Brand
name : Dexamethasone (Decaderm, Decadron, Hexadrol)
Pronounced: DECK-uh-drohn
Generic name: Dexamethasone
Why is Dexamethasone (Decaderm, Decadron, Hexadrol) prescribed?
Decadron, 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 (lack of sufficient adrenal
hormone). 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 (connective tissue) 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 (a condition in which damage
to the kidneys causes the body to lose protein in the urine)
Eye diseases such as allergic conjunctivitis
Lung diseases such as tuberculosis (along with other drugs)
Most important fact about Dexamethasone (Decaderm, Decadron, Hexadrol)
Decadron lowers your resistance to infections and can make them harder
to treat. Decadron 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 (Decaderm, Decadron, Hexadrol)?
Decadron should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
If you are taking large doses, your doctor may advise you to take
Decadron with meals and to take antacids between meals, to prevent
a peptic ulcer from developing.
Check with your doctor before stopping Decadron 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.
Storage instructions...
There are no special storage requirements.
Dexamethasone (Decaderm, Decadron, Hexadrol) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Decadron.
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal distention, allergic reactions, blood clots, bone fractures and degeneration,
bruises, cataracts, congestive heart failure, convulsions, "cushingoid" symptoms
(moon face, weight gain, high blood pressure, emotional disturbances, growth
of facial hair in women), 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,
weight gain
Why should Dexamethasone (Decaderm, Decadron, Hexadrol) not be prescribed?
Decadron should not be used if you have a fungal infection, or if
you are sensitive or allergic to any of its ingredients.
Special warnings about Dexamethasone (Decaderm, Decadron, Hexadrol)
Decadron 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 Decadron 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 Decadron 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 Decadron, especially in high doses. The vaccination might not
take, and could do harm to the nervous system.
Decadron 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 Decadron 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 Decadron 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 (herpes simplex)
Glaucoma
High blood pressure
Impaired thyroid function
Kidney disease
Myasthenia gravis (a muscle disorder)
Osteoporosis (brittle bones)
Peptic ulcer
Recent heart attack
Tuberculosis
Ulcerative colitis
Steroids may alter male fertility.
This medication 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 Decadron.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Dexamethasone (Decaderm, Decadron, Hexadrol)
If Decadron is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining Decadron with the following:
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)
Water pills that pull potassium out of the system, such as HydroDIURIL
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Decadron during pregnancy have not been adequately
studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your
doctor immediately. Infants born to mothers who have taken substantial
doses of corticosteroids during pregnancy should be carefully watched
for adrenal problems. Corticosteroids appear in breast milk and can
suppress growth in infants. If Decadron is essential to your health,
your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding until your treatment
with Decadron is finished.
Recommended dosage for Dexamethasone (Decaderm, Decadron, Hexadrol)
ADULTS
Overdosage
Reports of overdose with Dexamethasone (Decaderm, Decadron, Hexadrol) are rare. However, if you
suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.
