ADAP drugs: dexamethasone

dexamethasone
(Ak-Dex, Dalalone, Decadrol, Decadron, Decaject, Decameth,
Dexacen, Dexasone, Dexon, Hexadrol, Mymethsone, Oradexon, Solurex)

Drug description

Dexamethasone suppresses inflammation and normal immune response, and is used systemically and locally to treat chronic inflammatory disorders, severe allergies, and other diseases.

Side effects
Chronic treatment with dexamethasone will lead to adrenal suppression. Adrenal glands produce necessary hormones and some steroids. Chronic use in children inhibits growth, and the lowest possible dose should be used over the shortest period of time. The most common side effects are depression, euphoria, hypertension, nausea, anorexia, decreased wound healing, acne, muscle wasting, bone pain, and increased susceptibility to infection. Inflammation is one of the ways your body fights off infection, and if the inflammatory response has to be suppressed, usually because it is an autoimmune response, then your immune system is not as able to fight off other infections.

Dosage
Doses are mostly determined by response. Adults take by mouth 0.5-9 mg daily in single dose or 3-4 divided doses. Topical 1% cream or gel, or .01 or .04% spray is applied 3-4 times daily. Dexamethasone also comes in solutions for treating infection in the eye, and nasal sprays, and intramuscular and IV infusions. If dose is ordered daily, it should be given in the morning to coincide with the body’s normal secretion of cortisol.

How long it may take to work
The treatment is working if the inflammatory responses and allergic reactions due to immune response are controlled. Treatment should not be stopped without medical supervision. If you’ve been taking dexamethasone for over a period of a year, you may need to take it at times of high stress such as surgery or serious illness until your adrenal glands recover their function.

Managing side effects
If you are taking pill form, take with meals. Stopping the drug suddenly may result in anorexia, nausea, fatigue, weakness, hypotension, difficult or painful breathing, and hyper or hypoglycemia (high and low blood sugar). If these problems appear, notify your doctor immediately. These problems can be life-threatening. Eat a diet high in protein, calcium and potassium, low in salt and moderate in carbohydrates. Monitor your blood sugar levels daily. Report to your doctor immediately if you have severe abdominal pain or black stools occur or any other side effects including behavioral changes. Dexamethasone is not compatible with daunorubicin, doxorubicin, mataraminol or vancomycin.

This information is specific to the use of this medication for HIV-related conditions. For additional information about this drug for other conditions, refer to: www.nursespdr.com/ and www.healthanswers.com/Library/library_fset.asp

The drug descriptions on these pages are intended for informational purposes only. The Network does not promote or endorse the use of any specific treatment for any health-related condition. The medications described here can only be dispensed by a licensed health care professional. The information may have changed since these pages were updated, though every effort is made to keep these pages current. Please contact The Network at (800) 734-7104 to make sure you have the most up-to-date information

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