Dexamethasone

(dex a METH a sohn)

Introduced: 1958

Prescription: USA: Yes Canada: Yes

Class: Cortisonelike drugs

Controlled Drug: USA: No Canada: No

Available as Generic: Canada: Yes USA: Yes

Brand Names: Ak-Dex, Decaderm, Decadron, Decadron-LA, Decadron Phosphate Ophthalmic, Decadron Phosphate Respihaler, Decadron Phosphate Turbinaire, Decadron w/Xylocaine [CD], Decaspray, Deronil, Dexasone, Dexone, Hexadrol, Maxidex.

Principal Uses

As a Single Drug Product: This potent drug of the cortisone class is used in the treatment of a wide variety of allergic and inflammatory conditions. It is used most commonly in the management of serious skin disorders, asthma, regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis and all types of major rheumatic disorders including bursitis, tendonitis and most forms of arthritis.

How This Drug Works: Not fully established. It is thought that this drug's anti-inflammatory effect is due to its ability to inhibit the normal defensive functions of certain white blood cells. Its immunosuppressant effect is attributed to a reduced production of lymphocytes and antibodies.

Available Dosage Forms and Strengths

Aerosol — 0.01%, 0.04%

Aerosol inhaler — 84 mсg per spray

Cream — 0.1%

Elixir — 0.5 mg per 5-ml teaspoonful

Eye ointment — 0.05%

Gel — 0.1%

Injection — 4 mg per ml, 8 mg per ml, 10 mg per ml, 16 mg per ml,

20 mg per ml, 24 mg per ml

Oral solution — 0.5 mg per 0.5 ml, 0.5 mg per 5 ml

Solution — 0.1% Suspension — 0.1%

Tablets — 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.75 mg, 1 mg, 1.5 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg, 6 mg

Usual Adult Dosage Range: 0.5 to 9 mg daily as a single dose or in divided doses. Note: Actual dosage and administration schedule must be determined by the physician for each patient individually.

Dosing Instructions: Take with or following food to prevent stomach irritation, preferably in the morning. The tablet may be crushed for administration.

Usual Duration of Use: For acute disorders: 4 to 10 days. For chronic disorders: according to individual requirements. The duration of use should not exceed the time necessary to obtain adequate symptomatic relief in acute self-limiting conditions; or the time required to stabilize a chronic condition and permit gradual withdrawal. Because of its long duration of action, this drug is not appropriate for alternate day administration. Consult your physician on a regular basis.

This Drug Should Not Be Taken If

• you have had an allergic reaction to any dosage form of it previously.

• you have active peptic ulcer disease.

• you have an active infection of the eye caused by the herpes simplex virus.

• you have active tuberculosis.

Inform Your Physician Before Taking This Drug If

• you have had an unfavorable reaction to any cortisonelike drug in the past.

• you have a history of peptic ulcer disease, thrombophlebitis or tuberculosis.

• you have any of the following: diabetes, glaucoma, high blood pressure, deficient thyroid function or myasthenia gravis.

• you plan to have surgery of any kind in the near future.

Possible Side-Effects (natural, expected and unavoidable drug actions) Increased appetite, weight gain, retention of salt and water, excretion of potassium, increased susceptibility to infection.

Possible Adverse Effects (unusual, unexpected and infrequent reactions)