Dexamethasone ear solution
What is dexamethasone ear solution?
DEXAMETHASONE (Decadron®) is a corticosteroid. It helps to reduce swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions. Dexamethasone treats inflammatory conditions of the outer ear. Generic dexamethasone ear solution is not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I use dexamethasone?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-
history of middle ear infections
-
infection; fungal, viral, tubercular or other bacterial
-
perforated ear drum
-
an unusual or allergic reaction to dexamethasone, corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
How should I use this medicine?
Dexamethasone ear solution is for use in the ear only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Lie on your side or tilt head so that ear is up. Pull the earlobe up and back (adults), or down and back (children), and drop in the prescribed number of drops (usually 4—5 drops); avoid touching the ear with the dropper tip. Keep head tilted for about 5 minutes or insert a soft cotton gauze 'wick' in the ear to prevent the medication from running out. Replace the cotton at least once a day. Do not use more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with dexamethasone?
It is unlikely that when dexamethasone is used in the ear it will interact with medicines taken by mouth. However, tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking dexamethasone?
Check with your prescriber or health care professional if your condition has not improved after 2 or 3 days. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before using dexamethasone for any future ear problems.
What side effects may I notice from using dexamethasone?
If dexamethasone is used for long periods of time other serious side effects may develop. Report any other unusual effects to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can.
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Dexamethasone eye ointment
What is dexamethasone eye ointment, solution or suspension?
DEXAMETHASONE (Decadron®, Maxidex®) is a corticosteroid. It helps to reduce swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions. Dexamethasone treats allergic and inflammatory conditions of eye that are responsive to corticosteroid therapy. Generic dexamethasone eye products are available.
What should my health care professional know before I use dexamethasone?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-
cataracts
-
contact lens wearer
-
diabetes
-
glaucoma
-
infection; fungal, viral, tubercular or other bacterial
-
an unusual or allergic reaction to dexamethasone, corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Dexamethasone is for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use.
-
For eye solution or suspension: Shake well before using. Tilt your head back slightly and pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingertips, or other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Do not blink, and close the eye for a few moments to allow the medicine to be in contact with the eye.
-
For eye ointment: Tilt your head back slightly, and pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Squeeze a strip of the ointment (about 1/3-inch long) into the pouch and close your eye. Do not touch the eye or eyelid with the tip of the tube. Do not blink, and close the eye for a few moments to allow the medicine to be in contact with the eye.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with dexamethasone?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking dexamethasone?
Check with your prescriber or health care professional if your condition has not improved after 5 days, or if it gets worse. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before using dexamethasone for any future eye problems.
If you are a contact lens wearer, ask your prescriber or health care professional before you use dexamethasone when you can use your lenses again .
What side effects may I notice from using dexamethasone?
If dexamethasone is used for long periods of time other serious side effects may develop. Report any other unusual effects to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Dexamethasone eye preparations
What is dexamethasone eye ointment, solution or suspension?
DEXAMETHASONE (Decadron®, Maxidex®) is a corticosteroid. It helps to reduce swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions. Dexamethasone treats allergic and inflammatory conditions of eye that are responsive to corticosteroid therapy. Generic dexamethasone eye products are available.
What should my health care professional know before I use dexamethasone?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-
cataracts
-
contact lens wearer
-
diabetes
-
glaucoma
-
infection; fungal, viral, tubercular or other bacterial
-
an unusual or allergic reaction to dexamethasone, corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Dexamethasone is for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use.
-
For eye solution or suspension: Shake well before using. Tilt your head back slightly and pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingertips, or other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Do not blink, and close the eye for a few moments to allow the medicine to be in contact with the eye.
-
For eye ointment: Tilt your head back slightly, and pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Squeeze a strip of the ointment (about 1/3-inch long) into the pouch and close your eye. Do not touch the eye or eyelid with the tip of the tube. Do not blink, and close the eye for a few moments to allow the medicine to be in contact with the eye.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with dexamethasone?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking dexamethasone?
Check with your prescriber or health care professional if your condition has not improved after 5 days, or if it gets worse. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before using dexamethasone for any future eye problems.
If you are a contact lens wearer, ask your prescriber or health care professional before you use dexamethasone when you can use your lenses again .
What side effects may I notice from using dexamethasone?
If dexamethasone is used for long periods of time other serious side effects may develop. Report any other unusual effects to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Dexamethasone injection
What is dexamethasone injection?
DEXAMETHASONE (Decadron®, Decadron-LA®, Decadrol®, Hexadrol®) is a corticosteroid. It helps to reduce swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions. Dexamethasone is similar to natural steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland. Dexamethasone treats severe allergies, skin problems, asthma, arthritis and other conditions. Generic dexamethasone injections are available.
