Dexamethasone is used to relieve inflammation and treat a wide variety of diseases such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in the joints of fingers, wrist, feet, and ankles), lupus (autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of certain organs in the body), and gastrointestinal diseases (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease).
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Dexamethasone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Dexamethasone is available as a conventional tablet, soluble tablet, or as an oral solution.
If you are taking the conventional tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water.
If you are taking the soluble tablet, dissolve the tablet in at least half a glass of water and drink the solution immediately.
If you are taking the oral solution, shake the bottle well before you take the medicine to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
Do not stop taking Dexamethasone suddenly as it may worsen your condition. Your doctor will gradually reduce the dose before stopping it completely. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- infection that is affecting the whole body or any untreated infections
- open sores in the lining of your stomach or small intestine
as Dexamethasone may not be suitable for you.
Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. You must avoid any vaccinations without consulting your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- eye herpes
- diabetes
- heart disease e.g. recent heart attack, high blood pressure, heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
- migraine (severe throbbing pain or pulsating sensation usually affecting one side of the head that is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound)
- glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- systemic sclerosis (rare disease that causes the skin to harden and tighten)
- thyroid disease
- worm infestation e.g. threadworm
- stomach or gut problems e.g. ulcerative colitis (a disease that causes inflammation and sores in the linings of the large intestine and rectum)
- phaeochromocytoma (rare tumor of the adrenal gland causing high blood pressure)
- history of fits or seizures
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Dexamethasone to a child or the elderly. Children or elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Avoid exposure to anyone who is infected with chickenpox or measles. If you are exposed to these infections, contact your doctor immediately.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery or dental work, or certain laboratory tests (e.g. allergy test), inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Dexamethasone.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. blood test, blood sugar, blood potassium level, bone mineral density, eye examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your doctor may also need to check the height of your child regularly.
Dexamethasone may cause confusion, dizziness, tiredness, or blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: dizziness with sensations of spinning, headache, nausea, vomiting, and indigestion.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- severe stomach pain, fever, weight loss, feeling very tired, pass out bloody or black as tar stools
- shortness of breath, profound muscle weakness and fatigue
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Avoid vaccinations with live vaccines during treatment with Dexamethasone. Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated or if you are planning to get vaccinated.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation)
- medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin, metformin, glibenclamide
- water pills or medicines for water retention
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. lisinopril, enalapril
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, fluconazole
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, saquinavir
- certain antibiotics e.g. azithromycin, erythromycin
- medicines for fits or seizures e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital
- medicines to treat TB (lung infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. rifabutin, rifampicin, isoniazid
- birth control pills
- blood-thinning medicines
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Dexamethasone.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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