DEXAMETHASONE

No warnings available

Side effects may range from mild to serious complications.  Consult your doctor immediately when you feel the following symptoms: Stomach upset, headache, dizziness, menstrual changes, trouble sleeping, increased appetite, or weight gain, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), bone/joint pain, increased thirst/urination, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, eye pain/pressure, vision problems, heartburn, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, puffy face, swelling of the ankles/feet, stomach/abdominal pain, pain/redness/swelling of arms/legs, tiredness, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, mood swings, agitation), unusual hair/skin growth, muscle pain/cramps, weakness, easy bruising/bleeding, slow wound healing, thinning skin, seizures.

Seek emergency medical help if you expereince allergies (rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing) or the symptoms mentioned above while taking this drug.

Inform your doctor of your allergies (food or drugs), medical conditions and  medical history before taking this drug, especially of: fungal infections, other infections (e.g., tuberculosis, herpes), kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood conditions (e.g., psychosis, anxiety, depression), low blood minerals (e.g., low potassium/calcium), thyroid disease, stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., ulcer, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, unexplained diarrhea), high blood pressure, heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure, recent heart attack), diabetes, eye diseases (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma, herpes infection of the eye), brittle bones (osteoporosis), history of blood clots.

Be sure to tell your doctor that you are taking this medication before you undergo surgery, emergency or dental procedures.

Since your immune system is suppressed, do not have immunizations, vaccinations, or skin tests unless specifically directed by your doctor.  Protect yourself from infections by avoiding contact with other people who have chickenpox or measles.

Be cautious when you have a history of ulcers or take large doses of aspirin or other arthritis medication.  If you have diabetes, this drug may make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. This may also slow down a child’s growth if used for a long time.

For pregnant and nursing (breastfeeding) women, consult your doctor before using this medication.

Before using this drug, tell your doctor of the current medications, products (herbal/nonprescription) that you are taking especially of: aminoglutethimide, aprepitant, birth control pills, certain cancer drugs (dasatinib, lapatinib, sunitinib, aldesleukin), caspofungin, cholestyramine, cobicistat, cyclosporine, digoxin, elvitegravir, drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel “blood thinners” such as dabigatran/warfarin, NSAIDs such as aspirin/celecoxib/ibuprofen), ephedrine, estrogen hormone replacement, HIV protease inhibitors (such as indinavir), isoniazid, mifepristone, rilpivirine, thalidomide.

If you are taking maintenance medications such as aspirin, consult your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Overdose
Get medical emergency help immediately when you experience symptoms of overdose.

Missed Dose
Take it as soon as you remember.  Do not increase the dose to catch up. If it is less than 6 hours until the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.  Consult with your doctor.

Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Discard the drug properly- do not throw in toilet or sink.

Brands
Available Brands
Adrecort [ Tai Yu ]                                     Decilone/Decilone Forte [ Westmont ]
Dexamet [Daewon]                                    Dexticort [LBS]
Drenex [ UAP ]                                           Drugmaker’s Dexamethasone [ Drugmaker’s Lab ]
Isodexam [ SENSOMED ]                        Maxidex [ Alcon ]
Oradexon [ Aspen ]                                    Penodex [ Rotexmedica GmbH ]

Also marketed as
Cordex 5 [ Steril-Gene ]                                    Dabrin [ Pasteur Pharma ]
Decan [ Yung Shin ]                                           Dexavit [ Pan-Ject Pharma ]
Dexicort [ Basic Pharma ]                                Doxam [ Syncom ]
Metacort [ Zhejiang Ruixin ]                           Ondex [ Mercury Lab ]
RiteMED Dexamethasone [ RiteMED ]        Santeson [ Santen ]
Scancortin 5 [ Oriental Chemical Works ]    Vherdex [ Vhermann Pharma ]