{"id":26149,"date":"2021-04-18T13:00:17","date_gmt":"2021-04-18T17:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=26149"},"modified":"2026-03-11T15:00:54","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T19:00:54","slug":"dexamethasone-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/dexamethasone-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Dexamethasone side effects and how to avoid them"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dexamethasone is a common generic steroid medication that treats a variety of medical conditions including swelling, allergic reactions, shock, arthritic disorders, severe skin disorders, eye diseases, blood disorders, respiratory disorders, digestive system disorders, leukemia, lymphoma, autoimmune disorders, multiple sclerosis, and head injury.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:6849,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:0},&quot;9&quot;:1,&quot;10&quot;:2,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;14&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0},&quot;15&quot;:&quot;Arial&quot;}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=CONCATENATE(R[0]C[-2],R[0]C[-3],R[0]C[-1])\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dexamethasone is also a first-line treatment for severe coronavirus (COVID-19) infections. It is given orally or as an injection. For eye conditions, dexamethasone can be applied as ophthalmic drops, injected into the eye as an implant, or installed in the bottom eyelid as a slow-release insert. It is also administered as ear drops for ear conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dexamethasone belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids (or glucocorticoids). Corticosteroids are different from the class of anabolic steroids that some athletes abuse. Drugs like dexamethasone drugs are used primarily to reduce swelling or suppress the immune system. There are, however, some common side effects and drug interactions when taking this drug.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<div id=\"coupon-cta\" class=\"coupon-cta master-template\">\n\t\t\t<p id=\"headline\">Save up to 80% on Dexamethasone with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t<p id=\"subheadline\">Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"details-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"details\">\n\t\t\t\t\tDexamethasone 4 mg (10 tablets)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"address\">\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"api-response\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"coupon\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"logo\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.singlecare.com\/content\/images\/pharmacy\/logo-color-walmart-nbh-market.svg\" alt=\"Walmart Neighborhood Market\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"price\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-number\">\n\t\t\t\t\t$6.08<br\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-signup\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"info-icon\">i<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/dexamethasone#blog-cta\">signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"couponbtn\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/dexamethasone#blog-cta\">Get free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"coupon\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"logo\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.singlecare.com\/content\/images\/pharmacy\/logo-color-walmart.svg\" alt=\"Walmart Pharmacy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"price\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-number\">\n\t\t\t\t\t$6.08<br\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-signup\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"info-icon\">i<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/dexamethasone#blog-cta\">signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"couponbtn\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/dexamethasone#blog-cta\">Get free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/dexamethasone#blog-cta\" class=\"coupon-see-all-btn\">See Dexamethasone prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<h2 id=\"common-side-effects-of-dexamethasone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common side effects of dexamethasone<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dexamethasone has a large number of commonly experienced side effects. These include:<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Nervous system changes<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mood swings<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxiety<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vertigo<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Digestive system problems<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Appetite changes<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abdominal discomfort<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Skin problems<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acne<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rash<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Facial redness<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thinning skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changes in skin pigmentation<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased sweating<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unwanted hair growth<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bleeding problems beneath the skin<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fluid and electrolyte disturbances<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elevated blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fluid retention (edema)<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sodium retention<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low potassium<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Hormone disturbances<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irregular menstrual periods<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decreased glucose tolerance<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cushing syndrome (with long-term use)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Muscle and bone problems<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of muscle mass<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle weakness<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Eye problems<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increase in eye pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4b204f44-6e8a-4d17-803c-268f0b04679f\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eye pain<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (from dexamethasone eye drops)<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bloodshot eyes (from dexamethasone eye drops)<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=7514e6b8-c33f-4fbf-8810-ef520e1eb4bd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blurred vision<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (from dexamethasone eye injections)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Slow wound healing<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Injection site reactions<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"serious-side-effects-of-dexamethasone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious side effects of dexamethasone<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dexamethasone\u2019s most serious side effects include:<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Immune system disorders<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Immune suppression<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Infections<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Nervous system changes<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Steroid-induced psychosis, mania, or depression<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seizures<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased intracranial pressure (pseudotumor cerebri) with swelling of the optic