Dexamethasone: Uses, Side Effects, and Drug Interactions
Brand names: Dexamethasone
# Overview of Dexamethasone Dexamethasone is a strong medicine that reduces swelling and controls inflammation in your body. It works by calming down your immune system's response to problems like infections, allergies, or injuries. Doctors prescribe it for many conditions, including joint pain, skin problems, eye inflammation, and sometimes to help people breathe better during serious illnesses. Because it's a powerful anti-inflammatory drug, it can help your body feel better and work more normally when dealing with these health issues. However, dexamethasone is not safe for everyone and comes with important precautions. You should not take it if you have a serious infection like tuberculosis or if you're allergic to it. While taking this medicine, be careful because it can weaken your bones, raise your blood sugar, and make infections worse. If you take other medicines, especially water pills or certain antibiotics, tell your doctor right away because they may not work well together. Because dexamethasone can have serious side effects with long-term use, your doctor will try to give you the lowest dose needed for the shortest amount of time. Always follow your doctor's instructions carefully and report any unusual symptoms or problems.
Taking Dexamethasone with other medications?
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Check Now ↓Most Reported Side Effects (FAERS)
- OFF LABEL USE22,580 reports
- FATIGUE17,008 reports
- DIARRHOEA16,994 reports
- NAUSEA14,153 reports
- PLASMA CELL MYELOMA13,926 reports
- PNEUMONIA13,697 reports
- DEATH13,356 reports
- DRUG INEFFECTIVE13,088 reports
- NEUTROPENIA11,527 reports
- PYREXIA11,176 reports
Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Voluntary reports do not establish causation.
Recent Recalls (3)
- Class II
SOMERSET THERAPEUTICS LLC · February 4, 2026
Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection, USP, 100 mg/ 10 mL, (10 mg/mL), 10x10 mL Multiple Dose Vials, Rx only, Manufactured for: Somerset Therapeutics, LLC., Somerset, NJ 08873, NDC carton: 70069-02Failed Impurities/Degradation Specifications - OOS impurities result observed during long term stability testing at product expiry (24 months) were above specs for these impurities: Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate EP impurity G (Impurity RU 49336) and dexamethasone formate.
- Class II
Eugia US LLC · May 23, 2024
Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate injection USP, 120mg per 30mL (4mg/mL), 30 mL Multiple-Dose Vial, Rx only, Distributed by: AuroMedics Pharma LLC, 279 Princeton-Hightstown Rd. E. Windsor, NJ 08520, MadeFailed Impurities/Degradation Specifications: impurity sulfonic acid adduct of dexamethasone phosphate results were above spec.
Source: FDA (openFDA Drug Enforcement). Voluntary and mandated recalls affecting this drug.
Check interactions with Dexamethasone:
SafeCheck provides drug interaction information from FDA-approved product labeling (openFDA). This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.