Generic Name : DEXAMETHASONE (ORAL) ABSTRACT – Classified as a glucocorticoid, Decadron is generally used to treat areas of...
Decadron
Classified as a glucocorticoid, Decadron is generally used to treat areas of inflammation. This drug works upon the immune system in order to treat a variety of conditions such as severe allergies, various types of inflammation, arthritis, asthma, bone marrow conditions or adrenal problems. This corticosteroid relieves the system of swelling, itches or redness. Decadron helps treat rheumatic as well as skin diseases.
DOSAGE –
-
- Decadron is to be taken as directed by the doctors. Dosage depends upon medical conditions, weight and age.
- This drug is available by the name of several other brands. Decadron is discontinued within the United States and is sold by other brands.
- A solution and an elixir form of the oral tablet is available, having the same strength as of the tablet.
- General Dosage available:
Oral tablet –
-
- Adult: 0.75mg – 9mg per day
- Children: 0.02 – 0.3 (taken 3-4 times over the course of the day)
SIDE EFFECTS –
- Blurry vision
- Increased aggression
- Decrease in urination
- Headaches
- Noisy breathing
- Increased appetite
RARE SIDE EFFECTS:
- Irregular pulse/palpitation
- Mood fluctuation
- Swellings in the hands or feet
- Shortness in breath
- Numbness in certain parts of the body
- Rapid weight gain
- Slurred speech
- Motor problems
LONG-TERM SIDE EFFECTS –
- Long term usage of the drug may cause slower growth and bone problems in younger patients.
DRUG INTERACTIONS –
- Amiodarone
- BCG vaccine
- Butorphanol
- Ciprofloxacin
- Deferasirox
- Doravirine
- Edoxaban
- Fentanyl
- Guanfacine
- Hydrocodone
- Iopamidol
- Levofloxacin
- Ofloxacin
- Trovafloxacin
- Vigabatrin
- Yellow fever vaccine
- Simeprevir
- Ranolazine
Decadron has major interactions with 85 different drugs.
MODERATE DRUG INTERACTIONS –
- Acarbose
- Acebutolol
- Alfentanil
- Aliskiren
- Aripiprazole
- Atazanavir
- Atenolol
- Boceprevir
- Bumetanide
- Butalbital
- Carvedilol
- Cyclosporine
- Efavirenz
- Erythromycin
- Ibuprofen
- Ivacaftor
- Ketoconazole
- Losartan
- Nadolol
Decadron has moderate interactions with 461 different drugs.
PRECAUTIONS –
- Provide the doctor with detailed and accurate medical history prior to drug prescription. Notify especially in case of conditions such as cataracts, congestive heart failure, adrenal gland problems, diabetes, glaucoma, hyperglycemia, hypertension, myasthenia gravis, osteoporosis, fungal infections or herpes simplex eye infection.
- The Dexamethasone Intensol solution of the drug must be discarded 90 days after drug is opened and used for the first time.
- Cooperate with regular blood tests and urine tests to notify the doctor of patient’s current health while on drug course.
- Avoid using this drug during pregnancy as it may harm the unborn baby.
- Avoid smoking and the use of tobacco while on drug course.
- Avoid taking vaccines without a doctor’s approval while on drug course.
- Keep patient in safe and sanitary conditions, away from infections and viruses – as this drug can lower immunity and resistance towards certain infections.
WARNINGS –
- Keep out of reach of children.
- This drug may aggravate adrenal gland problems. Notify a doctor immediately upon observing signs such as blurry vision, dizziness or fainting.
- Emotional stress or pre-existing mental health conditions may aggravate during long-term use of this drug. Please reach out to a concerned authority regarding mental health.
- In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.