Dexamethasone

What is Dexamethasone?

Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that blocks the release of chemicals in the body that trigger inflammation.Dexamethasone can be used to treat numerous inflammatory conditions, including skin disorders and allergic disorders.

Dexamethasone can also be used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, and breathing disorders.There are a variety of varieties and brands of dexamethasone that are available. Some brands are not mentioned in this document.

Warnings

It is not recommended to use dexamethasone when you are suffering from an infection with fungal spores within your body.Inform your doctor of any medical issues and also about the medications you take. There are a myriad of other conditions that can be affected by the use of steroids, along with a variety of other medicines that interact with steroids.

The dosage of your medication may be altered in the event of unusual stress, like an illness of serious severity such as a fever or infection, or if you're undergoing surgery or a medical emergency. Inform your doctor of any situation that may affect your treatment.

Dexamethasone could affect your immune system and make it more difficult for you to contract an infection or worsen an infection that you are currently suffering from or recently suffered from. Inform your doctor of any infection or illness that you've had in the last few weeks.Contact your doctor for preventive care if you've been exposed to measles or chicken pox. These illnesses can be severe or even fatal for people who are taking steroid medication.

The effectiveness of all vaccines is not guaranteed when you are taking a steroid. Avoid receiving a "live" vaccine while you are taking this medication.

Do not stop taking dexamethasone abruptly, or you may experience uncomfortable withdrawal effects. Consult your doctor on ways to prevent withdrawal symptoms after stopping the drug.

Before you Take this Drug

It is not recommended to use dexamethasone if you have an allergy to this medication or are suffering from

• Fungal infections can be found anywhere in your body.

To ensure you can safely take dexamethasone, ask your doctor if you have ever experienced:

• The liver (such as cirrhosis);
• Kidney disease;
• An thyroid disorder;
• Malaria;
• Tuberculosis;
• Osteoporosis;
• A muscle disorder, such as myasthenia gravis;
• Diabetes (steroid medicine can raise the amount of glucose in your urine or blood);
• Glaucoma or cataracts
• Eye herpes infection;
• Stomach ulcers stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, and inflammatory bowel disease;
• Depression and mental health
• Congestive heart failure,
• Hypertension.

The steroid medication affects the immune system. It is possible to contract infections more frequently. Steroids can also cause or revive an infection that you've had previously. Inform your doctor of any infection or illness you've had in the last few weeks.

It is not clear if this medication will affect a newborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are expecting.

It is not recommended to breastfeed during treatment with dexamethasone.

How to Take dexamethasone?

Follow the exact dosage of dexamethasone as directed by your physician. Follow all instructions on your prescription label and go through all medication guides and instruction sheets. Your doctor may alter your dosage.The dose you require can change because of illnesses, surgery, stress, or even a medical emergency. Inform your doctor of any of these situations that could affect your health.

Dexamethasone could influence the results of some medical tests. Be sure to inform any doctor treating you that you're taking dexamethasone.

Don't stop taking dexamethasone abruptly, or you may experience painful withdrawal signs. Discuss with your physician how you can be sure to stop using the drug safely.In the event of an emergency situation In the event of an emergency, you should wear or carry medical identification that lets people know that you are using dexamethasone.Place it in a cool, dry place free of heat and moisture.

What Happens if I Miss a Dose?

Consult your physician for instructions in case you missed the dose of dexamethasone.

What Happens If I Overdose?

Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.

A dexamethasone overdose isn't likely to cause dangerous symptoms. The long-term use of high doses may cause thin skin, bruising that is easy to treat, and modifications in the body's fat (especially on the neck, face, back, hips, and waist), as well as increased facial acne or menstrual troubles, facial hair, impotence, or a loss of interest in sexual relations.

What Should be Avoided?

Beware of those who are sick or suffering from illnesses. Contact your doctor for treatment to prevent infection when you've been exposed to measles or chickenpox. These illnesses can be severe and even fatal for those who take steroid medication.

Beware of drinking alcohol when you take dexamethasone.

Do not get any "live" vaccines while using dexamethasone. The vaccine might not function in the same way during this period and might not completely safeguard you from illness. The live vaccines are measles, rubella, and mumps (MMR), as well as polio, the typhoid virus, rotavirus, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), and zoster (shingles).

Side effects of Dexamethasone

Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate you are experiencing an allergic reaction to dexamethasone, itching, breathing problems, and swelling of your lips, face, or tongue.

See your doctor right away. If you are suffering from:

• Muscle tightness, weakness, or a feeling of limpness;
• Blurred vision blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around light sources;
• Breathing shortness (even when exercising), swelling, and rapid weight gain.
• Intense depression, abnormal thoughts or behaviors;
• A seizure (convulsions);
• Bloody or tarry stools bleeding blood from the bowels;
• Quick or heart rate that is slow or heart rate, weak pulse
• Pancreatitis The pain is intense in your upper stomach, spreading into the back of your body, causing nausea and even vomiting.
• Low potassium levels cause leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering of your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness, and a sensation of tingling.
• Raised blood pressure, high blood pressure and an extreme headache blurred vision, the pounding of your neck or your ears. tension and a nosebleed.

Dexamethasone could affect growth in children. Consult your physician when your child isn't growing at a normal pace with dexamethasone.

Common side effects of dexamethasone include:

• Liquid retention (swelling in your ankles or hands);
• Increased appetite
• Mood changes, trouble sleeping;
• The skin's rash, discoloration, or bruising;
• Acne, sweating more, and increased hair growth;
• Headache, dizziness;
• Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach;
• Menstrual changes change in your menstrual cycle
• Modifications in the form or position of your body fat (especially the legs, arms, face, and neck), the breasts, your waist, and your neck).

This is not a comprehensive list of all the side effects. Others could happen. Contact your physician for advice regarding medical effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with Other Drugs

There are times when it's not recommended to take certain medications simultaneously. Certain medications can alter the blood levels and the other medications you are taking, which could cause more side effects or make the medication less effective.

Speak to your doctor about the medicines you use. Dexamethasone can be affected by a variety of drugs, specifically:

• An antimicrobial or antifungal medicine
• Birth control tablets and hormone therapy
• Insulin or diabetes medication you are taking by mouth.
• Medication to treat the symptoms of dementia as well as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's diseases;
• Is a blood thinner (Warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac (also known as indomethacin), diclofenac, and many more

This list isn't complete, and other medications may interfere with dexamethasone. This includes over-the-counter and prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. The interactions of all drugs are listed here.