Dexamethasone belongs to the group of medications known as corticosteroids. It may be used to treat a wide variety of conditions. It can be used to replace cortisone in people who are deficient in cortisone. It can also be used to treat a number of other conditions, including respiratory diseases (such as asthma), skin diseases, severe allergies, certain eye diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, certain blood disorders, and certain types of cancer. In all of these conditions, inflammation plays a part in causing disease. This medication works by reducing inflammation.
Each white, pentagonal, flat, bevelled-edged, bisected tablet, with "TEC 0.50" on one side, contains 0.5 mg of dexamethasone. Nonmedicinal ingredients: dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, lactose, magnesium stearate, and pregelatinized cornstarch.
Each white pentagonal, flat, bevelled-edged, bisected tablet, with "TEC 4" on one side, contains 4 mg of dexamethasone. Nonmedicinal ingredients: dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, lactose, magnesium stearate, and pregelatinized cornstarch.
The recommended dose varies widely according to the condition being treated and the circumstances of the person being treated.
Large doses of corticosteroids should be taken with meals, and antacids should be taken between meals to help to prevent stomach ulcers and stomach upset.
Anyone currently taking this medication should not receive a live virus vaccine.
General precautions: Advise all doctors involved in your care that you have been using this medication.
Diabetes: Dexamethasone may cause an increase in blood sugar levels and glucose tolerance may change. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using this medication.
People with diabetes or those at risk for developing diabetes should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Eye Problems: Like other corticosteroids, the use of dexamethasone for a long period of time may cause cataracts and glaucoma or cause glaucoma to worsen. Damage to the optic nerves is possible. People with glaucoma or those at risk for developing glaucoma should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you notice any changes to your vision, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Fertility: Steroids such as dexamethasone may increase or decrease the quality and quantity of sperm production.
Fluid and electrolyte balance: Average and large doses of corticosteroids, including dexamethasone, can cause increases in blood pressure, salt and water retention, and excretion of potassium. Dietary salt restriction and potassium supplementation may be necessary (ask your doctor). If you notice dry mouth, thirst, weakness, fatigue, muscle pain and cramps, fast heartbeat, or decreased urination, see your doctor.
Gastrointestinal problems: As with other corticosteroids, dexamethasone may cause stomach ulcers to worsen or develop. If you have a history of digestive system problems, such as ulcerative colitis, stomach ulcers, and diverticulitis, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Infection: Dexamethasone can reduce your body's ability to fight infections and may hide signs of infection that is developing. This medication may also worsen internal fungal infections. If you experience signs of infection such as sore throat, fever, sneezing, or coughing, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Kidney disease: Dexamethasone may not leave the body at the expected rate in cases where the kidney is not working properly. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver: Dexamethasone may not leave the body at the expected rate in cases where the liver is not working properly. If you have reduced liver function or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Mood changes: Corticosteroids have been known to cause mood swings and symptoms of depression. People with depression or a history of depression should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, or notice them in a family member who is taking this medication contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Myasthenia gravis: Myasthenia gravis is a condition that causes specific muscle weakness. Dexamethasone can cause muscle wasting, decreasing muscle. If you have myasthenia gravis, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Osteoporosis: Long-term use of corticosteroids such as dexamethasone may result in bones losing thickness, causing them to be at increased risk for fracture. If you take corticosteroid medications on a continuous basis, speak to your doctor about your particular risk for osteoporosis.
Stress: People taking dexamethasone who are subjected to any unusual stress should increase the dosage of medication before, during, and after the stressful situation as prescribed by their doctor.
Withdrawal: After using this medication for a long time, stopping dexamethasone may result in symptoms of withdrawal including fever, muscle and joint pain, and malaise. When stopping dexamethasone after having used it for a prolonged period, reduce the dose slowly as prescribed by your doctor.
Pregnancy: Dexamethasone should not be taken during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking dexamethasone, it may interfere with your child's own corticosteroid production, slow growth, or cause other unwanted effects for the baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: Children may be more likely to experience the side effects encountered by using this class of medication for long periods of time (e.g., slowing down of growth, delayed weight gain). The use of this medication by children should be limited to the smallest dose that will be effective. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of the use of this medication by children.