What is Dexamethasone? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Dexamethasone

• Follow all the healthcare provider’s instructions when taking this medication. Do not change the dose or take dexamethasone more frequently than prescribed. 

• Oral dexamethasone can be taken with or without food.

• How to take dexamethasone tablets:

  • Taking this medication with a small meal or snack may help reduce short-term side effects. 

  • The tablets are scored to allow them to be divided into smaller doses. If necessary, have a healthcare provider show you how to divide a tablet accurately.

  • Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

  • It is okay to crush this medication and mix it into the food you are eating.

  • Store dexamethasone tablets at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. 

• How to take dexamethasone oral solution:

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a calibrated oral syringe. Ask a pharmacist for one if one is needed.

  • Store dexamethasone oral solution at room temperature. Do not freeze.

• How to take dexamethasone concentrate:

  • Doses must be measured carefully and precisely.

  • Only use the calibrated oral syringe that comes with this medicine to measure a dose.

  • Store dexamethasone concentrate at room temperature. Do not freeze.

  • Throw away the bottle and any unused medicine after 90 days.

• How to take dexamethasone eye drops (Maxidex):

  • Wash your hands with soap and water.

  • Remove any contact lenses.

  • Shake the bottle well before administering a dose.

  • Put your head back and pull down the lower eyelid.

  • Place one or two drops in the sac between the eye and the lower eyelid.

  • Close your eye for a few seconds.

  • Do not allow the tip of the eyedrop bottle to touch your skin or any other surface.

  • You can replace your contact lenses 15 minutes after administering a dose.

  • Store dexamethasone eye drops at room temperature.

  • Throw away the bottle and any remaining medicine after the expiration date stamped on the bottle.

What to do if you miss a dose of Dexamethasone

• Ask the healthcare provider what to do in case a dose is missed. The healthcare provider may have special instructions based on the condition being treated and your current state of health.

• For oral dexamethasone, a missed dose can usually be taken when remembered unless it’s almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled. 

• Do not take extra medicine or a double dose to make up for missed doses.

Dexamethasone contraindications - Who shouldn't take Dexamethasone?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to dexamethasone or if you have an internal fungal infection or cerebral malaria.

Dexamethasone warnings

• To avoid adverse effects and complications, healthcare providers will use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible.

• Your healthcare provider will perform lab tests at regular visits to monitor the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. 

• Tell your healthcare provider if you’re breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

• Tell your healthcare provider if you have:

  • Kidney disease 

  • Liver disease, including cirrhosis

  • Adrenal gland problems 

  • Heart failure

  • A recent heart attack

  • High blood pressure

  • Diabetes

  • Osteoporosis

  • Blood clotting problems

  • Thyroid problems

  • Muscle disorders including myasthenia gravis

  • Stomach or bowel problems including ulcers or diverticulitis

  • Mental health or emotional issues including depression

  • An active infection, especially eye infections, tuberculosis, threadworm, or a fungal infection

  • A history of tuberculosis, hepatitis B, or amoeba infections

• Dexamethasone can make you vulnerable to infections, especially at high doses.

  • Avoid people who are sick with an infection. 

  • Tell your healthcare provider right away if you are exposed to chickenpox, measles, or other serious infections

• Oral dexamethasone may cause the following problems:

  • Changes in mood or behavior including psychosis or mania

  • High blood pressure

  • Salt and water retention

  • Decrease in potassium and calcium levels

  • Adrenal gland problems

  • Eye disorders including cataracts, high eye pressure, or glaucoma

  • Bone density problems including osteoporosis

  • Muscle damage

  • Tendon rupture

  • Seizures

  • Increased pressure inside the head

  • Growth suppression in children

  • Reactivation of latent infections

• Dexamethasone increases the risk of cancer, particularly Kaposi’s sarcoma, a type of skin cancer.

• If you are using dexamethasone eye drops or have a dexamethasone eye implant, immediately see an ophthalmologist if you experience:

  • Vision changes

  • Eye pain

  • Eye swelling or redness

  • Sensitivity to light

• While taking oral dexamethasone, tell your healthcare provider about any extra stress, anxiety, or physical problems you experience. Stress raises the body’s natural corticosteroids, so people who are stressed may need to take a reduced dose of dexamethasone. 

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. The prescriber will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely to prevent serious side effects.

• Tell any healthcare professional who treats you that you are taking a corticosteroid. This medicine may affect other treatments and certain skin test results.

Dexamethasone interactions & what to avoid when taking Dexamethasone

• Tell the healthcare provider prescribing dexamethasone about all the prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements you are taking, particularly:

  • NSAIDs such as aspirin. ibuprofen, or naproxen

  • Drugs that make you pee (diuretics)

  • Diabetes drugs

  • Estrogens or oral contraceptives

  • Blood thinners

  • Macrolide antibiotics 

  • Antibiotics that treat tuberculosis

  • Drugs that block cholinesterase

  • Aminoglutethimide, amphotericin B, cholestyramine, cyclosporine, digoxin, digitalis, and rifampin

• Because of possible drug interactions, tell any other healthcare provider that treats you that you are using dexamethasone.

• Live vaccines cannot be given to people taking dexamethasone or any other corticosteroid because of the risk of infection.

• Avoid alcohol when taking dexamethasone. 

Find more detailed information about dexamethasone interactions to avoid here.