring to the generic drug name dexamethasone. Drug type: Dexamethasone has many uses in the treatment ...
Why do you need dexamethasone eye drops?
Dexamethasone eye drops are given to treat or prevent many eye conditions. The eye drops are most commonly given to patients with leukemia or lymphoma, to prevent inflammation of the eyes (conjunctivitis), if you are receiving high dose chemotherapy (usually Cytarabine [Ara-C]).
How does corticosteroids work?
Corticosteroids are used to treat certain conditions that affect the immune system such as aplastic anemia (AA), Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP), Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (TTP), or hemolytic anemia.
How long do you have to take dexamethasone after chemo?
The eye drops are given every six hours, in both eyes, and for at least 48 hours after the chemotherapy has completed. Do not stop taking these eye drops unless directed by your healthcare provider. You may be given dexamethasone as a lotion (topical) to treat skin disorders.
Does dexamethasone help with swelling?
Dexamethasone relieves inflammation in various parts of the body. It is used specifically to decrease swelling (edema), associated with tumors of the spine and brain, and to treat eye inflammation. To treat or prevent allergic reactions.
Is dexamethasone a corticosteroid?
They help to maintain balance of fluids and electrolytes. Dexamethasone is classified as a corticosteroid (more precisely a glucocorticosteroid), and has many uses in the treatment of cancer.
Can you take aspirin with dexamethasone?
Before starting dexamethasone treatment, make sure you tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking (including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbal remedies, etc.) Do not take aspirin, or products containing aspirin unless your doctor specifically permits this.
What is dexamethasone used for?
Dexamethasone is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, blood / hormone disorders, allergic reactions, skin diseases, eye problems, breathing problems, bowel disorders, cancer, and immune system disorders. It is also used as a test for an adrenal gland disorder ( Cushing's syndrome ).Dexamethasone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It decreases your immune system 's response to various diseases to reduce symptoms such as swelling and allergic-type reactions.
How to report dexamethasone side effects in Canada?
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Before taking dexamethasone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ); or if you have any other allergies.
Is dexamethasone a steroid?
WebMD Update: Dexamethasone, a steroid sometimes used for asthma, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis, could reduce deaths in hospitalized coronavirus patients with severe complications by about a third, according to a new study. Learn More.
Uses
This medication is used to treat certain eye conditions due to inflammation or injury.
May Treat: Asthma · Hypersensitivity drug reaction · Crohn's disease · Cerebral edema · Inflammatory bowel disease and more
Brand Names: Maxidex · Decadron · Dexamethasone Intensol · ZoDex · Ozurdex and more
Drug Class: Glucocorticoids · Ophthalmic - Anti-inflammatory, Glucocorticoids
Availability: Prescription sometimes needed
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
May Treat: Asthma · Hypersensitivity drug reaction · Crohn's disease · Cerebral edema · Inflammatory bowel disease and more
Brand Names: Maxidex · Decadron · Dexamethasone Intensol · ZoDex · Ozurdex and more
Drug Class: Glucocorticoids · Ophthalmic - Anti-inflammatory, Glucocorticoids
Availability: Prescription sometimes needed
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
- For elixir products : Best to take with food to lessen stomach upset. Contains alcohol. Measure dose using a dosing spoon/cup/syringe. May be more susceptible to infection. Avoid live vaccines and newly vaccinated people. MD may need to reduce the dose before you stop it. May increase blood sugar. Review all drugs you are taking with your doctor.
- For solution, oral products : Tell doctor your complete medical history.
- For suspension, drops products : Wash hands before and after using. May wear contact lenses 15 min. after using drug. Shake well before using. Do not touch tip of open eye drop bottle. Wait 5-10 minutes before using other eye drugs. Take doses regularly, even when feeling well. May blur vision. Use caution when driving. Call doctor right away if eye pain or itching occur.
- For elixir products : Best to take with food to lessen stomach upset. Contains alcohol. Measure dose using a dosing spoon/cup/syringe. May be more susceptible to infection. Avoid live vaccines and newly vaccinated people. MD may need to reduce the dose before you stop it. May increase blood sugar. Review all drugs you are taking with your doctor.
- For solution, oral products : Tell doctor your complete medical history.
- For suspension, drops products : Wash hands before and after using. May wear contact lenses 15 min. after using drug. Shake well before using. Do not touch tip of open eye drop bottle. Wait 5-10 minutes before using other eye drugs. Take doses regularly, even when feeling well. May blur vision. Use caution when driving. Call doctor right away if eye pain or itching occur.
- For tablet products : May take with or without food. Take with a full glass of water (8 ounces).
Before Taking
Dosage
Side Effects
Warnings and Interactions
