What is this medication for?
Dexamethasone belongs to the group of medications known as corticosteroids. It may be used to treat a wide variety of conditions. It can be used to replace cortisone in people who are deficient in cortisone.
It can also be used to treat a number of other conditions, including respiratory diseases (such as asthma), skin diseases, severe allergies, certain eye diseases, several types of arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, certain blood disorders, and certain types of cancer. In all of these conditions, inflammation plays a part in causing disease. This medication works by reducing inflammation.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Decadron® by Merck is no longer being manufactured for sale in the USA.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose varies widely according to the condition being treated
and the circumstances of the person being treated.
Large doses of corticosteroids should be taken with meals to minimize stomach
upset.
If you also need to take an antacid to help to prevent stomach ulcers and stomach
upset, the best time to take it is between meals.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as
the severity of the condition, body weight, other medical conditions, and other
medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones
listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without
consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from moisture, and keep
it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you:
- are allergic to dexamethasone or any ingredients of the medication
- have an internal fungal infection
Anyone currently taking immunosuppressive doses of this medication should not receive a live virus vaccine. Talk to your doctor about the dose that you are taking and whether you can receive a vaccine.