Dexamethasone tablets

What is this medicine?

DEXAMETHASONE (dex a METH a sone) is a corticosteroid. It is commonly used to treat inflammation of the skin, joints, lungs, and other organs. Common conditions treated include asthma, allergies, and arthritis. It is also used for other conditions, such as blood disorders and diseases of the adrenal glands.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a drink of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take it with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. If you are taking this medicine once a day, take it in the morning. Do not take more medicine than you are told to take. Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose may be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• bloody or black, tarry stools

• changes in emotions or moods

• changes in vision

• confusion, excitement, restlessness

• depressed mood

• eye pain

• hallucinations

• fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine

• muscle weakness

• severe or sudden stomach or belly pain

• signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as being more thirsty or hungry or having to urinate more than normal. You may also feel very tired or have blurry vision.

• signs and symptoms of infection like fever; chills; cough; sore throat; pain or trouble passing urine

• swelling of ankles, feet

• unusual bruising or bleeding

• wounds that do not heal

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• increased appetite

• increased growth of face or body hair

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

• skin problems, acne, thin and shiny skin

• trouble sleeping

• weight gain

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• live virus vaccines

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• aminoglutethimide

• amphotericin B

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

• certain antibiotics like erythromycin, clarithromycin, and troleandomycin

• certain antivirals for HIV or hepatitis

• certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin

• certain medicines to treat myasthenia gravis

• cholestyramine

• cyclosporine

• digoxin

• diuretics

• ephedrine

• female hormones, like estrogen or progestins and birth control pills

• insulin or other medicines for diabetes

• isoniazid

• ketoconazole

• medicines that relax muscles for surgery

• mifepristone

• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

• rifampin

• skin tests for allergies

• thalidomide

• vaccines

• warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, talk to your doctor or health care professional. You may need to miss a dose or take an extra dose. Do not take double or extra doses without advice.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Cushing's syndrome

• diabetes

• glaucoma

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• infection like herpes, measles, tuberculosis, or chickenpox

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• mental illness

• myasthenia gravis

• osteoporosis

• previous heart attack

• seizures

• stomach or intestine problems

• thyroid disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to dexamethasone, corticosteroids, other medicines, lactose, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medicine and dosage times.

This medicine may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills, or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick. Call your health care professional if you are around anyone with measles, chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.

If you are going to need surgery or other procedures, tell your doctor or health care professional that you have taken this medicine within the last 12 months.

Ask your doctor or health care professional about your diet. You may need to lower the amount of salt you eat.

This medicine may increase blood sugar. Ask your healthcare provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.