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who should not take dexamethasone

by Wilburn Cremin DVM Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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For people with infections: Dexamethasone may make a systemic fungal infection worse. (Systemic means it affects the whole body, not just one part.) This drug shouldn't be used if you're taking medication to treat a systemic fungal infection. Also, dexamethasone may hide the signs of a non-fungal infection.

Precautions

Jan 13, 2020 · Who should not take dexamethasone? You should not use this medication if you are allergic to dexamethasone or sulfites, or if you have a fungal infection anywhere in your body. Steroid medication can weaken your immune system, making it …

What happens if you stop taking dexamethasone?

Oct 19, 2021 · Before taking this medicine. You should not use dexamethasone if you are allergic to it, or if you have: a fungal infection anywhere in your body. To make sure you can safely take dexamethasone, tell your doctor if you have ever had: liver disease (such as cirrhosis); kidney disease; a thyroid disorder; malaria; tuberculosis; osteoporosis;

What drugs should I avoid when taking dexamethasone?

Who should not take DEXAMETHASONE? The following conditions are contraindicated with this drug. Check with your physician if you have any of the …

What can keep Dexamethasone from working well?

if you have a fungal infection (other than on your skin), do not take dexamethasone without talking to your doctor. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver, kidney, intestinal, or heart disease; diabetes; an underactive thyroid gland; high blood pressure; mental illness; myasthenia gravis; osteoporosis; herpes eye infection; seizures; tuberculosis (TB); or ulcers.

Is dexamethasone prescribed for long term use?

Oct 16, 2021 · Dexamethasone is generally safe. It presents a favourable benefit-risk profile, particularly in patients with severe forms of pneumonia, while the benefit is less prominent in patients with non-severe pneumonia. As the treatment is short, even at high doses, corticosteroids are not associated with serious side effects. Potentially higher blood glucose …

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What is the contraindications of dexamethasone?

Contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to any components of this product. Systemic fungal infections, cerebral malaria, tuberculosis disease of eye.

What should I know before giving dexamethasone?

Monitor and report signs of peptic ulcer, including heartburn, nausea, vomiting blood, tarry stools, and loss of appetite. Monitor signs of allergic reactions, including pulmonary symptoms (tightness in the throat and chest, wheezing, cough, dyspnea) or skin reactions (rash, pruritus, urticaria).

What are the complications of dexamethasone?

Dexamethasone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
  • upset stomach.
  • stomach irritation.
  • vomiting.
  • headache.
  • dizziness.
  • insomnia.
  • restlessness.
  • depression.
Sep 15, 2017

Is dexamethasone hard on the heart?

Congestive heart failure: Dexamethasone can cause high blood pressure, fluid retention, and sodium retention, worsening heart failure or its symptoms. Heart attack: In people who have recently experienced a heart attack, corticosteroid use can result in a rupture in the heart wall.Apr 18, 2021

What are the psychological side effects of dexamethasone?

A wide range of psychiatric reactions including affective disorders (e.g., irritable, euphoric, depressed, labile mood, and suicidal ideation) psychotic reactions (e.g., mania, delusions, hallucinations, aggravation of schizophrenia), behavioral disturbances, irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances and cognitive ...Dec 19, 2021

What should I eat when taking dexamethasone?

Dexamethasone is available in the form of a tablet or a solution to take by mouth. Therefore it can be taken either with food or milk. Your doctor may tell you to follow low-sodium, low-salt, potassium-rich, or high-protein diet.

How long can you stay on dexamethasone?

Your doctor will tell you how long to take it for. When used to treat croup in children, your doctor will give a single one-off dose. For some conditions you may only need to take dexamethasone for a few days or weeks. However, for other conditions you may need to take it for longer, sometimes for several months.

Can dexamethasone cause kidney damage?

Conclusions: Dexamethasone offers no renal protective effect and the drug is associated with significant improvement in A-a O(2) gradient, respiratory index, PaO(2)/FiO( 2) at 12, 24 hours postoperatively and had no effect on extubation time and lung compliance.

How does dexamethasone work in Covid?

