Generic name: dexamethasone (oral) [ dex-a-METH-a-sone ]
Brand names: Decadron, DexPak 6 DayTaperpak, Hemady
Dosage forms: oral concentrate (1 mg/mL); oral liquid (0.5 mg/5 mL); oral tablet (0.5 mg; 0.75 mg; 1 mg; 1.5 mg; 2 mg; 20 mg; 4 mg; 6 mg)
Drug class:Glucocorticoids
What is dexamethasone?
Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Dexamethasone is used to treat many different inflammatory conditions such as allergic disorders and skin conditions.
Dexamethasone is also used to treat ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, and breathing disorders.
There are many brands and forms of dexamethasone available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.
Warnings
You should not use dexamethasone if you have a fungal infection anywhere in your body.
Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, and all the medicines you are using. There are many other diseases that can be affected by steroid use, and many other medicines that can interact with steroids.
Your dosage may change if you have any unusual stress such as a serious illness, fever or infection, or if you have surgery or a medical emergency. Tell your doctor about any such situation that affects you during treatment.
Dexamethasone can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection or worsening an infection you already have or have recently had. Tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks.
Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These co...
