What is Decadron?
There are several brands and types of dexamethasone. This leaflet does not list all available brands.Decadron, a type of steroid, prevents substances from being released in the body that cause inflammation. Decadron can be used for a variety of conditions, including allergic disorders, skin disorders, colitis (ulcerative), arthritis, lupus, and psoriasis. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Decadron.
Side effects of Decadron
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue
Decadron may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Feeling of muscle weakness or tightness;
- Blurred vision, pain in the eyes, or seeing halos around lights
- Rapid weight gain, swelling, and shortness of breath even with light exertion;
- Severe depression is characterized by unusual behavior or thoughts.
- A seizure (convulsions);
- Bloody or tarry stool, coughing blood
- Fast or slow heart rate;
- Pancreatitis is characterized by severe pain that spreads to the back and upper abdomen, as well as nausea and vomiting.
- Low potassium level: leg cramps; constipation; irregular heartbeats or chest flutterings. Increased thirst or increased urination.
- Increased blood pressure: severe headaches, blurred or distorted vision, pain in the neck, ears, and nose, as well as anxiety
Decadron may affect the growth of children. If your child's growth isn't normal while taking Decadron, tell your doctor.
Some of the side effects that Decadron can cause include:
- Fluid Retention
- Increased appetite
- Mood changes, trouble sleeping;
- Skin rash or discoloration.
- Acne, sweating, and hair growth
- Headache, dizziness;
- Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach;
- Changes in menstrual cycles;
- Changes in body fat distribution (especially on your legs, arms, chest, shoulders, neck, and breasts)
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects and report them by calling the FDA's 24-Hour Hotline on Side Effects at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
This medicine should not be used if there is a fungus infection in any part of your body.
Inform your doctor of all medical conditions and medications you use. Steroids can affect many diseases, while many medicines can also interact with them.
Before you take this drug
A decadron should not be used if:
- A fungus infection can occur anywhere on your body.
If you've ever:
- Liver disease (cirrhosis)
- Kidney disease
- A thyroid condition;
- Malaria;
- Tuberculosis;
- Osteoporosis;
- A muscle disorder, such as myasthenia gravis.
- Diabetes (steroid medication may cause glucose to increase in the blood or urine);
- Glaucoma and cataracts are both eye diseases.
- Herpes in the eye
- Diverticulitis and inflammatory bowel disease are all terms used to describe stomach ulcers.
- Depression or mental illness
- Congestive heart failure;
- High blood pressure.
Your immune system is affected by steroids. Infections may be more common. You can get an existing infection worsened or activated by steroids. Inform your doctor of any illnesses or infections you've had in the last few weeks. Decadron is unknown to cause harm to an unborn child. Inform your doctor that you're pregnant. A decadron should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take Decadron?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose.Your dosage needs may change due to surgery, illness, stress or medical emergencies - inform your physician of any situations which might alter it as decadron may interfere with certain tests or affect test results in any way. Decadron can affect the results of certain medical tests. If you suddenly stop taking Decadron, it may cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. You should ask your doctor about how you can safely discontinue using Decadron. Wear or carry medical ID to alert others that you are using Decadron in an emergency. Keep away from heat and moisture. Store at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you missed a Decadron dose, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Reach out immediately if a poisonous situation arises by calling 1-800-222-1222, or seek immediate medical advice by seeking immediate assistance from medical personnel. Overdoses of dexamethasone are unlikely to cause life-threatening symptoms. High doses of dexamethasone can cause thinning of the skin, easy bruises, and changes to body fat, especially in the face, neck, and back. They may also increase acne, facial hair, or menstrual issues.
What should be avoided?
Stay away from people with infections or illnesses. If you have been exposed to measles or chickenpox, call your doctor immediately for treatment. The conditions are serious and can even be fatal for people taking steroid medication. Decadron should not be taken with alcohol. Decadron should not be used in conjunction with a live vaccine. During this period, the vaccine might not be as effective, and you may not get full protection from illness. The live vaccines are measles (MMR), rubella, polio (rotavirus), typhoid (yellow fever), varicella, chickenpox, and zoster.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not a good idea to take certain drugs at the same time. Some medications can cause side effects that increase or decrease the effectiveness of another drug you are taking.
inform your physician of all medications you are currently taking. Decadron can be affected by many drugs, including:
- Antibiotics or antifungal medicines;
- Hormonal replacement therapy or birth control pills
- You can take insulin and diabetes medication by mouth.
- Medicine to treat Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease
- A blood thinner—warfarin, Coumadin, or Jantoven
- Nsaids are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. These include aspirin (Advil), ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib (Aleve), diclofenac (Indomethacin), indomethacin (Indomethacin), meloxicam (Meloxicam), and many others.
Decadron may be affected by many drugs not listed here. These include prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and vitamins. This list does not encompass all possible interactions among medications.
