What is dexamethasone?
Dexamethasone tablet is an oral drug used to treat many allergic conditions and inflammation among patients. It mainly targets itching, swelling, and inflammation. Available under the brand name DexPak, this medicine is offered as both a brand & generic drug.
The dexamethasone tablet itself is the key ingredient of the medicine. Several inactive ingredients may be observed alone.
Dexamethasone tablet is an FDA-approved corticosteroid medication that belongs to the class of steroid hormones. It has many variations: oral tablet, oral solution, eye drops & ear drops.
Available Dosages
The common Dexamethasone dosage availability ranges from 4mg to 8 mg tablets
We have the following dexamethasone dosage in stock:
What is dexamethasone used for?
Dexamethasone tablet is mainly used to treat several health conditions in humans that include allergies, blood or bone marrow issues, arthritis, skin problems, and more.
Also, Intravenous (IV) Dexamethasone is used for dogs & cats when they suffer from immune system troubles like hives, asthma, itching, inflammation, and eye & skin problems.
Dexamethasone vs. prednisone
Dexamethasone tablet is often compared with prednisone. Both dexamethasone and prednisone are corticosteroids. Dexamethasone is classified as a long-acting drug with a biological half-life ranging between 36-72 hours. Prednisone has a half-life range between 12-36 hours.
One can easily conclude that dexamethasone is almost 6 times potent than the latter.
Dexamethasone Warnings
- Dexamethasone should not be used without prescription
- Tell your doctor if you are allergic to Dexamethasone.
- Dexamethasone might not be prescribed to patients with fungal infection problems, else Dexamethasone may worsen the infection in such patients.
- Discuss with your doctor if you’re consuming any other medicine so that the active ingredient of Dexamethasone and those medicines don’t clash.
- Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding your child, as Dexamethasone is not recommended during pregnancy.
What are the side effects of dexamethasone?
Here are some of the most common Dexamethasone side effects to take note of:
- Increased appetite
- Hair thinning & dry scalp
- Acne
- Redness of the skin
- Abdominal area swelling
- Insomnia
- Weight gain
- Stress, anxiety & aggression
- Sudden increase/decrease in heart rate
- Mood swings or depression
- Breathing troubles
- Difficulty in walking, talking or thinking
Do not panic if you see any of these side effects. Consult your doctor if you observe any of the above-mentioned side effects of Dexamethasone repeatedly.
DexamethasoneInteractions
Dexamethasone is not recommended to be used with certain medicines. Some of them are as follows:
- Live rotavirus vaccine
- Parasitic infection treatment like Praziquantel
- HIV Vaccine like Rilpivirine
- Anti-malarial drugs
- Drugs used to treat depression & fungal infections
Besides this, some consequences may be observed when the patient witnesses a delayed response to other medicines, gets declines due to Dexamethasone. (Eg, aspirin or similar pain killer)
How to take the dexamethasone dosage?
Dexamethasone dosage is recommended by the doctor based on the physical & psychological conditions of the patient. One dose of Dexamethasone per day is commonly prescribed.
The patient may take the prescribed dosage of the medicine as instructed. Taking a Dexamethasone tablet with a glass of water or milk will not cause gastric troubles after taking the medicine.
Dexamethasone tablet is prescribed for both adults & children & the dosages may vary. Ask your doctor before taking this medicine.
FAQs
1. Do I need a prescription to buy dexamethasone?
Yes. Dexamethasone is a prescription medicine & should only be consumed as and when prescribed by the doctor. Only the doctor can prescribe the right dosage required for the treatment of the patient, considering their current health conditions.
2. Which dexamethasone dosage is right for me?
Dexamethasone tablets are available in different mg, ranging from 4mg to 8mg. Please refer to your prescription or consult your doctor to figure out the right dosage for your health issue.
3. What are dexamethasone interactions with other medicines?
Different dexamethasone interactions are observed depending on the active ingredients of the respective medicines. It is not recommended to be used along with fungal infection treatment medicines, as well as cause delayed interactions in some cases. Please refer to “Dexamethasone Interactions” above for more details or consult your doctor.
4. When should I consume dexamethasone?
Usually, one dose per day is consumed as prescribed during the morning or night. You should ask your doctor to find out the best time to take dexamethasone.
5. Is dexamethasone a painkiller?
Being an inflammatory medication, dexamethasone relieves inflammation in several parts of the body. However, one cannot call it a pain killer as it is used to decrease swelling, treat eye inflammation & prevent allergic reactions.
6. Does dexamethasone make you tired?
No. Use of dexamethasone does not cause tiredness or drowsiness. Well, it may have other side effects that are discussed above.
7. Does dexamethasone give you energy?
Dexamethasone may give instant energy to people. As a result, they may feel insomnia or difficulty sleeping due to their activity. It is so prescribed by the doctors to consume in the morning.
8. What are the long-term side effects of dexamethasone?
The side effects of dexamethasone may only last as long as the effect of the medicine remains in the body. As the effect of dexamethasone reduces, the patient may start seeing the negative effects of diminishing.
9. Is dexamethasone stronger than prednisone?
Dexamethasone is more potent than prednisone, as the effective duration of the former is longer than the latter. Though both medicines are corticosteroids, Dexamethasone has a longer life than prednisone. One can say that Dexamethasone is stronger than prednisone.
10. Can I take dexamethasone during pregnancy?
No. Dexamethasone tablets might not be prescribed to pregnant women. It is not safe for the fetus, and hence it is highly recommended to share your pregnancy & allergy conditions with the doctor before it is too late.
