Dexamethasone
Also sold as: Decadron, Dexona
Prescription neededSteroids (corticosteroids)
Comes as:TabletInjectionEye drops
Usual adult dose
Dose is set by your doctor and depends on the illness; tablets are usually 0.5 to 10 mg a day. Injections are given by a health worker. Do not stop suddenly after long use.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- increased appetite
- mood changes
- trouble sleeping
- stomach irritation
- high blood sugar
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- black stools or vomiting blood
- signs of serious infection
- severe mood change
- blurred vision
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Untreated serious infection (including active TB) unless a doctor is treating it
- Live vaccines during high-dose treatment
- Diabetes, high blood pressure, stomach ulcer or glaucoma (use with caution)
- Do not stop suddenly after long use
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Moderate5 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Ibuprofen
Steroids with NSAIDs raise the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.
- Phenytoin
Phenytoin lowers dexamethasone levels, and dexamethasone can change phenytoin levels.
- Praziquantel
Dexamethasone lowers praziquantel levels.
- Rifampicin
Rifampicin makes dexamethasone work less well.
- Warfarin
Steroids can change the effect of warfarin; INR should be checked.