Dexasone

Common Name: dexamethasone

How does Dexasone work?

Dexamethasone belongs to the group of medications known as corticosteroids. It may be used to treat a wide variety of conditions. It can be used to replace cortisone in people who are deficient in cortisone. It can also be used to treat a number of other conditions, including respiratory diseases (such as asthma), skin diseases, severe allergies, certain eye diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, certain blood disorders, and certain types of cancer. In all of these conditions, inflammation plays a part in causing disease. This medication works by reducing inflammation. Your doctor may choose to use a medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use Dexasone?

The recommended dose varies widely according to the condition being treated and the circumstances of the person being treated. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as the severity of the condition, body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. Large doses of corticosteroids should be taken with meals, and antacids should be taken between meals to help to prevent stomach ulcers and stomach upset. It is very important that this medication be taken on a regular schedule as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

What form(s) does Dexasone come in?

Dexasone® is available in strengths of 0.5 mg, 0.75 mg, and 4 mg. 0.5 mg: Each oval, yellow, scored tablet, imprinted "ICN D11", contains dexamethasone 0.5 mg. 0.75 mg: Each oval, pale blue, scored tablet, imprinted "ICN D12", contains dexamethasone 0.75 mg. 4 mg: Each oval, pale green, scored tablet, imprinted "ICN D13", contains dexamethasone 4 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, colloidal silicon dioxide, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium starch glycolate.

What should I NOT take with Dexasone?

Dexamethasone should not be taken by: anyone with an internal fungal infection anyone allergic to dexamethasone or any of the ingredients of the medication anyone with tuberculosis (although there are special exceptions) Anyone currently taking this medication should not receive a live virus vaccine.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Dexasone?

Corticosteroid use: This medication is a corticosteroid. Inform all your doctors that you have used corticosteroids. Diabetes: Dexamethasone causes blood glucose to increase; therefore, high blood sugar may occur, glucose tolerance may change, and diabetes may worsen. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood glucose closely and report any abnormalities to your doctor. Eyes: People with herpes simplex of the eye should use dexamethasone with caution because of possible corneal perforation. Prolonged use of corticosteroids may cause cataracts and glaucoma with possible damage to the optic nerves and may promote secondary eye infections due to fungi or viruses. Fertility: Steroids such as dexamethasone may increase or decrease the quality and quantity of sperm production. Fluid and electrolyte balance: Average and large doses of corticosteroids can cause increases in blood pressure, salt and water retention, and excretion of potassium. Dietary salt restriction and potassium supplementation may be necessary (ask your doctor). Infection: Corticosteroids may mask some signs of infection, and new infections may appear during their use. Corticosteroids may worsen internal fungal infections. Medical conditions: This medication should be used with caution by people with: ulcerative colitis abscesses diverticulitis stomach ulcer kidney disease high blood pressure osteoporosis myasthenia gravis cirrhosis of the liver underactive thyroid Osteoporosis: Long-term use of corticosteroids such as dexamethasone may result in bones losing thickness, causing them to be at increased risk for fracture. If you take corticosteroid medication on a continuous basis, speak to your doctor about your particular risk for osteoporosis. Stress: People taking dexamethasone who are subjected to any unusual stress should increase the dosage of medication before, during, and after the stressful situation as prescribed by their doctor. Withdrawal: Following prolonged therapy, stopping this medication may result in symptoms of withdrawal including fever, muscle and joint pain, and malaise. When stopping dexamethasone after having used it for a prolonged period, reduce the dose slowly as prescribed by your doctor. Pregnancy: Since adequate studies have not been done on the use of corticosteroids by pregnant women, dexamethasone should not be taken during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you are or may be pregnant, speak to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication. Breast-feeding: Dexamethasone passes into breast milk and could interfere with the infant's own corticosteroid production, slow growth, or cause other unwanted effects for the baby. Women should not nurse while taking this medication. Children: The growth and development of infants and children who take dexamethasone for a prolonged period should be carefully monitored by their doctor.