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Dexamethasone

Rx only
Corticosteroid✓ FDA-verified
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Dexamethasone is a medication used to treat a variety of serious conditions, including severe allergic reactions, certain skin diseases, and some types of cancer. It works by reducing inflammation and modifying the body's immune response. You can take it orally, with the starting dose ranging from 0.75 to 9 mg each day, depending on your specific condition, and the maximum dose can be adjusted based on your response to treatment. It's important to know that this medication can increase your risk of infections, so you should be cautious if you have any current infections. Additionally, if you are taking medications like amphotericin B, you should be aware that using dexamethasone may lead to serious side effects.
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Uses

  • Severe allergic conditions.
  • Asthma.
  • Atopic dermatitis.
  • Contact dermatitis.
  • Drug hypersensitivity reactions.
  • Allergic rhinitis.
  • Serum sickness.
  • Bullous dermatitis herpetiformis.
  • Exfoliative erythroderma.
  • Mycosis fungoides.
  • Pemphigus.
  • Severe erythema multiforme.
  • Adrenocortical insufficiency.
  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
  • Hypercalcemia associated with cancer.
  • Nonsuppurative thyroiditis.
  • Regional enteritis.
  • Ulcerative colitis.
  • Acquired hemolytic anemia.
  • Congenital hypoplastic anemia.
  • Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
  • Pure red cell aplasia.
  • Selected secondary thrombocytopenia.
  • Diagnostic testing of adrenocortical hyperfunction.
  • Trichinosis with neurologic involvement.
  • Tuberculous meningitis.
  • Palliative management of leukemias and lymphomas.
  • Acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis.
  • Cerebral edema from brain tumors.
  • Sympathetic ophthalmia.
  • Temporal arteritis.
  • Uveitis.
  • Ocular inflammatory conditions.
  • Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.
  • Berylliosis.
  • Pulmonary tuberculosis.
  • Idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonias.
  • Symptomatic sarcoidosis.
  • Acute gouty arthritis.
  • Acute rheumatic carditis.
  • Ankylosing spondylitis.
  • Psoriatic arthritis.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Dermatomyositis.
  • Polymyositis.
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus.
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Dosage

0.75 to 9 mg daily for adults. 0.02 to 0.3 mg/kg/day for children.
Adjust based on disease and response.
Gradually reduce dose when stopping. 30 mg daily for acute MS exacerbations.
Follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
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Side effects

Common

Increased appetite and weight gainMood swings and depressionHigh blood pressure and fluid retentionIncreased risk of infections

Serious

Allergic reactions like rash and swellingSevere reactions like cardiac arrest and anaphylaxis
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Warnings

⚠ Important warnings

  • Increased risk of infections while on corticosteroids.
  • Monitor blood pressure and potassium levels.
  • Gradual withdrawal to avoid adrenal insufficiency.
  • Use caution in patients with recent heart issues.
  • Avoid live vaccines during treatment.
  • May worsen fungal infections.
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Drug interactions

  • Aminoglutethimidemay reduce corticosteroid effectsCaution
  • Amphotericin Brisk of heart issuesCaution
  • Anticoagulantsmay affect blood thinningCaution
  • Antidiabeticsmay increase blood sugar levelsCaution
  • NSAIDshigher risk of gastrointestinal side effectsCaution
  • Ketoconazolemay increase corticosteroid side effectsCaution

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Answers pulled from the FDA label only.

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Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).