Decadron

Generic name: Dexamethasone

What is Decadron?

Decadron, a corticosteroid drug, is used to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms in a variety of disorders, including certain allergic conditions, endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, skin diseases, leukemia and lymphoma, ophthalmic diseases, diseases of the nervous system, renal disease, respiratory diseases, and rheumatic disorders.

What is the most important information I should know about Decadron?

Decadron lowers your resistance to infections and can make them harder to treat. Decadron may also mask some of the signs of an infection, making it difficult for your doctor to make a diagnosis. Also, Decadron may lead to osteoporosis in people at risk for the condition.

This medication may aggravate existing emotional problems or cause psychotic episodes. Symptoms may include mood swings, personality changes, and difficulty sleeping. If you experience depression or any other changes in mood, contact your doctor.

Who should not take Decadron?

Decadron should not be used if you have a fungal infection or if you are sensitive or allergic to any of its ingredients.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Decadron?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Decadron. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have an allergy to any cortisone-like drug, fungal infection, cirrhosis, diabetes, diverticulitis, eye infection due to herpes simplex, glaucoma or cataracts, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, kidney disease, myasthenia gravis (a muscle disorder), osteoporosis, peptic ulcer, recent heart attack, tuberculosis, history of malaria, or ulcerative colitis.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The initial dosage varies from 0.75 to 9 milligrams (mg) a day, depending on the disease being treated. After the drug produces a satisfactory response, your doctor will gradually lower the dose to the minimum effective level.

For the treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis, daily doses of 30 mg for a week followed by 4 to 12 mg every other day for 1 month have been shown to be effective.

Children: In pediatric patients, the initial dose varies from 0.02 to 0.3 mg/kg/day, depending on the disease being treated.

How should I take Decadron?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking Decadron abruptly or without medical supervision.

What should I avoid while taking Decadron?

You should avoid any "live" vaccines while taking Decadron, but consult with your doctor before having any vaccines administered.

Corticosteroids such as Decadron can suppress your immune system and lower your resistance to infection. Diseases such as measles and chickenpox can be serious and even fatal. Similarly, corticosteroid use may exacerbate threadworm infestation, producing life-threatening complications.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Decadron?

If Decadron is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Decadron with the following: aminoglutethimide, antifungal drugs (such as amphotericin B and ketoconazole), antibiotics, anticholinesterase medications used to treat myasthenia gravis, antidiabetes drugs, antiseizure drugs (such as carbamazepine and phenytoin), antituberculosis drugs (such as rifampin and isoniazid), barbiturates, blood-thinners (including warfarin), carbamazepine, cholestyramine, cyclosporine, digitalis glycosides, ephedrine, estrogen, indinavir, ketoconazole, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), including aspirin and indomethacin, phenytoin, thalidomide, vaccines

What are the possible side effects of Decadron?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: palpitations, fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, central nervous system overstimulation, restlessness, insomnia, dry mouth, gastrointestinal disturbances, loss of appetite, hives, impotence, muscle weakness, changes in the shape or location of body fat, acne, dry, thinning, bruising, or discoloration of skin, slow wound healing, increased sweating, headache, dizziness

More serious side effects may include: rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath, vision problems, severe depression, seizures, bloody or tarry stool, coughing up blood, low potassium

Can I receive Decadron if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Decadron during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Corticosteroids appear in breast milk and may suppress growth in infants. You and your doctor should decide whether to discontinue treatment with Decadron or to discontinue breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Decadron?

If you miss a dose or forget to take Decadron, contact your doctor for instructions.

How should I store Decadron?

Store at room temperature.