disc\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Digestive system problems<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Peptic ulcer<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perforation<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pancreatitis<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ulcerative esophagitis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fluid and electrolyte disturbances<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alkaline blood<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood pressure (hypertension)<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Congestive heart failure<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Hormone disturbances<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The emergence of latent diabetes or worsening of existing diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adrenal insufficiency<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Growth suppression in children due to long-term use<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Muscle and bone problems<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tendon rupture<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bone death<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Osteoporosis due to long-term use<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bone fractures<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Eye disorders<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glaucoma due to long-term use<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cataracts as a consequence of long-term use<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eye bulging<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Tumor lysis syndrome<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> when used for cancer treatment<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In rare cases, dexamethasone <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=88d25d19-acff-477b-86c8-9797782045b8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">has caused severe side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as blindness, stroke, paralysis, and even death when injected into the spinal cord.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/dexamethasone\/what-is\">Learn more about dexamethasone<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-long-do-dexamethasone-side-effects-last\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long do dexamethasone side effects last?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With a half-life of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/compound\/Dexamethasone\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">four hours<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (the amount of time it takes the body to eliminate half a dose), a 20 mg dose is eliminated from the body in about 24 hours. Many of the temporary side effects of dexamethasone, such as mood changes or anxiety, will wear off by that time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dexamethasone is not applied directly to skin, but long-term use can affect the skin. These side effects may take longer to clear up after the medication is discontinued. Some such responses, like skin thinning, can be treated. Pigment changes or stretch marks, though, may be permanent.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More severe side effects may take longer to resolve. Peptic ulcers, perforation, bone fractures, tendon rupture, cataracts, and glaucoma are longer-lasting and will often require medical treatment. Adrenal insufficiency caused by prolonged use of dexamethasone <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f8d52954-be1d-45d3-9245-ff2e3e81a8ac\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">could take months to resolve<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Some of the most serious side effects, such as congestive heart failure, can be lifelong.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"dexamethasone-contraindications-warnings\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dexamethasone contraindications &amp; warnings<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dexamethasone is used for a wide range of medical conditions, some quite serious. However, a doctor or healthcare provider may need to avoid using dexamethasone in people with certain pre-existing conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dexamethasone is never used in people with:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Systemic fungal infections<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Known hypersensitivity to dexamethasone or corticosteroids<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cerebral malaria<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dexamethasone eye drops, implants, or injections are never used in people with:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=6bdcefbe-51e3-4ca4-afda-5aeca7b6fa73\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Viral, mycobacterial, or fungal infections of the eye<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glaucoma<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Torn or ruptured posterior lens capsule<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dexamethasone ear drops are never given to people with:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perforation of the drum membrane<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fungal infections of the ear<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with other conditions may encounter problems when taking dexamethasone. These include:<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Infections:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Dexamethasone may worsen an existing infection, so patients with active or latent infections will need to be watched\u2014particularly those with tuberculosis or herpes infections of the eye.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Compromised immune system: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because dexamethasone suppresses the immune system, caution and monitoring are required when the drug is given to people with weakened immune systems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>High blood pressure: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dexamethasone raises blood pressure, so people being treated for high blood pressure will need to have regular blood pressure monitoring and adjustments to their hypertension therapies as seen fit by their provider.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Conditions that risk gastrointestinal perforation: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dexamethasone raises the risk of gastrointestinal perforation in any person with peptic ulcer disease, diverticulitis, nonspecific ulcerative colitis, or fresh intestinal anastomosis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Congestive heart failure: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dexamethasone can cause high blood pressure, fluid retention, and sodium retention, worsening heart failure or its symptoms.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Heart attack: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In people who have recently experienced a heart attack, corticosteroid use can result in a rupture in the heart wall.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Psychiatric disorders: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dexamethasone <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f8d52954-be1d-45d3-9245-ff2e3e81a8ac\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">could worsen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> existing emotional instability or psychotic tendencies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Osteoporosis: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corticosteroids can cause bone loss, worsening existing osteoporosis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Diabetes: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dexamethasone can worsen diabetes, so blood sugar monitoring is necessary.