The RECOVERY trial provides evidence that treatment with dexamethasone at a dose of 6 mg once daily for up to 10 days reduces 28-day mortality in patients with Covid-19 who are receiving respiratory support. We found no benefit (and the possibility of harm) among patients who did not require oxygen.Feb 25, 2021

Does dexamethasone affect blood pressure?

For people with high blood pressure: Dexamethasone can increase sodium levels and edema (swelling). This can increase your blood pressure. Before taking this drug, talk to your doctor about whether it's safe for you.

When do you take dexamethasone in Covid 19?

The Panel recommends using dexamethasone for children with COVID-19 who require high-flow oxygen, noninvasive ventilation, mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (BIII).

Can dexamethasone cause blood clots?

Healthy blood oxygen levels range from 95 to 100 percent. Dexamethasone can cause a range of side effects, from blood clots, headaches and blurred vision to aggression, agitation, anxiety, irritability and depression. “It can cause psychosis. It can cause delirium.Oct 6, 2020

Before Taking This Medicine

You should not use dexamethasone if you are allergic to it, or if you have: 1. a fungal infection anywhere in your body.Tell your doctor if you hav...

How Should I Take Dexamethasone?

Take dexamethasone exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruc...

What Happens If I Overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.An overdose of dexamethasone is not expected to produce life threat...

What Should I Avoid While Taking Dexamethasone?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chickenpox or measles. The...

Dexamethasone Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to dexamethasone: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, to...

What Other Drugs Will Affect Dexamethasone?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may in...

What is the name of the condition where the thyroid gland is low?

a condition with low thyroid hormone levels. diabetes. insufficiency of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. high cholesterol. low amount of potassium in the blood. a reduction in the body's resistance to infection. psychotic disorder. brain injury. a disease with shrinking and weaker muscles called myopathy.

What are the causes of hypertension?

diabetes. insufficiency of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. high cholesterol. low amount of potassium in the blood. a reduction in the body's resistance to infection. psychotic disorder. brain injury. a disease with shrinking and weaker muscles called myopathy. increased pressure in the eye.

What is a herpes simplex infection?

a herpes simplex infection. an infection due to a fungus. intestinal infection caused by the roundworm Strongyloides. a condition with low thyroid hormone levels. diabetes. insufficiency of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. high cholesterol. low amount of potassium in the blood.

What is the clouding of the lens of the eye called?

clouding of the lens of the eye called cataracts. sudden blindness and pain upon moving the eye. high blood pressure. chronic heart failure. an ulcer from too much stomach acid. a type of stomach irritation called gastritis. diverticulitis. surgical joining of two parts of the intestine. hardening of the liver.

What is the name of the infection in the eye?

herpes simplex infection of the eye. a herpes simplex infection . an infection due to a fungus. intestinal infection caused by the roundworm Strongyloides. a condition with low thyroid hormone levels. diabetes. insufficiency of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. high cholesterol. low amount of potassium in the blood.

Can you stop dexamethasone?

Do not stop dexamethasone suddenly if used long-term. Your doctor will advise you how to reduce the dosage of dexamethasone gradually over several weeks or months to allow the adrenal glands to return to their normal patterns of secretion.

Can dexamethasone cause nausea?

Too rapid a withdrawal of dexamethasone may cause symptoms such as bone and muscle pain, fatigue, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. Alcohol use should be limited or avoided while taking dexamethasone to help prevent stomach ulcers.

How does dexamethasone work?

Dexamethasone works by mimicking the effect of cortisol, a hormone released by the adrenal glands (which are located on top of the kidneys) that controls metabolism and stress.

Does dexamethasone cause heart failure?

Dexamethasone may also increase the risk of infection and its anti-inflammatory action can mask signs of infection. May not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions such as heart failure, diabetes, osteoporosis, tuberculosis, cushingoid syndrome, and peptic ulcers.

Does dexamethasone affect the immune system?

Dexamethasone reduces inflammation and calms down an overactive immune system and is significantly more potent than prednisolone. Long-term use can adversely affect the way the immune system reacts. 5. Tips. Take exactly as directed, do not increase or decrease the dosage of dexamethasone unless directed by your doctor.

How long does it take for dexamethasone to work?

