Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid that exerts powerful anti‑inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, making it a mainstay therapy for a wide range of conditions. Doctors use dexamethasone to treat severe allergies, asthma exacerbations, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, skin disorders, eye inflammation, certain cancers, and cerebral edema. It is also used to manage nausea during chemotherapy and to prevent swelling around brain and spinal tumors. In the context of adrenal insufficiency, dexamethasone serves as replacement therapy due to its ability to mimic cortisol.
The medication is available in oral tablets, injections and topical formulations. When taking Dexamethasone orally, dosing depends on the disorder being treated. For acute inflammatory conditions, doctors often prescribe a higher dose for a short period and then taper gradually to prevent adrenal suppression. For chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, lower maintenance doses may be used for longer periods. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and never adjust the dose on your own. Abruptly stopping prolonged therapy can lead to adrenal crisis, characterized by severe fatigue, low blood pressure and electrolyte imbalances, so tapering is essential.
Because dexamethasone suppresses the immune system, it can increase the risk of infections and mask signs of illness. Potential side effects include mood changes (irritability, euphoria), insomnia, increased appetite, weight gain, stomach irritation or ulcers, high blood pressure, increased blood sugar and fluid retention. Long‑term use may lead to osteoporosis, muscle weakness, cataracts, glaucoma and suppression of the body’s own cortisol production. Patients with diabetes should monitor glucose levels closely, and those with hypertension or peptic ulcer disease should use caution. To minimize stomach irritation, take tablets with food and consider protective medications if recommended by your doctor. Live vaccines should be avoided while on high‑dose steroids.
Inform your doctor about all other medications and supplements you use, as dexamethasone interacts with certain antifungals, antibiotics, anti‑seizure drugs and anticoagulants. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should discuss potential risks versus benefits. Your doctor may monitor bone density, eye pressure and blood sugar during treatment. Used appropriately and under medical supervision, dexamethasone can be a lifesaving therapy by reducing harmful inflammation and immune overactivity while improving quality of life for people with many chronic or acute conditions.
The medication is available in oral tablets, injections and topical formulations. When taking Dexamethasone orally, dosing depends on the disorder being treated. For acute inflammatory conditions, doctors often prescribe a higher dose for a short period and then taper gradually to prevent adrenal suppression. For chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, lower maintenance doses may be used for longer periods. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and never adjust the dose on your own. Abruptly stopping prolonged therapy can lead to adrenal crisis, characterized by severe fatigue, low blood pressure and electrolyte imbalances, so tapering is essential.
Because dexamethasone suppresses the immune system, it can increase the risk of infections and mask signs of illness. Potential side effects include mood changes (irritability, euphoria), insomnia, increased appetite, weight gain, stomach irritation or ulcers, high blood pressure, increased blood sugar and fluid retention. Long‑term use may lead to osteoporosis, muscle weakness, cataracts, glaucoma and suppression of the body’s own cortisol production. Patients with diabetes should monitor glucose levels closely, and those with hypertension or peptic ulcer disease should use caution. To minimize stomach irritation, take tablets with food and consider protective medications if recommended by your doctor. Live vaccines should be avoided while on high‑dose steroids.
Inform your doctor about all other medications and supplements you use, as dexamethasone interacts with certain antifungals, antibiotics, anti‑seizure drugs and anticoagulants. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should discuss potential risks versus benefits. Your doctor may monitor bone density, eye pressure and blood sugar during treatment. Used appropriately and under medical supervision, dexamethasone can be a lifesaving therapy by reducing harmful inflammation and immune overactivity while improving quality of life for people with many chronic or acute conditions.
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