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Myasthenia gravis: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although dexamethasone and other corticosteroids are a standard treatment for myasthenia gravis, the drug raises the risk of muscle damage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Overactive thyroid: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An overactive thyroid can block the body\u2019s ability to break down dexamethasone, raising the risk of side effects.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Liver cirrhosis: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cirrhosis also blocks the body\u2019s ability to break down dexamethasone.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Kidney problems: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dexamethasone and other corticosteroids can worsen kidney problems.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"overdose\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overdose<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An overdose of dexamethasone is not considered life-threatening. If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical attention even if there are no symptoms. Do not try to induce vomiting. If an overdose of dexamethasone eye drops is suspected, call a hospital or poison helpline and begin flushing the eye with a normal saline solution.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"abuse-and-dependency\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abuse and dependency<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dexamethasone may produce physical dependence and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0885392406007184\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">steroid withdrawal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> due to adrenal insufficiency. Corticosteroids can throw off the body\u2019s adrenal glands, the organs responsible for producing natural corticosteroids. When the drug is suddenly discontinued after high-dose or long-term use, the adrenal glands are unable to perform their normal hormone functions, a condition called adrenal insufficiency. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fever, lethargy, muscle pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, and general malaise. To avoid steroid withdrawal, people will often be given a steadily decreasing dose when the drug needs to be discontinued.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corticosteroid misuse and abuse <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5724325\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">have been documented<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for both over-the-counter and prescription topical steroids applied to the skin. Dexamethasone, which is not applied to the skin, is not commonly misused.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"children\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dexamethasone is as safe and effective in children as adults. Like adults, children will be regularly monitored for blood and eye pressure as well as signs of infection, ulcers, hormone problems, and other possible side effects. Dexamethasone, however, does suppress growth in children. Doctors are advised to use the lowest possible dose and monitor height and weight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"pregnancy\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnancy<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The effects of dexamethasone on unborn babies have not been well-studied, but dexamethasone <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f8d52954-be1d-45d3-9245-ff2e3e81a8ac\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">has caused cleft palates in newborns <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">during animal studies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The decision to use dexamethasone during pregnancy will have to balance the risks of using versus the risks of not using the drug.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"breastfeeding\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breastfeeding<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Women who are breastfeeding should not take dexamethasone. Dexamethasone is present in a nursing mother\u2019s breast milk. It may interfere with the infant\u2019s growth or natural corticosteroid production. Either dexamethasone or breastfeeding should be discontinued.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"senior-citizens\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Senior citizens<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are not enough studies to determine how safe or effective dexamethasone is in people older than 65. In practice, dexamethasone is used cautiously in the elderly, usually by starting at the lowest possible dose.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"dexamethasone-interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dexamethasone interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dexamethasone is injected, taken orally, or applied to the eye\u2019s surface. When taken orally, dexamethasone is best taken with food to avoid stomach irritation. However, it is important to avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Grapefruit has substances that interfere with the body\u2019s metabolism of dexamethasone. This may raise the concentration of the drug in the bloodstream and, as a result, increase the risk of side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dexamethasone has many potential drug interactions that can interfere with its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Live vaccines\u2014CONTRAINDICATED: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People taking dexamethasone should never be given live vaccines, even if the vaccine is weakened. Dexamethasone suppresses the immune system, so live vaccines may cause a serious infection.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>OTHER CONTRAINDICATED DRUGS:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Some drugs are never used with steroids for a variety of reasons. These drugs include:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/desmopressin-acetate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Desmopressin<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/mifepristone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mifepristone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, if corticosteroids are being administered long-term<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/edurant\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Edurant<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (rilpivirine), if more than one dose of dexamethasone is given<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Imlygic (talimogene\u00a0laherparepvec) is never given to people with compromised immune systems, which is a possible side effect of dexamethasone<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other vaccines, diabetes and heart drugs, diuretics, NSAIDs, anticholinesterase medications, CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers, blood thinners, and some birth control pills are also contraindicated. Check with your healthcare provider before taking dexamethasone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\t\t<div class=\"singlecare-dynamic-newsletter-wrapper sin-newsletter-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"heading\">Get our allergies newsletter<\/span>\n\t\t\t<form class=\"form-wrapper\" data-newsletter-form=\"1\" data-subsource=\"Allergies Newsletter\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for=\"dynamic-email\">Email<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"email\" id=\"dynamic-email\" class=\"email\" required>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class=\"submit-form-btn\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Click to sign up\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"success-message\" role=\"status\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-avoid-dexamethasone-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to avoid dexamethasone side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"1-take-dexamethasone-as-directed\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Take dexamethasone as directed<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take the dose as prescribed. Do not increase or decrease the dose. Stopping dexamethasone or reducing the dose on your own may cause unpleasant or even serious side effects. If efficacy or side effects are a problem, consult a healthcare provider before adjusting the dose.