What is Decadron (Dexamethasone, Adrenocot, CPC-Cort-D, Decadron Phosphate, Decaject-10, Solurex)?
Decadron (Dexamethasone) is a popular anti-inflammatory drug known as a steroid. It reduces inflammation and syndromes in a variety of disorders such as swelling (edema), ulcerative and microscopic colitis, eye inflammation, allergic reactions, primary or secondary adrenal cortex insufficiency (lack of sufficient adrenal hormone), cancers ( leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma), severe cases of asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, skin conditions(psoriasis) and autoimmune hepatitis.
Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information about the beneficial effects of this product.
What important information should I know about Decadron?
Do not finish your course of Decadron, even if you start to feel better. Stopping the medicine too early may worsen some conditions.
Be careful about operating machinery, climbing, driving or doing hazardous tasks until you know how you react to this medicine.
Always ask a health care provider before giving Decadron to a child.
What should I tell my doctor before I take this drug?
Before using Decadron inform your health care provider about:
- Cushing's syndrome
- glandular diseases (e.g., thyroid, adrenal)
- eye problems
- problems with urination
- pregnancy, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant
- seizures
- mental disorders (e.g., depression, schizophrenia)
- brittle bones (osteoporosis)
- liver or kidney disease
- diabetes
- hypertension or any type of heart problems
- herpes infections
- stomach/intestinal problems
- high blood pressure
- bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia)
- myasthenia gravis
- any allergies
- blood clots (thromboembolism).
How to take Decadron?
Decadron comes as tablets, infusion into a vein (intravenously or IV), eye drops, or a lotion (topical).
The amount of Decadron depends on individuals and the diseases being treated. The initial oral dose of Decadron is 0.75 to 9 mg dailydepending on the disease. It is usually taken 1 or 2 times daily. It is obviously to ask your health care provider before to take Decadron. Follow his/her instructions strictly.
Decadron tablets is usually accompanied by a full glass of liquid. You may take it either with or without food. In order to minimize stomach irritation and help your body absorb the drug is desirable to combine with meals or milk.
What should you do if you miss a dose of Decadron?
If you forget to take a dosage of Decadron, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and continue with your normal schedule. Do not take a double dose.
What should you do if you overdose of Decadron?
Any medicine taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you feel an overdose, visit your health care provider straightway.
What drug(s) may interact with Decadron?
- cholestyramine
- cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine, and tacrine
- diuretics
- warfarin
- thalidomide
- aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
- phenytoin
- digoxin
- medicines for diabetes
- cyclosporine
- ephedrine
- medicines that improve muscle tone or strength for conditions like myasthenia gravis
- antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, and troleandomycin
- indinavir
- NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
- rifampin
- amphotericin B
- carbamazepine
- isoniazid
- female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
- barbiturates like phenobarbital
- ketoconazole.
This is not a finished list of interactions. Detail information you may receive at your health care provider.
What side-effects may occur?
- Fever
- Swelling of feet or lower legs
- Liver problems, yellowing eyes, skin
- Increased appetite, weight gain
- Mental, mood changes (e.g., mental depression, mood swings, confusion, hallucinations, blurred vision)
- Sore throat, mouth soreness or irritation
- Allergic reaction ( swelling of your lips
- or face
- or tongue
- or throat; difficulty breathing or swallowing; itching; skin rash or swelling; hives)
- Sneezing
- Headache, dizziness, ringing in your ears
- Nausea, vomiting
- Seizures
- Difficulty urinating (urinary retention), dark urine.
If these persist or worsen, notify your health care provider promptly. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
How should Decadron be stored?
Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C), tightly closed, away from sunlight, direct heat, and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep Decadron out of the reach of children and away from pets.