What should my health care professional know before I receive dexamethasone?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-
diabetes
-
blood clotting problems
-
heart, liver, or kidney disease
-
high blood pressure
-
infection; measles, tuberculosis, herpes or chickenpox
-
mental problems or psychosis
-
myasthenia gravis
-
osteoporosis
-
previous heart attack
-
seizures (convulsions)
-
stomach or intestinal disease
-
under-active thyroid
-
an unusual or allergic reaction to dexamethasone, corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Dexamethasone is for injection into a muscle, joint, soft tissue, or lesion. Injection solution can also be injected into a vein, but the long-acting suspension is not for injection into veins. Injections are given by a health-care professional in a hospital, clinic, or prescriber's office.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
This may not apply. If you are having a series of injections over a prolonged period, try not to miss an appointment. Call your prescriber or health care professional to reschedule if you are unable to keep an appointment.
What drug(s) may interact with dexamethasone?
-
antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
-
barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
-
bosentan
-
certain heart medicines
-
female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
-
medicines for diabetes
-
medicines that improve muscle tone or strength for conditions like myasthenia gravis
-
phenytoin
-
rifampin
-
vaccines and other immunization products
-
water pills
-
warfarin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking dexamethasone?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you are receiving corticosteroids for a long time, carry an identification card with your name, the type and dose of corticosteroid, and your prescriber's name and address.
If you receive corticosteroids for a long time, avoid contact with people who have an infection. You may be at an increased risk from infection while taking dexamethasone. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are exposed to anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.
People who are taking certain dosages of dexamethasone may need to avoid immunization with certain vaccines or may need to have changes in their vaccination schedules to ensure adequate protection from certain diseases. Make sure to tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking dexamethasone before receiving any vaccine.
If dexamethasone is injected into one of your joints, do not put too much stress on the joint. Talk to your prescriber or health care professional about how much you can use the joint while it is healing.
If you are diabetic, dexamethasone can affect your blood sugar. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if you need help adjusting the dose of your diabetic medicine.
If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you have received dexamethasone within the last 12 months.
Alcohol can increase the risk of getting serious side effects while you are receiving dexamethasone. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Elderly patients have an increased risk of side effects from dexamethasone.
Dexamethasone can interfere with certain lab tests and can cause false skin test results.
What side effects may I notice from receiving dexamethasone?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
-
bloody or black, tarry stools
-
confusion, excitement, restlessness, a false sense of well-being
-
eye pain, decreased or blurred vision, or bulging eyes
-
fever, sore throat, sneezing, cough, or other signs of infection
-
frequent passing of urine
-
hallucinations (seeing and hearing things that are not really there)
-
increased thirst
-
irregular heartbeat
-
menstrual problems
-
mental depression, mood swings, mistaken feelings of self-importance, mistaken feelings of being mistreated
-
muscle cramps or muscle weakness
-
nausea, vomiting
-
pain in hips, back, ribs, arms, shoulders, or legs
-
pain, redness, or irritation at the injection site
-
rounding out of face
-
skin problems, acne
-
stomach pain
-
swelling of feet or lower legs
-
unusual bruising or red pinpoint spots on the skin
-
unusual tiredness or weakness
-
weight gain or weight loss
-
wounds that will not heal
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-
diarrhea or constipation
-
change in taste
-
headache
-
increased appetite or loss of appetite
-
increased sweating
-
nervousness, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping
-
unusual increased growth of hair on the face or body
-
upset stomach
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Dexamethasone oral elixir or solution
What is dexamethasone oral elixir or solution?
DEXAMETHASONE (Decadron®, Hexadrol®) is a corticosteroid. It helps to reduce swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions. Dexamethasone is similar to natural steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland. Dexamethasone treats severe allergies, skin problems, asthma, arthritis and other conditions. Generic dexamethasone elixir or oral solution is available.
What should my health care professional know before I take dexamethasone?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-
diabetes
-
blood clotting problems
-
heart, liver, or kidney disease
-
high blood pressure
-
infection; measles, tuberculosis, herpes or chickenpox
-
mental problems or psychosis
-
myasthenia gravis
-
osteoporosis
-
previous heart attack
-
seizures (convulsions)
-
stomach or intestinal disease
-
under-active thyroid
-
an unusual or allergic reaction to dexamethasone, corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-
breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take dexamethasone tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not always accurate. Take with milk or food to avoid stomach upset. If you are only taking dexamethasone once a day, take it in the morning, which is the time your body normally secretes cortisol. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking dexamethasone except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, consult your prescriber or health care professional. You may need to miss a dose or take a double dose, depending on your condition and treatment. Do not take double or extra doses without advice.
