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, rheumatoid arthritis, 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 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. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Mymethasone® is available as:
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.
It is important that this medication be taken 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.
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.
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?
Dexamethasone should not be taken by:
- anyone with an internal fungal infection
- anyone allergic to dexamethasone or any of the ingredients of the medication
Anyone currently taking this medication should not receive a live virus
vaccine.