DEXAMETHASONE

Brand & Generic Names

Ak-Dex	Desasone L.A.
Congespirin	Dexacen
Dalalone	Dexacen L.A.
Dalalone D.P.	Dexasone
Dalalone L.A.	Dexone
Decadrol	Dexone LA
Decadron	Hexadrol
Decadron L.A.	Hexadrol Phosphate
Decadron Phosphate	Mymethasone
Decadron Respihaler	Oradexon
Decaject	Solurex
Decaject-L.A.	Solurex LA
Deronil

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Cortisone drug (adrenal corticosteroid)

Uses

• Reduces inflammation caused by many different medical problems.
• Treatment for some allergic diseases, blood disorders, kidney diseases, asthma and emphysema.
• Replaces corticosteroid deficiencies.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet or liquid--Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach irritation. If you can't swallow whole, crumble tablet and take with liquid or food.
Inhaler--Follow label instructions.

When to take:
At the same times each day. Take once-a-day or once-every-other- day doses in mornings.

If you forget a dose:
Several-doses-per-day prescription--Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).
Once-a-day dose or less--Wait for next dose. Double this dose.

What drug does:
Decreases inflammatory responses.

Time lapse before drug works:
2 to 4 days.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Headache, convulsions, fluid retention, heart failure.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

Hives, rash, intense Seek emergency itching, faintness treatment immediately. soon after a dose (anaphylaxis).

Common:

Poor wound healing, acne, thirst, nausea, indigestion, vomiting.

Infrequent:

• Bloody or black, tarry stool.
• Blurred vision; halos around lights; sore throat, fever; muscle cramps; swollen legs, feet.
• Mood changes, insomnia, fatigue, restlessness, frequent urination, weight gain, round face, weakness, irregular menstrual periods.

Rare:

• Irregular heartbeat.
• Rash, pancreatitis, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, thrombophlebitis, hallucinations, hiccups, convulsions.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You are allergic to any cortisone drug.
• You have tuberculosis or fungus infection.
• You have herpes infection of eyes, lips or genitals.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have had tuberculosis.
• If you have congestive heart failure, diabetes, peptic ulcer, glaucoma, underactive thyroid, high blood pressure, myasthenia gravis.
• If you have blood clots in legs or lungs.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons. Likely to aggravate edema, diabetes or ulcers. Likely to cause cataracts and osteoporosis (softening of the bones).

Pregnancy:
Risk to unborn child outweighs drug benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.

Infants & children:
Use only under medical supervision.

Prolonged use:

• Retards growth in children.
• Possible glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes, fragile bones and thin skin.
• Functional dependence.
• Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check blood sugar, eyes, serum electrolytes, stools for blood.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No problems expected.

Discontinuing:

• Don't discontinue without doctor's advice until you complete prescribed dose, even though symptoms diminish or disappear.
• Drug affects your response to surgery, illness, injury or stress for 2 years after discontinuing. Tell anyone who takes medical care of you within 2 years about drug.

Others:

• Avoid immunizations if possible.
• Your resistance to infection is less while taking this medicine.
• Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine.
• Those who have inactive or "cured" tuberculosis* may be subjected to a possible recurrence of active tuberculosis.
• Children who must take cortisone drugs may grow less well.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Aminoglutethimide	Dexamethasone effect decreased by
	half.
Amphotericin B	Potassium depletion.
Anticholinergics*	Possible glaucoma.
Anticoagulants,	Decreased anti-
oral*	coagulant effect.
Anticonvulsants,	Decreased dexamethasone
hydantoin*	effect.
Antidiabetics,	Decreased anti-
oral*	diabetic effect.
Antihistamines*	Decreased dexamethasone effect.
Aspirin	Increased dexamethasone effect.
Attenuated virus	Possible viral
vaccines*	infection.
Barbiturates*	Decreased dexamethasone effect.
	Oversedation.
Chloral hydrate	Decreased dexamethasone effect.
Chlorthalidone	Potassium depletion.
Cholestyramine	Decreased dexamethasone effect.
Cholinergics*	Decreased cholinergic effect.
Colestipol	Decreased dexamethasone absorption.
Contraceptives,	Increased dexamethasone
oral*	effect.
Digitalis	Dangerous potassium
preparations*	depletion. Possible digitalis
	toxicity.
Diuretics, thiazide*	Potassium depletion.
Ephedrine	Decreased dexamethasone effect.
Estrogens*	Increased dexamethasone effect.
Ethacrynic acid	Potassium depletion.
Furosemide	Potassium depletion.
Glutethimide	Decreased dexamethasone effect.
Indapamide	Possible excessive potassium loss,
	causing dangerous heartbeat
	irregularity.
Indomethacin	Increased dexamethasone effect.
Insulin	Decreased insulin effect.
Isoniazid	Decreased isoniazid effect.
Mitotane	Decreased dexamethasone effect.
Non-steroidal	Increased risk of ulcers and
anti-inflammatory	dexamethasone effect.
Oxyphenbutazone	Possible ulcers.
Phenobarbital	Decreased dexamethasone effect.
Phenylbutazone	Possible ulcers.
Potassium	Decreased potassium
supplements*	effect.
Rifampin	Decreased dexamethasone effect.
Salicylates*	Decreased salicylate effect.
Sympathomimetics*	Possible glaucoma.
Theophylline	Possible increased theophylline
	effect.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Risk of stomach ulcers.
Beverages:	No proven problems.
Cocaine:	Overstimulation. Avoid.
Foods:	No proven problems.
Marijuana:	Decreased immunity.
Tobacco:	Increased dexamethasone effect.
	Possible toxicity.