Dexamethasone is used to treat conditions such as joint disease, blood/hormone/immune system disorders, allergies, certain skin and eye conditions, breathing problems, certain bowel problems, and certain cancers. It is also used as a test for an adrenal gland disorder (Cushing's syndrome).
This medication is a corticosteroid hormone (glucocorticoid). It decreases your natural defensive response and decreases symptoms such as for example inflammation and allergic-type reactions.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses with this medication which are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the medication but that may be recommended by the health care expert. Utilize this medication for a condition that is listed in this section as long as it has been so recommended by your wellbeing care pro.
This drug may be used to also prevent nausea and vomiting due to cancer chemotherapy.
Take this medication by lips as directed by your doctor. Take with milk or food to prevent stomach upset. Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless your physician directs you otherwise. If you are using the liquid form of the medication, use a medication-measuring unit to carefully measure the prescribed dose. Do not use a household spoon.
If you take this medication once daily, take it in the morning before 9 AM. If you are taking this medication every other day or on another schedule besides a daily one, it may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.
The dosage and size of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Your doctor may try to reduce your dosage slowly from time to time to minimize unwanted effects.
Make use of this medicine regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) every day. It's crucial to carry on taking this medicine even though you feel good. Stick to the dosing schedule very carefully, and simply take this medication just as prescribed.
Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your physician. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is unexpectedly stopped. Your dosage may gradually need to be decreased.
Inform your doctor if the condition will not improve or worsens.
Stomach upset, headache, dizziness, menstrual changes, difficulty sleeping, increased appetite, or weight gain may occur. If any of those effects persist or worsen, notify your pharmacist or doctor quickly.
Remember that your doctor has recommended this medicine she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects because he or. Many people using this medication do not have serious adverse effects.
Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious adverse effects occur: signs of illness (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), bone/joint pain, increased thirst/urination, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, attention pain/pressure, eyesight problems, heartburn, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, puffy face, swelling of the ankles/feet, stomach/abdominal pain, pain/redness/swelling of arms/legs, tiredness, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, mood swings, agitation), uncommon hair/skin development, muscle pain/cramps, weakness, simple bruising/bleeding, slow wound recovery, getting thinner skin, seizures.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate attention that is medical you notice any outward symptoms of a serious allergic attack, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially regarding the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
It is not a complete list of possible adverse effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your pharmacist or doctor.
In the US -
Call your physician for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side-effects. You'll report adverse effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before using dexamethasone, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain ingredients that are inactive which can cause allergies or other issues. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
This medicine shouldn't be used if you have particular conditions that are medical. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: active infections that are fungal.
Before making use of this medication, tell your physician or pharmacist your health background, specially of: other infections (e.g., tuberculosis, herpes), kidney illness, liver condition, mental/mood conditions (age.g., psychosis, anxiety, depression), low blood minerals (age.g., low potassium/calcium), thyroid disease, stomach/intestinal dilemmas (e.g., ulcer, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, unexplained diarrhea), high bloodstream stress, heart related illnesses (e.g., congestive heart failure, recent heart attack), diabetes, eye conditions (age.g., cataracts, glaucoma, herpes infection of the eye), brittle bones (osteoporosis), history of blood clots.
This medication may mask indications of disease or place you at greater threat of developing very infections that are serious. Report any injuries or signs of disease (age.g., persistent sore throat/fever/cough, pain during urination, muscle mass aches) that occur during treatment.
Using corticosteroid medications for quite a long time can make it more difficult for your system to respond to stress that is physical. Therefore, before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past 12 months. Tell your doctor right away in the event that you develop unusual/extreme tiredness or weight loss. If you will be using this medication for a long time, carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your utilization of this medication.
Do not have immunizations, vaccinations, or skin tests unless specifically directed by your medical professional. Real time vaccines could cause complications that are seriouse.g., infection) if given while you are taking this medication. Avoid contact with people who have recently received polio that is oral or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose.
Avoid contact with individuals who've chickenpox or measles until you have previously had these diseases (age.g., in childhood). If you are exposed to one of these infections and you have not previously had it, seek immediate medical attention.
If you have a history of ulcers or take large doses of aspirin or other arthritis medication, limit beverages that are alcoholic taking this medication to decrease the risk of stomach/intestinal bleeding. Consult your doctor or pharmacist to get more details.
It harder to control your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes, this drug may make. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and inform your doctor of the results. Your medicine, exercise plan, or diet might must be adjusted.
This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness you can perform such activities safely until you are sure. Limit alcoholic beverages.
This medicine may slow a child down's growth if used for a long time. Consult the doctor or pharmacist to get more details. Begin to see the physician regularly so your child's growth and height can be checked.
During pregnancy, this medication must be used only when plainly needed. Talk about the risks and advantages with your physician. Infants born to mothers who've been using this medication for an time that is extended at high doses may have low levels of corticosteroid hormone. Inform your doctor appropriate away if you notice signs such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn.
This drug may pass into breast milk and could have effects that are undesirable a nursing baby. Consult your doctor before breast- feeding.
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