Dexamethasone
Information about Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone uses
Dexamethasone is used for Inflammatory conditions and Autoimmune conditions.
How dexamethasone works
Dexamethasone is a steroid which works by blocking the production of certain chemical messengers in the body that cause inflammation (redness and swelling) and allergies.
Common side effects of dexamethasone
Increased appetite, Edema (swelling), Increased intraocular pressure, Decreased potassium level in blood, Tendon rupture, Weight gain, High blood pressure, Increased glucose level in blood, Menstrual disorder, Glaucoma, Slow heart rate, Tachycardia, Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats), Enlarged heart, Circulatory shock, Fat embolism, Fainting, Thromboembolism, Thrombophlebitis, Vasculitis, Glucose intolerance, Cushing syndrome, Fat accumulation, Conjunctival hemorrhage, Vitreous detachment, Conjunctival hyperemia, Posterior subcapsular cataract, Acne, Allergic dermatitis, Hair loss, Stretch marks, Facial redness, Fragile skin, Skin hyperpigmentation, Hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth), Hypopigmentation, Fluid retention, Growth retardation in children, Excessive hair growth on face, Hypokalemic alkalosis, Negative nitrogen balance, Hiccup, Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal pain, Pancreatic inflammation, Anal itching, Defective spermatogenesis, Kaposi sarcoma, Hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), Anaphylactic reaction, Sterile abscess, Postinjection flare, Emotional lability, Headache, Idiopathic intracranial hypertension, Increased intracranial pressure, Myasthenia (weakness and rapid fatigue of muscle), Neuropathy, Personality changes, Seizure, Vertigo, Amyotrophy, Bulging eyes, Pulmonary edema, Impaired wound healing, Aseptic necrosis, Muscle weakness, Osteoporosis, Pathologic fracture of long bones, Steroid myopathy, Vertebral compression fractures, Increased liver enzymes
Available Medicine for Dexamethasone
Expert advice for Dexamethasone
- Do not use it more often or for longer than advised by your doctor.
- Dexamethasone can make it harder for you to fight off infections. Notify your doctor if you have any signs of infection such as a fever or sore throat.
Frequently asked questions for Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone
Q. Is Dexamethasone a steroid?
Yes, Dexamethasone is a steroid medicine also known as glucocorticoids which occur naturally in the body and help to maintain health and wellbeing. Dexamethasone helps in treating various illnesses involving inflammation (redness, tenderness, heat and swelling) in the body.
Q. What is Dexamethasone used for?
Dexamethasone has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant properties. It is used to treat conditions like allergic conditions, anaphylaxis, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory skin diseases. It also aids in treating autoimmune diseases (these diseases happen when your body’s immune system attacks the body itself and causes damage) and certain eye disorders. Additionally, it is used to treat cancer and nephrotic syndrome when used with other medicines.
Q. How is Dexamethasone administered?
Dexamethasone should be administered by a doctor or under the supervision of a healthcare professional and should not be self-administered. Usually, it is given into a muscle (intramuscular), joint (intra-articular), directly into a vein (direct intravenous), infusion or into the area being treated (soft tissue infiltration). The dose will be decided by your doctor based on the condition you are being treated for as well as your body weight. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get the maximum benefit from Dexamethasone.