Drugs A - Z
Dexamethasone Oral solution
Generic Name: dexamethasone | Brand Name: Decadron
What is this medicine?DEXAMETHASONE (dex a METH a sone) is a corticosteroid. It is commonly used to treat inflammation of the skin, joints, lungs, and other organs. Common conditions treated include asthma, allergies, and arthritis. It is also used for other conditions, like blood disorders and diseases of the adrenal glands.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- Cushing's syndrome
- heart problems or disease
- high blood pressure
- infection like herpes, measles, tuberculosis, or chickenpox
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- mental problems
- myasthenia gravis
- previous heart attack
- stomach, ulcer or intestine disease including colitis and diverticulitis
- thyroid problem
- an unusual or allergic reaction to dexamethasone, corticosteroids, other medicines, lactose, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
How should I use this medicine?Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Use the dosing dispenser provided to measure your dose. You may mix the dose with a small amount of liquid or soft food like pudding. If you do, you should eat the food or drink the liquid containing the medicine right away. Do not store the diluted medicine for future use. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If you are only taking the medicine once a day, take it in the morning. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 1 month of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
What if I miss a dose?If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
- mifepristone, RU-486
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
- amphotericin B
- antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, and troleandomycin
- aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
- barbiturates like phenobarbital
- cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine, and tacrine
- female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
- medicines for diabetes
- medicines that improve muscle tone or strength for conditions like myasthenia gravis
- NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
What should I watch for while using this medicine?Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you are taking this medicine over a prolonged period, carry an identification card with your name and address, the type and dose of your medicine, and your doctor's name and address.
This medicine may increase your risk of getting an infection. Stay away from people who are sick. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are around anyone with measles or chickenpox.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you have taken this medicine within the last twelve months.
Ask your doctor or health care professional about your diet. You may need to lower the amount of salt you eat.
The medicine can increase your blood sugar. If you are a diabetic check with your doctor if you need help adjusting the dose of your diabetic medicine.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- changes in vision
- fever, sore throat, sneezing, cough, or other signs of infection, wounds that will not heal
- increased thirst
- mental depression, mood swings, mistaken feelings of self importance or of being mistreated
- pain in hips, back, ribs, arms, shoulders, or legs
- redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- swelling of feet or lower legs
- trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- nausea, vomiting
- skin problems, acne, thin and shiny skin
- weight gain
Where should I keep my medicine?Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away this medicine 90 days after opening the bottle or after the expiration date, whichever comes first. Do not use this medicine if it is not clear. The medicine should not have any flakes or particles in it.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.