What drug(s) may interact with dexamethasone?
-
antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
-
barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
-
bosentan
-
certain heart medicines
-
female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
-
medicines for diabetes
-
medicines that improve muscle tone or strength for conditions like myasthenia gravis
-
phenytoin
-
rifampin
-
vaccines and other immunization products
-
water pills
-
warfarin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking dexamethasone?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you are taking corticosteroids for a long time, carry an identification card with your name, the type and dose of corticosteroid, and your prescriber's name and address. Do not suddenly stop taking dexamethasone. You may need to gradually reduce the dose, so that your body can adjust. Follow the advice of your prescriber or health care professional.
If you take corticosteroids for a long time, avoid contact with people who have an infection. You may be at an increased risk from infection while taking dexamethasone. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are exposed to anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.
People who are taking certain dosages of dexamethasone may need to avoid immunization with certain vaccines or may need to have changes in their vaccination schedules to ensure adequate protection from certain diseases. Make sure to tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking dexamethasone before receiving any vaccine.
If you are diabetic, dexamethasone can affect your blood sugar. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if you need help adjusting the dose of your diabetic medicine.
If you take dexamethasone tablets every day, you may need to watch your diet. Your body can also lose potassium while you take this medicine. Ask your prescriber or health care professional about your diet, especially about your salt intake.
If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking dexamethasone, or have taken it within the last 12 months.
Alcohol can increase the risk of getting serious side effects while you are taking dexamethasone. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Elderly patients have an increased risk of side effects from dexamethasone.
Dexamethasone can interfere with certain lab tests and can cause false skin test results.
What side effects may I notice from taking dexamethasone?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
-
bloody or black, tarry stools
-
confusion, excitement, restlessness, a false sense of well-being
-
eye pain, decreased or blurred vision, or bulging eyes
-
fever, sore throat, sneezing, cough, or other signs of infection
-
frequent passing of urine
-
hallucinations (seeing and hearing things that are not really there)
-
increased thirst
-
irregular heartbeat
-
menstrual problems
-
mental depression, mood swings, mistaken feelings of self-importance, mistaken feelings of being mistreated
-
muscle cramps or muscle weakness
-
nausea, vomiting
-
pain in hips, back, ribs, arms, shoulders, or legs
-
rounding out of face
-
skin problems, acne
-
stomach pain
-
swelling of feet or lower legs
-
unusual bruising or red pinpoint spots on the skin
-
unusual tiredness or weakness
-
weight gain or weight loss
-
wounds that will not heal
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-
diarrhea or constipation
-
change in taste
-
headache
-
increased appetite or loss of appetite
-
increased sweating
-
nervousness, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping
-
unusual increased growth of hair on the face or body
-
upset stomach
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Dexamethasone skin aerosol
What is dexamethasone skin aerosol?
DEXAMETHASONE (Decaspray®) is a corticosteroid. It helps to reduce swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions. Dexamethasone treats skin problems that are accompanied by itching and swelling, responsive to corticosteroid therapy. Generic dexamethasone skin aerosol is not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I use dexamethasone?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-
infection, measles, tuberculosis, herpes or chickenpox
-
large areas of burned or damaged skin
-
skin wasting or thinning
-
an unusual or allergic reaction to dexamethasone, corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-
breast-feeding
If you are going to use dexamethasone for a long time your prescriber or health care professional needs to know if you have:
-
diabetes
-
glaucoma or cataracts
How should I use this medicine?
Dexamethasone skin aerosol is for external use only; do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label exactly. Wash your hands before and after use. Shake the canister gently once or twice. Hold upright about 6 inches from the skin. Apply a short spray (one or two seconds) to the affected area. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Reduce the dose once a favorable reaction occurs.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Elderly patients are more likely to have damaged skin through aging, and this may increase side effects. Corticosteroid skin preparations should only be used for brief periods and infrequently in older patients.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses without advice.
What drug(s) may interact with dexamethasone?
There are no known interactions between dexamethasone skin preparations and other drugs.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about other skin products you are using. Do not apply dexamethasone at the same site as other skin preparation without advice.
What should I watch for while taking dexamethasone?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve after one week of dexamethasone use. It is important not to use more dexamethasone than prescribed. Do not use for more than 14 days. Do not use on healthy skin or over large areas of skin. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are exposed to anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.
Do not use an airtight bandage to cover the affected area unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to. If you are to cover the area, follow the prescriber's instructions carefully. Covering the area where dexamethasone is applied can increase the amount that passes through the skin and increases the risk of side effects.