Response and effectiveness. Peak effects of dexamethasone are reached within 10 to 30 minutes of administration; however, it may take a couple of days before any inflammation is well controlled. 7. Interactions.

Does dexamethasone affect blood glucose?

Dexamethasone may increase blood glucose concentrations in people with diabetes and dosage adjustments of antidiabetic agents (eg, insulin, glyburide) may be required. Use with fluoroquinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) may increase the risk of tendon rupture with fluoroquinolones.

Can you stop taking dexamethasone?

Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking dexamethasone without talking to your doctor. Stopping the drug abruptly can cause loss of appetite, upset stomach, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, headache, fever, joint and muscle pain, peeling skin, and weight loss.

Can you take dexamethasone twice a day?

If you take dexamethasone once a day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What are the side effects of dexamethasone?

Dexamethasone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: 1 upset stomach 2 stomach irritation 3 vomiting 4 headache 5 dizziness 6 insomnia 7 restlessness 8 depression 9 anxiety 10 acne 11 increased hair growth 12 easy bruising 13 irregular or absent menstrual periods

What is Dexamethasone used for?

Dexamethasone is also used to treat certain types of cancer. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses;

Does dexamethasone cause nausea?

Expand Section. Dexamethasone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: upset stomach. stomach irritation. vomiting. headache. dizziness. insomnia.

What is the phone number to call for poison control?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

How to know if you have a symtom?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: 1 skin rash 2 swollen face, lower legs, or ankles 3 vision problems 4 cold or infection that lasts a long time 5 muscle weakness 6 black or tarry stool

Can dexamethasone interact with other medications?

Dexamethasone oral tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.

Is dexamethasone a prescription?

Dexamethasone is a prescription medication. It’s available as an oral tablet, oral solution, eye drops, and ear drops. It’s also available as an injectable solution or an intraocular solution given after surgery. These last two forms are given only by a healthcare provider.

Is Dexamethasone a generic drug?

Dexamethasone oral tablet is available as both a generic and brand-name drug. Brand name: DexPak. Dexamethasone comes as an oral tablet, oral solution, eye drops, and ear drops. It’s also available as an injectable solution or an intraocular solution given after surgery.

Is dexamethasone an injectable?

Dexamethasone comes as an oral tablet, oral solution, eye drops, and ear drops. It’s also available as an injectable solution or an intraocular solution given after surgery. These two forms are given only by a healthcare provider. Dexamethasone oral tablet is used to treat many conditions.

Can dexamethasone cause a rash?

Allergic reaction: Dexamethasone may cause an allergic reaction in rare cases. If you have trouble breathing, a rash, or itchy skin, or notice swelling of your arms, feet, or tongue, call your doctor immediately. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Does dexamethasone help with inflammation?

This can damage the body’s tissues. Steroids such as dexamethasone help block the immune system’s response to inflammation, which helps prevent this damage.

Does dexamethasone help the immune system?

This can damage the body’s tissues. Steroids such as dexamethasone help block the immune system’s response to inflammation, which helps prevent this damage. For adrenal insufficiency: The adrenal gland helps control certain body functions.

What to do if you miss a dose of a sulfate sulfate?

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Can you take IBM Micromedex more than once?

Drug information provided by: IBM Micromedex. Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance for unwanted effects.

How to store a med?

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Does dexamethasone cause ulcers?

People with a stomach ulcer. Dexamethasone can sometimes cause or worsen peptic ulcers so you may need to take an extra medicine to help protect your gut.

Can dexamethasone cause glaucoma?

People with cataracts, glaucoma, or a family history of glaucoma. Dexamethasone can cause or worsen these eye conditions. People with an infection, particularly people with herpes simplex virus infection of the eye or who have had tuberculosis (TB) in the past.

Can dexamethasone cause eye infections?

Dexamethasone can cause or worsen these eye conditions. People with an infection, particularly people with herpes simplex virus infection of the eye or who have had tuberculosis (TB) in the past. People with inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or diverticulitis.

Why is it important to talk to your doctor?

