|
|
|
Dexamethasone |
|
|
What is Dexamethasone and why is it prescribed? Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid drug, is used to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms in a variety of disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis and severe cases of asthma. It may be given to people to treat primary or secondary adrenal cortex insufficiency. It is also given to help treat the following disorders: Severe allergic conditions such as drug-induced allergies, Blood disorders such as various anemias, Certain cancers (along with other drugs), Skin diseases such as severe psoriasis, Collagen diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, Digestive tract disease such as ulcerative colitis, High serum levels of calcium associated with cancer, Fluid retention due to nephrotic syndrome, Eye diseases such as allergic conjunctivitis, and Lung diseases such as tuberculosis (along with other drugs). Dexamethasone lowers your resistance to infections and can make them harder to treat. Dexamethasone may also mask some of the signs of an infection, making it difficult for your doctor to diagnose the actual problem. How should you take Dexamethasone? Follow your doctors directions for taking Dexamethasone. If you are taking large doses, your doctor may advise you to take Dexamethasone with meals and to take antacids between meals, to prevent a peptic ulcer from developing. Check with your doctor before stopping Dexamethasone abruptly. If you have been taking the drug for a long time, you may need to reduce your dose gradually over a period of days or weeks. The lowest possible dose should always be used, and as symptoms subside, dosage should be reduced gradually. If you miss a dose take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never try to "catch up" by doubling the dose. There are no special storage requirements. Are there any Dexamethasone side effects? Dexamethasone side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Dexamethasone side effects may include abdominal distention, allergic reactions, blood clots, bone fractures and degeneration, bruises, cataracts, congestive heart failure, convulsions, "cushingoid" symptoms, excessive hairiness, fluid and salt retention, general feeling of illness, glaucoma, headache, hiccups, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, hives, increased appetite, increased eye pressure, increased pressure in head, increased sweating, increases in amounts of insulin or hypoglycemic medications needed in diabetes, inflammation of the esophagus, inflammation of the pancreas, irregular menstruation, loss of muscle mass, low potassium levels in blood (leading to symptoms such as dry mouth, excessive thirst, weak or irregular heartbeat, and muscle pain or cramps), muscle weakness, nausea, osteoporosis, peptic ulcer, perforated small and large bowel, poor healing of wounds, protruding eyeballs, suppression of growth in children, thin skin, tiny red or purplish spots on the skin, torn tendons, vertigo, and weight gain. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Dexamethasone? If Dexamethasone is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Dexamethasone with Aspirin, Blood-thinning medications (such as Coumadin), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Ephedrine (a decongestant in drugs such as Rynatuss), Erythromycin (E.E.S., Ery-Tab, PCE), Indomethacin (Indocin), Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Phenobarbital, Phenytoin (Dilantin), Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), Thalidomide (Thalomid), or Water pills that pull potassium out of the system (such as HydroDIURIL). Are there any special warnings about Dexamethasone? Dexamethasone can alter the way your body responds to unusual stress. If you are injured, need surgery, or develop an acute illness, inform your doctor. Your dosage may need to be increased. Corticosteroids such as Dexamethasone can lower your resistance to infection. Diseases such as measles and chickenpox can be serious and even fatal in adults. Likewise, a simple case of threadworm can run rampant, producing life-threatening complications. If you are taking Dexamethasone and are exposed to chickenpox or measles, or suspect a case of threadworm, notify your doctor immediately. Symptoms of threadworm include stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Do not get a smallpox vaccination or any other immunizations while taking Dexamethasone, especially in high doses. The vaccination might not take, and could do harm to the nervous system. Dexamethasone may reactivate a dormant case of tuberculosis. If you have inactive tuberculosis and must take Decadron for an extended period, your doctor will prescribe anti-TB medication as well. When you stop taking Dexamethasone after long-term therapy, you may develop withdrawal symptoms such as fever, muscle or joint pain, and a feeling of illness. Long-term use of Dexamethasone may cause cataracts, glaucoma, and eye infections. If you have any of the following conditions, make sure your doctor knows about it: Allergy to any cortisone-like drug, Cirrhosis, Diabetes, Diverticulitis, Eye infection, Glaucoma, High blood pressure, Impaired thyroid function, Kidney disease, Myasthenia gravis, Osteoporosis, Peptic ulcer, Recent heart attack, Tuberculosis, or Ulcerative colitis. Steroids may alter male fertility. Dexamethasone can aggravate existing emotional problems or cause emotional disturbances. Symptoms range from an exaggerated sense of well-being and difficulty sleeping to mood swings and psychotic episodes. If you experience any changes in mood, contact your doctor. If you have recently been to the tropics or are suffering from diarrhea with no apparent cause, inform your doctor before taking Dexamethasone. |
|
|
Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
|
|
Copyright 2008 MyMedications.net. All rights reserved. |
|
