Dexamethasone

Indications

Decadron elixir is an oral medication that contains dexamethasone, a type of corticosteroid hormone.

Decadron is used to treat a variety of conditions, including edematous states, nephrotic syndrome, arthritis, blood/hormone disorders, allergic reactions, skin diseases, and many others.

Use and Dosage

If you are taking the over-the-counter product, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as directed.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) or as directed by your doctor. This medication may be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs.

If you are using the liquid form, use a medication measuring device to carefully measure the prescribed dose. Do not use a household spoon. If your liquid form is a suspension, shake the bottle well before each dose.

If you are taking the extended-release capsules, swallow them whole. Do not crush or chew extended-release capsules or tablets. Doing so can release the entire drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split extended-release tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.

Chewable forms of this medication should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing.

If you are taking the powder, mix it thoroughly in the proper amount of liquid and stir well. Drink all the liquid right away. Do not prepare a supply for future use.

The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to therapy. If you are taking this medication for allergy or hay fever symptoms, take it regularly to get the most benefit from it.

Improper use of this medication (abuse) may result in serious harm (such as brain damage, seizure, and death). Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than directed.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Side Effects

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

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• Muscle tightness, weakness, or limp feeling
• Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights
• Shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, or rapid weight gain
• Severe depression or unusual thoughts or behavior
• A seizure (convulsions)
• Bloody or tarry stools
• Coughing up blood
• Fast or slow heart rate or weak pulse
• Pancreatitis – severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, or nausea and vomiting
• Low potassium level – leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, or numbness or tingling
• Increased blood pressure – severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, anxiety, or nosebleed

Dexamethasone can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using dexamethasone.

Common dexamethasone side effects may include:

• Fluid retention (swelling in your hands or ankles)
• Increased appetite
• Mood changes or trouble sleeping
• Skin rash, bruising, or discoloration
• Acne, increased sweating, or increased hair growth
• Headache or dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach
• Changes in your menstrual periods
• Changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist)

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

Cautions

Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (such as asthma, emphysema), diabetes, a certain eye problem (glaucoma), heart problems, high blood pressure, kidney problems, liver disease, seizures, stomach/intestinal problems (such as ulcers, blockage), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), urination problems (such as trouble urinating due to enlarged prostate, urinary retention).

This drug may make you dizzy, drowsy, or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

This medicine may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to restrict your intake of aspartame (or phenylalanine), consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the safe use of this medicine.

Liquid preparations of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of this product.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness, drowsiness, mental/mood changes, constipation, fast heartbeat, trouble urinating, or blood pressure changes. Dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion can increase the risk of falling.

Children may be more sensitive to the effects of antihistamines. In young children, this medication may cause agitation/excitement instead of drowsiness.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Form and Strengths

Decadron is available in the following form and strengths:

• Dexamethasone Oral Liquid:
  • 0.5 mg/5 ml

FAQ

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of dexamethasone.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

An overdose of dexamethasone is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms. Long-term use of high doses can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

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. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medicine.

Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking dexamethasone.

Resources:

1. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-145278/cold-and-cough-elixir-oral/details
2. https://www.drugs.com/dexamethasone.html#side-effects