Generic Name : DEXAMETHASONE (ORAL/OPHTHALMIC) ABSTRACT – Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid drug that is used to treat a variety...
Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid drug that is used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions such as dermatological conditions or allergic disorders. While the ophthalmic solution can treat inflammation of the eyes that is caused by acne, iritis, eye injuries, chemical burns or severe allergies, the oral form of this drug can also treat lupus, psoriasis, arthritis and even ulcerative colitis. This drug works by preventing the release of certain substances that lead to inflammation. Dexamethasone Intensol is another form of the same drug and is orally consumed.
DOSAGE –
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- Dexamethasone is to be taken as directed by the doctors. Dosage may vary depending on the circumstances and the medical conditions of the patient.
- General Adult Dosage available:
Oral tablet – 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 0.75mg, 4mg, 6mg
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- Oral solution – 0.5mg/5mL, 4mg/mL, 10mg/mL
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- Ophthalmic drops (strength) – 0.05%, 0.1%
- Intraocular – 0.7mg
SIDE EFFECTS –
- Swelling within the arms or feet
- Increase in appetiter
- Mood fluctuations
- Disturbed sleep
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Upset Stomach
- Variations in the menstrual cycle
- Acne
- Increased hair growth
- Skin rashes / discoloration
- Eye pain / swelling / redness (intraocular/ophthalmic)
RARE SIDE EFFECTS:
- Muscle tightness
- Problems with vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Shortness of breath
- Depressive thoughts
- Seizures
- Bloody diarrhea
- Unusual palpitations
- Pancreatitis
- Low potassium levels
- High blood pressure
DRUG INTERACTIONS –
- Amiodarone
- BCG vaccine
- Butorphanol
- Deferasirox
- Edoxaban
- Fentanyl
- Guanfacine
- Hydrocodone
- Iopamidol
- Moxifloxacin
- Oxycodone
- Simeprevir
- Yellow fever vaccine
Dexamethasone has major interactions with 85 different drugs.
MODERATE DRUG INTERACTIONS –
- Acarbose
- Acebutolol
- Apixaban
- Amprenavir
- Aspirin
- Betaxolol
- Bromfenac
- Carteolol
- Cholera vaccine
- Conivaptan
- Indinavir
- Insulin
- Nefazodone
Dexamethasone has moderate interactions with 461 different drugs.
PRECAUTIONS –
- Provide the doctor a detailed and accurate medical history prior to drug prescription. Notify especially in case of cirrhosis, thyroid disorder, malaria, tuberculosis, osteoporosis, myasthenia gravis, diabetes, glaucoma, depression or any heart condition.
- In case of using the ophthalmic drops, do let the doctor know if there is any history of eye infections, surgery or glaucoma.
- Do not use this drug in case of a fungal infection in the body, or an allergic reaction to the drug itself.
- This drug (ophthalmic) can worsen certain eye infections such as herpes infection in the eyes. Avoid using this drug in case of such infections.
- Keep the patient in a clean and sanitary environment to avoid further diseases while on drug course.
- Avoid alcohol while on drug course.
- Avoid receiving live vaccines while on drug course.
WARNINGS –
- Being a steroid, this drug may increase the chance of certain kinds of infections due to lowering of immunity. Consult the doctor in case of new developments, especially in case of measles or chicken pox.
- Long term usage of this drug can cause easy bruising, changes in body fat, thinning of skin, impotence and increase in hair growth.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- In case of medical emergencies, get help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.
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