Dexasone

Generic Name: Dexamethasone

US Brand Name: Dexasone

Other Brand/Trade Names: Dexamethasone is manufactured under various brand names around the world, here is some of them: Adrenocot, Dalalone, Decadron, Decaject, Dekasol, Dexacorten,Dexim, Dexone, Hexadrol, Medidex, Primethasone, Solurex, Taperpak

Uses

Dexamethasone is used for treating certain conditions associated with decreased adrenal gland function. It is also used to treat severe inflammation due to certain conditions, including severe asthma, severe allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, certain blood disorders, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and certain eye and skin conditions. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Active Ingredients: Dexamethasone
Inactive Ingredients: Cellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, povidone and sodium starch glycolate.

Dosage and Forms

Dexamethasone tablets are generally supplied in four potencies: 0.5 mg, 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg and 4 mg.
Take dexamethasone tablets by mouth. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take with milk or food to avoid stomach upset. The initial dosage varies from 0.75 to 9 mg a day depending on the disease being treated. 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. An overdose of Dexamethasone can be fatal. If an overdose is suspected contact poison control center immediately; along with your doctor.

Contraindications and Precautions

Dexamethasone should not be used in:
• fungal infection throughout the body (systemic fungal infection)
• infection throughout the body (systemic infection) unless treated with specific anti-infectives
• protozoal infection of the intestine (amoebiasis)
• roundworm infection (strongyloidiasis)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Side Effects

Dexamethasone may cause side effects. Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur when using Dexamethasone: severe allergic reactions, appetite loss, black, tarry stools, changes in menstrual periods, convulsions, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, exaggerated sense of well-being, fever, general body discomfort, headache, increased pressure in the eye, joint or muscle pain, mood swings, muscle weakness, personality changes, prolonged sore throat, cold, or fever, puffing of the face, severe nausea or vomiting, swelling of feet or legs, unusual weight gain or weight loss, vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds.

Interactions

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products.

Here is the list of 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