Do not get dexamethasone in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water. Do not inhale the vapors; this can cause irritation to the lungs and increase the risk of side effects.
This aerosol contains alcohol and can catch fire. Keep away from lighted matches, cigarettes and other naked flames.
What side effects may I notice from using dexamethasone?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
-
burning or itching of the skin
-
dark red spots on the skin
-
infection
-
painful, red, pus-filled blisters in hair follicles
-
thinning of the skin, sunburn more likely especially on the face
Other serious side effects can develop if you use dexamethasone for a long time, or if you use too much. Contact your prescriber or health care professional if you notice any unusual effects.
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Dexamethasone tablets
What are dexamethasone tablets?
DEXAMETHASONE (Decadron®, Dexone®, Hexadrol®) is a corticosteroid. It helps to reduce swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions. Dexamethasone is similar to natural steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland. Dexamethasone treats severe allergies, skin problems, asthma, arthritis and other conditions. Generic dexamethasone tablets are available.
What should my health care professional know before I take dexamethasone?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-
diabetes
-
blood clotting problems
-
heart, liver, or kidney disease
-
high blood pressure
-
infection; measles, tuberculosis, herpes or chickenpox
-
mental problems or psychosis
-
myasthenia gravis
-
osteoporosis
-
previous heart attack
-
seizures (convulsions)
-
stomach or intestinal disease
-
under-active thyroid
-
an unusual or allergic reaction to dexamethasone, corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-
breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take dexamethasone tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take with milk or food to avoid stomach upset. If you are only taking dexamethasone once a day, take it in the morning, which is the time your body normally secretes cortisol. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking dexamethasone except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, consult your prescriber or health care professional. You may need to miss a dose or take a double dose, depending on your condition and treatment. Do not take double or extra doses without advice.
What drug(s) may interact with dexamethasone?
-
antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
-
barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
-
bosentan
-
calcium supplements
-
certain heart medicines
-
female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
-
medicines for diabetes
-
medicines that improve muscle tone or strength for conditions like myasthenia gravis
-
phenytoin
-
rifampin
-
vaccines and other immunization products
-
water pills
-
warfarin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking dexamethasone?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you are taking corticosteroids for a long time, carry an identification card with your name, the type and dose of corticosteroid, and your prescriber's name and address. Do not suddenly stop taking dexamethasone. You may need to gradually reduce the dose, so that your body can adjust. Follow the advice of your prescriber or health care professional.
If you take corticosteroids for a long time, avoid contact with people who have an infection. You may be at an increased risk from infection while taking dexamethasone. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are exposed to anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.
People who are taking certain dosages of dexamethasone may need to avoid immunization with certain vaccines or may need to have changes in their vaccination schedules to ensure adequate protection from certain diseases. Make sure to tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking dexamethasone before receiving any vaccine.
If you are diabetic, dexamethasone can affect your blood sugar. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if you need help adjusting the dose of your diabetic medicine.
If you take dexamethasone tablets every day, you may need to watch your diet. Your body can also lose potassium while you take this medicine. Ask your prescriber or health care professional about your diet, especially about your salt intake.
If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking dexamethasone, or have taken it within the last 12 months.
Alcohol can increase the risk of getting serious side effects while you are taking dexamethasone. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Elderly patients have an increased risk of side effects from dexamethasone.
Dexamethasone can interfere with certain lab tests and can cause false skin test results.
What side effects may I notice from taking dexamethasone?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
-
bloody or black, tarry stools
-
confusion, excitement, restlessness, a false sense of well-being
-
eye pain, decreased or blurred vision, or bulging eyes
-
fever, sore throat, sneezing, cough, or other signs of infection
-
frequent passing of urine
-
hallucinations (seeing and hearing things that are not really there)
-
increased thirst
-
irregular heartbeat
-
menstrual problems
-
mental depression, mood swings, mistaken feelings of self-importance, mistaken feelings of being mistreated
-
muscle cramps or muscle weakness
-
nausea, vomiting
-
pain in hips, back, ribs, arms, shoulders, or legs
-
rounding out of face
-
skin problems, acne
-
stomach pain
-
swelling of feet or lower legs
-
unusual bruising or red pinpoint spots on the skin
-
unusual tiredness or weakness
-
weight gain or weight loss
-
wounds that will not heal
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-
diarrhea or constipation
-
change in taste
-
headache
-
increased appetite or loss of appetite
-
increased sweating
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nervousness, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping
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unusual increased growth of hair on the face or body
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upset stomach
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.