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2-take-dexamethasone-as-scheduled\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Take dexamethasone as scheduled<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people will receive dexamethasone injections from a healthcare provider. They may be given once or on a schedule. Make sure to keep all appointments for injections.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For other forms of dexamethasone, a healthcare provider will furnish a dosing schedule. For tablets or oral solutions, doses are usually taken once or twice a day. Dexamethasone eye drops have an initial dosing schedule of once per hour that eventually might fall to three or four doses a day. Ear drops will have a schedule of three or four doses a day. These can be complex dosing schedules, so use an alarm, medication diary, or smartphone app to be sure not to miss a dose.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talk to a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional for medical advice about what to do for a missed dose.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3-tell-the-doctor-about-all-medical-conditions-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Tell the doctor about all medical conditions and medications<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because of the risk of side effects, inform the healthcare professional prescribing or dispensing dexamethasone about all medical conditions and medications, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any current or past medical conditions, especially\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any fungal infection<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tuberculosis, malaria, or herpes eye infection<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any current or recent infection<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exposure to measles or chickenpox<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mental illness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Congestive heart failure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gastrointestinal problems, particularly stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, or recent intestinal surgery (intestinal anastomosis)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Osteoporosis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glaucoma<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cataracts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Myasthenia gravis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thyroid problems<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements currently being taken, especially antibiotics, antifungals, NSAIDs, or birth control pills<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any recent vaccinations<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"4-keep-all-follow-up-appointments\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Keep all follow-up appointments<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To minimize adverse effects when taking dexamethasone over the long-term, follow-up visits and tests may be required to monitor blood pressure, hormone function, blood sugar levels, signs of infection, and other possible problems caused by corticosteroid use. These follow-up visits can spot issues before they become serious problems, so make sure to show up to appointments.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"5-avoid-over-the-counter-nsaids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Avoid over-the-counter NSAIDs<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, naproxen, or ibuprofen can increase the risk of gastrointestinal problems when taken with dexamethasone.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"6-carry-a-medication-record-card\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Carry a medication record card<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dexamethasone is a vital and even life-saving medication with a wide variety of potentially hazardous drug interactions. Always carry a medical record card on your person that includes all medications being taken along with their doses and dosing schedule.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dexamethasone is a common generic steroid medication that treats a variety of medical conditions including swelling, allergic reactions, shock, arthritic disorders, severe skin disorders, eye diseases, blood disorders, respiratory disorders, digestive system disorders, leukemia, lymphoma, autoimmune disorders, multiple sclerosis, and head injury.\u00a0 Dexamethasone is also a first-line treatment for severe coronavirus (COVID-19) infections. It is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":26170,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[554,790,16414,12752],"coauthors":[8861],"class_list":["post-26149","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-allergies","tag-chronic-disease","tag-digestive-health","tag-medication-side-effects","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.8 (Yoast SEO v27.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Dexamethasone side effects and how to avoid them<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Mood swings, nausea, and acne are common dexamethasone side effects. Learn how long side effects of dexamethasone last and how to avoid them.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/dexamethasone-side-effects\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"A guide to dexamethasone side effects\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"See what to expect when taking the steroid medication\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/dexamethasone-side-effects\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Checkup\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/singlecare\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-04-18T17:00:17+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-11T19:00:54+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Dexamethasone-side-effects.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"SingleCare Team\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"A guide to dexamethasone side effects\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"See what to expect when taking the steroid medication\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@SingleCare\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@SingleCare\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"SingleCare Team\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/dexamethasone-side-effects\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/dexamethasone-side-effects\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"SingleCare Team\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/403ef50a9f402fb9ce49c429659555f5\"},\"headline\":\"Dexamethasone side effects and how to avoid them\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-04-18T17:00:17+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-11T19:00:54+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/dexamethasone-side-effects\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":2000,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/dexamethasone-side-effects\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/04\\\/Dexamethasone-side-effects.png\",\"keywords\":[\"Allergies\",\"Chronic disease\",\"Digestive health\",\"Medication side effects\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Drug Info\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/dexamethasone-side-effects\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/dexamethasone-side-effects\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/dexamethasone-side-effects\\\/\",\"name\":\"Dexamethasone side effects and how to avoid them\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/dexamethasone-side-effects\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/dexamethasone-side-effects\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/04\\\/Dexamethasone-side-effects.