It's important to talk to your doctor straight away if you experience any change in your mood or behaviour, for example feeling confused, irritable, anxious or depressed, or if you have hallucinations or suicidal thoughts. People with or at risk of osteoporosis, including women who have passed the menopause.

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How It Works

This medication is used to treat certain eye conditions due to inflammation or injury.

May Treat: Asthma · Hypersensitivity drug reaction · Crohn's disease · Adrenal cortical insufficiency · Cerebral edema and more

Brand Names: Maxidex · Dexamethasone Intensol · Decadron · ZoDex · ZonaCort and more

Drug Class: Glucocorticoids · Ophthalmic - Anti-inflammatory, Glucocorticoids

Availability: Prescription sometimes needed

Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using

May Treat: Asthma · Hypersensitivity drug reaction · Crohn's disease · Adrenal cortical insufficiency · Cerebral edema and more

Brand Names: Maxidex · Dexamethasone Intensol · Decadron · ZoDex · ZonaCort and more

Drug Class: Glucocorticoids · Ophthalmic - Anti-inflammatory, Glucocorticoids

Availability: Prescription sometimes needed

Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using

Lactation: Consult a doctor before using

Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication

Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution

Precautions

  • For elixir products : Best to take with food to lessen stomach upset. Contains alcohol. Measure dose using a dosing spoon/cup/syringe. May be more susceptible to infection. Avoid live vaccines and newly vaccinated people. MD may need to reduce the dose before you stop it. May increase blood sugar. Review all drugs you are taking with your doctor.
  • For solution, oral products : Tell doctor your complete medical history.
  • For suspension, drops products : Wash hands before and after using. May wear contact lenses 15 min. after using drug. Shake well before using. Do not touch tip of open eye drop bottle. Wait 5-10 minutes before using other eye drugs. Take doses regularly, even when feeling well. May blur vision. Use caution when driving. Call doctor right away if eye pain or itching occur.

  • For elixir products : Best to take with food to lessen stomach upset. Contains alcohol. Measure dose using a dosing spoon/cup/syringe. May be more susceptible to infection. Avoid live vaccines and newly vaccinated people. MD may need to reduce the dose before you stop it. May increase blood sugar. Review all drugs you are taking with your doctor.
  • For solution, oral products : Tell doctor your complete medical history.
  • For suspension, drops products : Wash hands before and after using. May wear contact lenses 15 min. after using drug. Shake well before using. Do not touch tip of open eye drop bottle. Wait 5-10 minutes before using other eye drugs. Take doses regularly, even when feeling well. May blur vision. Use caution when driving. Call doctor right away if eye pain or itching occur.
  • For tablet products : May take with or without food. Take with a full glass of water (8 ounces).

Upsides

Downsides

Bottom Line

Tips

Response and Effectiveness

  1. May be used to help control inflammation associated with a wide range of conditions, such as skin diseases, endocrine disorders, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, blood disorders, nerve disor...
  2. Usually only prescribed for short-term use; however, in certain instances, dexamethasone may be prescribed for longer periods.
  1. May be used to help control inflammation associated with a wide range of conditions, such as skin diseases, endocrine disorders, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, blood disorders, nerve disor...
  2. Usually only prescribed for short-term use; however, in certain instances, dexamethasone may be prescribed for longer periods.
  3. Dexamethasone acts similarly to prednisolone but has more potent anti-inflammatory, hormonal, and metabolic effects.
  4. When given at the same dosage, dexamethasone is less likely than hydrocortisone to cause fluid retention.

Interactions

  • If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. Mood effects such as agitation, anxiety, and irritability; blurred vision; a change in heart rate; swelling of the limbs (edema or sodium and water retention); increased appetite and weight gain; and concentration d…
See more on drugs.com

References

  • Dexamethasone reduces inflammation and calms down an overactive immune system and is significantly more potent than prednisolone. It may be given to control inflammation associated with eye disease...
See more on drugs.com

