The following information is a summary about Decadron. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
DEXAMETHASONE - ORAL
(dex-uh-METH-uh-sown)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S)
Decadron, Hexadrol
USES
This medicine is a corticosteroid used to treat severe allergies, arthritis, asthma, and skin conditions. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
HOW TO USE
Take with food or immediately after a meal to
prevent stomach upset.
Take this medication as prescribed. Follow the dosing schedule
carefully. Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions.
If you are taking this medication only once a day, it should
be taken in the morning before 9 a.m.
The oral concentrate can be mixed with juice or applesauce.
If you have been taking this medication for a long time, do
not suddenly stop taking it without your doctor's approval. Your
dose may need to be gradually reduced.
SIDE EFFECTS
May cause dizziness, nausea, indigestion,
increased appetite, weight gain, weakness or sleep disturbances.
If these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor.
Notify your doctor if you experience: vomiting of blood, black
or tarry stools, puffing of the face, swelling of the ankles or
feet, unusual weight gain, prolonged sore throat or fever, muscle
weakness, breathing difficulties, mental/mood changes.
In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this
drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic
reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble
breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your
doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
Do not have a vaccination, other immunization, or
any skin test while you are taking this drug unless your doctor
specifically tells you that you may.
Before you take this drug, tell your doctor if you are
pregnant, think that you may be pregnant or wish to become
pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. Because
this drug appears in breast milk contact your doctor before
breast-feeding.
This medication can cause growth suppression in infants.
Before you take this drug, tell your doctor your entire
medical history, particularly: liver or kidney disease, heart
disease, intestinal problems, underactive thyroid gland, high
blood pressure, myasthenia gravis, osteoporosis (brittle bones),
herpes eye infection, history of tuberculosis (TB) or seizures,
history of ulcers or blood clots.
If you have a history of ulcers or take large doses of aspirin
or other arthritis medication, limit your consumption of
alcoholic beverages while taking this medication. It may make
your stomach and intestines more susceptible to the irritating
effects of alcohol, aspirin, and certain arthritis medications.
Report any injuries or signs of infection (fever, sore throat,
pain during urination, and muscle aches) that occur during
treatment and within 12 months after treatment with this drug.
Your dose may need to be adjusted or you may need to start taking
the drug again.
If you have diabetes, this drug may increase your blood sugar
level. Test your urine for sugar (glucose) frequently and contact
your doctor if sugar is present; your dose of diabetes medication
and your diet may need to be changed.
If your sputum (the matter you cough up during an asthma
attack) thickens or changes color from clear white to yellow,
green, or gray, contact your doctor; these changes may be signs
of an infection.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Before you take this drug, tell your doctor
what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking,
especially: aspirin, arthritis medication, anticoagulants ("blood
thinners"), diuretics ("water pills"), estrogen (e.g., birth
control pills), phenytoin, rifampin, phenobarbital, macrolide
antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), ketoconazole, neostigmine,
pyridostigmine, ambenomium, certain drugs for diabetes (e.g.,
glyburide, glipizide).
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES
Persons taking this medication for long-term therapy
should wear or carry identification stating that they are taking
a corticosteroid.
Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, and are taking 1 dose every
other day: take the missed dose as soon as remembered if you
remember the same morning, then resume your usual schedule. If
you do not remember the missed dose until later, skip the missed
dose and resume your regular dosing schedule the following day.
If you take 1 dose daily, take the missed dose as soon as
remembered then resume your regular dosing schedule. If you do
not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose. Do not
"double-up" the dose. If you take 2 or more doses daily, take the
missed dose as soon as remembered unless it is near time for the
next dose. In that case, take the missed and next dose together.
STORAGE
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F
(between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture, heat and
sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
MEDICAL ALERT
Your condition can cause complications in a
medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at
1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
