Decadron is a prescription medication that belongs to a group of medications called corticosteroids. Its main component is dexamethasone which is similar to a natural hormone produced by the body. It reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system. Decadron is used to treat certain forms of arthritis, skin, blood, kidney, eye, thyroid, and intestinal disorders (e.g., colitis), severe allergies, and asthma. It is also used to treat certain types of cancer.
Directions
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. The initial dose in adults is generally 0.75 mg to 9 mg a day. The initial dosage in children is typically 0.02 mg to 0.3 mg per kg of weight per day, divided into three or four doses. Take it with food to help prevent stomach upset. If you are taking Decadron once a day, take it in the morning at the same time each day. Later doses can make it difficult to sleep.
Precautions
Before taking Decadron tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure, tuberculosis, stomach ulcers, osteoporosis, malaria, depression, glaucoma, diabetes, herpes infection of the eyes, cataracts, cirrhosis, thyroid disorder, congestive heart failure. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Do not receive a 'live' vaccine while you are being treated with Decadron. Avoid drinking alcohol.
Contraindications
You should not use Decadron if you are allergic to dexamethasone, if you have a fungal infection anywhere in your body or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Possible side effect
Get emergency medical help if you have: swelling, bloody or tarry stools, pancreatitis, high blood pressure, blurred vision, seizure, hives, chest pain, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing, extreme thirst, muscle weakness. Less serious side effects may include: nausea, headache, increased sweating, insomnia, bloating, dizziness, thinning skin. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor immediately.
Drug interactions
Tell your doctor if you are taking: aspirin, diuretics, seizure medications (phenytoin, phenobarbital), antibiotics (rifampin, ketoconazole), blood thinner (warfarin), cyclosporine, diabetes medications, antacids, guanfacine, nifedipine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (meloxicam, naproxen, ibuprofen), Tadalafil.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose
If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are mood changes, abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks, seizures, thinning of the skin.
Storage
Store the medicine at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.
Note
The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.
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