Further Information

  1. Take exactly as directed, do not increase or decrease the dosage of dexamethasone unless directed by your doctor. Dosage requirements for dexamethasone are variable and must be individualized based...
  2. Limit or avoid alcohol use while taking dexamethasone to help prevent stomach ulcers.
  3. If you are taking Intensol, an oral solution of dexamethasone, this needs to be mixed with liqu…
  1. Take exactly as directed, do not increase or decrease the dosage of dexamethasone unless directed by your doctor. Dosage requirements for dexamethasone are variable and must be individualized based...
  2. Limit or avoid alcohol use while taking dexamethasone to help prevent stomach ulcers.
  3. If you are taking Intensol, an oral solution of dexamethasone, this needs to be mixed with liquid or semi-solid food such as applesauce or puddings. Consume the entire amount of the stored product...
  4. Seek medical advice as soon as possible if you develop a fever or any other signs of infection while taking dexamethasone. Also, talk to your doctor if you notice any changes in your mood or any ot...

1.Dexamethasone Uses, Dosage & Side Effects - Drugs.com

Url:https://www.drugs.com/dexamethasone.html

5 hours ago Jan 13, 2020 · Who should not take dexamethasone? You should not use this medication if you are allergic to dexamethasone or sulfites, or if you have a fungal infection anywhere in your body. Steroid medication can weaken your immune system, making it …

2.Common and Rare Side Effects for dexamethasone oral

Url:https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1027-5021/dexamethasone-oral/dexamethasone-oral/details/list-contraindications

22 hours ago Oct 19, 2021 · Before taking this medicine. You should not use dexamethasone if you are allergic to it, or if you have: a fungal infection anywhere in your body. To make sure you can safely take dexamethasone, tell your doctor if you have ever had: liver disease (such as cirrhosis); kidney disease; a thyroid disorder; malaria; tuberculosis; osteoporosis;

3.Dexamethasone: 7 things you should know - Drugs.com

Url:https://www.drugs.com/tips/dexamethasone-patient-tips

32 hours ago Who should not take DEXAMETHASONE? The following conditions are contraindicated with this drug. Check with your physician if you have any of the …

4.Dexamethasone - MedlinePlus

Url:https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682792.html

27 hours ago if you have a fungal infection (other than on your skin), do not take dexamethasone without talking to your doctor. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver, kidney, intestinal, or heart disease; diabetes; an underactive thyroid gland; high blood pressure; mental illness; myasthenia gravis; osteoporosis; herpes eye infection; seizures; tuberculosis (TB); or ulcers.

5.Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Dexamethasone - World …

Url:https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-dexamethasone

34 hours ago Oct 16, 2021 · Dexamethasone is generally safe. It presents a favourable benefit-risk profile, particularly in patients with severe forms of pneumonia, while the benefit is less prominent in patients with non-severe pneumonia. As the treatment is short, even at high doses, corticosteroids are not associated with serious side effects. Potentially higher blood glucose …

6.Dexamethasone, Oral Tablet - Medical News Today

Url:https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322409

17 hours ago Jul 23, 2020 · Live vaccines you should avoid while taking dexamethasone include: measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) intranasal flu (FluMist) smallpox; chickenpox; rotavirus; yellow fever; typhoid; Other drugs

7.Dexamethasone (Oral Route) Precautions - Mayo Clinic

Url:https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/dexamethasone-oral-route/precautions/drg-20075207

14 hours ago May 01, 2022 · Dexamethasone may lower your body's resistance and the vaccine may not work as well or you might get the infection the vaccine is meant to prevent. In addition, you should not be around other persons living in your household who receive live virus vaccines because there is a chance they could pass the virus on to you.

8.Dexamethasone (Oral Route) Proper Use - Mayo Clinic

Url:https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/dexamethasone-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20075207

6 hours ago May 01, 2022 · The Dexamethasone Intensol™ solution is a concentrated liquid. Measure the concentrated liquid with the special oral dropper that comes with the package. The liquid should be added to water, juice, soda or a soda-like beverage, applesauce, or pudding. Stir the mixture well and drink or eat it right away. Do not store the mixture for future use.

9.Dexamethasone: contraindications and cautions

Url:https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/a27273/dexamethasone-important-things-to-know-about-steroid-treatment/

1 hours ago Sep 26, 2019 · Dexamethasone should be used with caution in the following: Elderly people, children and adolescents. Steroid side effects are more likely in the very young and very old.

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