Dexamethasone tablets are a corticosteroid medication that treats inflammation of the skin, joints, lungs and other organs. It may be prescribed for conditions like asthma, allergies and arthritis. It can also treat blood disorders and conditions that affect your adrenal glands.
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DEXAMETHASONE (dex a METH a sone) treats many conditions such as asthma, allergic reactions, arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, adrenal, and blood or bone marrow disorders. It works by decreasing inflammation and slowing down an overactive immune system. It belongs to a group of medications called steroids.
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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): CUSHINGS SYNDROME DIAGNOSTIC, Decadron, Dexabliss, DexPak Jr TaperPak, DexPak TaperPak, Dxevo, Hemady, HiDex, TaperDex, ZCORT, Zema-Pak, ZoDex, ZonaCort 11 Day, ZonaCort 7 Day
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. If you are taking this medication once a day, take it in the morning. Do not use it more often than directed. Do not suddenly stop taking your medication because you may develop a severe reaction. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take. If your care team wants you to stop the medication, the dose may be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.
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Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be need.
People over 65 years of age may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This medication may also interact with the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.
Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.
This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick. If you have not had the measles or chickenpox vaccines, tell your care team right away if you are around someone with these viruses.
If you are going to need surgery or other procedure, tell your care team that you are using this medication.
You may need to be on a special diet while you are taking this medication. Ask your care team. Also, find out how many glasses of fluids you need to drink each day.
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This medication may increase blood sugar. The risk may be higher in patients who already have diabetes. Ask your care team what you can do to lower your risk of diabetes while taking this medication.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
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Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.