Dexamethasone Oral solution Health Article

Generic name(s):

Dexamethasone Oral solution

Brand name(s):

Adrenocot, Cortastat, Cortastat 10, Cortastat LA, Dalalone, Dalalone D.P., De-Sone LA, Decadron, Decadron 5-12 Pak, Decaject, DexPak 10 Day Taperpak, DexPak 13 DayTaperpak, Dexacen-4, Dexacorten, Dexamethasone Acetate, Dexamethasone Intensol, Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate, Dexasone, Dexasone LA, Dexone, Dexpak Jr. Taperpak, Hexadrol, Medidex, Primethasone, Solurex, Solurex LA

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, like blood disorders and diseases of the adrenal glands.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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 problems or disease
• high blood pressure
• infection like herpes, measles, tuberculosis, or chickenpox
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• mental problems
• myasthenia gravis
• osteoporosis
• previous heart attack
• seizures
• stomach, ulcer or intestine disease including colitis and diverticulitis
• thyroid problem
• an unusual or allergic reaction to dexamethasone, corticosteroids, other medicines, lactose, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Use the dosing dispenser provided to measure your dose. You may mix the dose with a small amount of liquid or soft food like pudding. If you do, you should eat the food or drink the liquid containing the medicine right away. Do not store the diluted medicine for future use. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If you are only taking the medicine once a day, take it in the morning. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. 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 will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 1 month of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

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

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

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

• mifepristone, RU-486
• vaccines

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• amphotericin B
• antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, and troleandomycin
• aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
• barbiturates like phenobarbital
• carbamazepine
• cholestyramine
• cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine, and tacrine
• cyclosporine
• digoxin
• diuretics
• ephedrine
• female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
• indinavir
• isoniazid
• ketoconazole
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines that improve muscle tone or strength for conditions like myasthenia gravis
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• phenytoin
• rifampin
• thalidomide
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.