dexamethasone

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.

Known Interactions

Drug Interactio ns Aminoglutethimide: Aminoglutethimide may diminish adrenal suppression by corticosteroids. Amphotericin B injection and potassium-depleting agents: When corticosteroids are administered concomitantly with potassium-depleting agents (e.g., amphotericin B, diuretics), patients should be observed closely for development of hypokalemia. In addition, there have been cases reported in which concomitant use of amphotericin B and hydrocortisone was followed by cardiac enlargement and congestive heart failure. Antibiotics: Macrolide antibiotics have been reported to cause a significant decrease in corticosteroid clearance (see Drug Interactions: Hepatic Enzyme Inducers, Inhibitors and Substrates ). Anticholinesterases: Concomitant use of anticholinesterase agents and corticosteroids may produce severe weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. If possible, anticholinesterase agents should be withdrawn at least 24 hours before initiating corticosteroid therapy. Anticoagulants

Source: FDA-approved drug labeling via openFDA

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.

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.