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-04-18T17:00:17+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-11T19:00:54+00:00\",\"description\":\"Mood swings, nausea, and acne are common dexamethasone side effects. Learn how long side effects of dexamethasone last and how to avoid them.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/dexamethasone-side-effects\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/dexamethasone-side-effects\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/dexamethasone-side-effects\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/04\\\/Dexamethasone-side-effects.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/04\\\/Dexamethasone-side-effects.png\",\"width\":1920,\"height\":1080,\"caption\":\"Prescription pad with pill bottle: Common side effects of Dexamethasone\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/dexamethasone-side-effects\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Dexamethasone side effects and how to avoid them\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"The Checkup, a health blog by SingleCare\",\"description\":\"Read the latest in prescription, wellness, and healthcare news\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"SingleCare\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/placeholderimage-1.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/placeholderimage-1.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":630,\"caption\":\"SingleCare\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/singlecare\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/SingleCare\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/singlecare\\\/?hl=en\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/company\\\/singlecare\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/channel\\\/UCd9kiPIjCQw95-2BHCYePKA\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/403ef50a9f402fb9ce49c429659555f5\",\"name\":\"SingleCare Team\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/7c56ea35da6164263b446caa5424dd8beeb331518803b6043b40932812936fb2?s=96&d=mm&r=gcda8e0f4c5718cb7f68c0ee812f6fafb\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/7c56ea35da6164263b446caa5424dd8beeb331518803b6043b40932812936fb2?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/7c56ea35da6164263b446caa5424dd8beeb331518803b6043b40932812936fb2?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"SingleCare Team\"},\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/singlecareteam\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Dexamethasone side effects and how to avoid them","description":"Mood swings, nausea, and acne are common dexamethasone side effects. Learn how long side effects of dexamethasone last and how to avoid them.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/dexamethasone-side-effects\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"A guide to dexamethasone side effects","og_description":"See what to expect when taking the steroid medication","og_url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/dexamethasone-side-effects\/","og_site_name":"The Checkup","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/singlecare","article_published_time":"2021-04-18T17:00:17+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-03-11T19:00:54+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1920,"height":1080,"url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Dexamethasone-side-effects.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"SingleCare Team","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_title":"A guide to dexamethasone side effects","twitter_description":"See what to expect when taking the steroid medication","twitter_creator":"@SingleCare","twitter_site":"@SingleCare","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"SingleCare Team","Est. reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/dexamethasone-side-effects\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/dexamethasone-side-effects\/"},"author":{"name":"SingleCare Team","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/403ef50a9f402fb9ce49c429659555f5"},"headline":"Dexamethasone side effects and how to avoid them","datePublished":"2021-04-18T17:00:17+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-11T19:00:54+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/dexamethasone-side-effects\/"},"wordCount":2000,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/dexamethasone-side-effects\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Dexamethasone-side-effects.png","keywords":["Allergies","Chronic disease","Digestive health","Medication side effects"],"articleSection":["Drug Info"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/dexamethasone-side-effects\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/dexamethasone-side-effects\/","url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/dexamethasone-side-effects\/","name":"Dexamethasone side effects and how to avoid them","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/dexamethasone-side-effects\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/dexamethasone-side-effects\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Dexamethasone-side-effects.png","datePublished":"2021-04-18T17:00:17+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-11T19:00:54+00:00","description":"Mood swings, nausea, and acne are common dexamethasone side effects. Learn how long side effects of dexamethasone last and how to avoid them.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/dexamethasone-side-effects\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/dexamethasone-side-effects\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/dexamethasone-side-effects\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Dexamethasone-side-effects.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Dexamethasone-side-effects.png","width":1920,"height":1080,"caption":"Prescription pad with pill bottle: Common side effects of Dexamethasone"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/dexamethasone-side-effects\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Dexamethasone side effects and how to avoid them"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/","name":"The Checkup, a health blog by SingleCare","description":"Read the latest in prescription, wellness, and healthcare news","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"SingleCare","url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/placeholderimage-1.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/placeholderimage-1.jpg","width":1200,"height":630,"caption":"SingleCare"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/singlecare","https:\/\/x.com\/SingleCare","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/singlecare\/?hl=en","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/singlecare\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCd9kiPIjCQw95-2BHCYePKA"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/403ef50a9f402fb9ce49c429659555f5","name":"SingleCare Team","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/7c56ea35da6164263b446caa5424dd8beeb331518803b6043b40932812936fb2?s=96&d=mm&r=gcda8e0f4c5718cb7f68c0ee812f6fafb","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/7c56ea35da6164263b446caa5424dd8beeb331518803b6043b40932812936fb2?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/7c56ea35da6164263b446caa5424dd8beeb331518803b6043b40932812936fb2?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"SingleCare Team"},"url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/author\/singlecareteam\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26149","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26149"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26149\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26170"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26149"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26149"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26149"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=26149"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}