Dexamethasone

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Decasone injection, Maxidex (eye susp), Ozurdex (intravitreal implant), Spersadex (eye drops)

Popular combinations:

Maxitrol (susp/ointment), Sofradex (eye drops), Tobradex (susp/ointment)

Drug group:

Corticosteroid

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

Dexamethasone is a long-acting, potent corticosteroid drug that reduces inflammation/swelling in:

• Allergic disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, shock, brain swelling (as a result of injury or tumour)
• Used with other drugs to alleviate the nausea/vomiting associated with chemotherapy

How should it be used?

Tablets should be taken with food, at least 2 hours apart from antacids

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Available in many different forms, including oral and topical
• Tablets: total adult daily dose 0.5–10mg, in 1–4 divided doses
• Eye drops: 1–6 hourly
• Ear drops/spray, eye ointment: 1–4 x daily
• Nasal spray: 2–6 x daily

How quickly will it start to work?

1–4 days 
                             

How long will the effects last?

Some effects may last a few days  
 

When should I stop using it?

It may need to be withdrawn gradually, discuss with your doctor.

Is it safe for prolonged use?

With prolonged use of high dose oral preparations, monitor for peptic ulcers, glaucoma, fragile bones, muscle weakness, and growth retardation (in children).

What are the possible side effects?

Short courses of low dose dexamethasone rarely cause serious side effects.

However, long-term treatment, especially with high doses, can cause significant adverse effects.

The following have been reported:

• More common: indigestion
• Less common: acne, other skin changes, weight gain, other complications associated with prolonged use (see above)
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: fluid retention, mood changes, severe indigestion

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: peptic ulcers, glaucoma, high blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy, tuberculosis, depression or mental illness
• Other medicines: Antidiabetic drugs, barbiturates, phenytoin, rifampicin, carbamazepine, oral anticoagulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antacids, some vaccines
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Safety not established
• Children: Reduced dose necessary
• Over 60: No known problems
• Driving and hazardous work: No known problems
• Alcohol: Avoid, may increase the risk of indigestion and peptic ulcers
• Surgery and general anaesthetics: close monitoring is required during surgery
• Infection: Avoid exposure to chickenpox or shingles if you are on systemic treatment