Dexamethasone

About Dexamethasone

This belongs to the group of medicines known as corticosteroids.

Dexamethasone can be used to treat severe asthma, allergic conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, collagen disease and other inflammatory disorders.

Dexamethasone can also be used to treat nausea associated with chemotherapy and to diagnose Cushing's disease.

Dexamethasone is available in tablet, oral solution and injection form.

It is also sometimes known as: Decadron

Before Taking Dexamethasone

Before taking Dexamethasone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you have recently suffered from stress or trauma
• if you have recently had surgery or are about to have an operation
• if you are suffering from septicaemia, TB (tuberculosis), high blood pressure, epilepsy, diabetes mellitus, glaucoma or heart problems or have a family history of these conditions
• if you are suffering from any kind of infection, including chicken pox, shingles or measles or have been in contact with anyone who has
• if you suffer from liver or kidney problems
• if you suffer from osteoporosis or if you are a woman who has gone through the menopause
• if you suffer from psychoses or have a family history of mental problems
• if you suffer from myasthenia gravis (muscle weakening disease)
• if you suffer from peptic ulcer or any gastrointestinal disorder or have a history of these conditions
• if you have recently have a vaccination or are about to have one
• if you have an underactive thyroid
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Dexamethasone

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• DO NOT stop taking Dexamethasone without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will want to reduce your dose gradually. You must follow the printed instructions you have been given with your medication.
• If you have been prescribed the tablet form of Dexamethasone each dose must be taken with or just after food. If taking as a single dose take with or just after breakfast.
• Try to take this medicine at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Dexamethasone contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Dexamethasone.
• If you come into contact with anyone who has measles, shingles or chicken pox you must see your doctor as soon as possible.
• If you have been given a steroid treatment card, carry it with you at all times.
• Before having any kind of medical treatment including dental treatment or any medical tests you must show your treatment card or tell the person treating you that you are taking Dexamethasone.
• While taking Dexamethasone do not have any vaccinations without speaking to your doctor first.

Can Dexamethasone cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Indigestion, stomach ulcers, bloating, oesophageal (gullet) ulcer, thrush, muscle wasting of the upper arms and legs, thinning and wasting of the bones, irregular menstrual periods or no periods at all, upper body weight gain, excess hair growth, weight gain, increased appetite, increased susceptibility to infections, euphoria (feeling high), depression, problems sleeping, eye pain and problems with eyesight, eye infections, slower healing, thinning of the skin, bruising, stretch marks, skin rashes, acne, nausea (feeling sick), malaise (generally feeling unwell) or hiccups.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Dexamethasone

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 17/02/2005