Decadron 0.75mg Tablets
It is used for many health problems like allergy signs, asthma, adrenal gland problems, blood problems, skin rashes, or swelling problems. This is not a list of all health problems that this drug may be used for. Talk with the doctor.
Drug Class
Adrenal corticosteroid; Anti-inflammatory agent
Pharmacologic Class
Glucocorticoid receptor agonist
Pregnancy Category
Not available
FDA Approved
May 1958
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Dexamethasone is a type of steroid medicine that helps reduce inflammation (swelling and redness) and calm down your body's immune system. It's used for many conditions like allergies, asthma, arthritis, and certain cancers.
How to Use This Medicine
Taking Your Medication Correctly
To get the most benefit from your medication, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Read all the information provided with your prescription and follow the instructions closely.
If you take your medication once a day, it's best to take it in the morning.
Take your medication with food to help prevent stomach upset.
Continue taking your medication as directed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you start to feel well.
If you're also taking cholestyramine, you may need to take it at a different time than your other medication. Be sure to talk to your pharmacist about the best schedule for your medications.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
To keep your medication safe and effective:
Store it at room temperature in a dry place, away from the bathroom.
Keep all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets.
Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist.
Check with your pharmacist for guidance on the best way to dispose of your medication. You may also want to explore drug take-back programs in your area.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However:
If it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.
* Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for a missed one.
To get the most benefit from your medication, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Read all the information provided with your prescription and follow the instructions closely.
If you take your medication once a day, it's best to take it in the morning.
Take your medication with food to help prevent stomach upset.
Continue taking your medication as directed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you start to feel well.
If you're also taking cholestyramine, you may need to take it at a different time than your other medication. Be sure to talk to your pharmacist about the best schedule for your medications.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
To keep your medication safe and effective:
Store it at room temperature in a dry place, away from the bathroom.
Keep all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets.
Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist.
Check with your pharmacist for guidance on the best way to dispose of your medication. You may also want to explore drug take-back programs in your area.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However:
If it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.
* Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for a missed one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
- Do not stop taking this medication suddenly, especially if you've been on it for a long time. Your doctor will tell you how to slowly reduce the dose to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick or have infections, as this medicine can weaken your immune system.
- Report any signs of infection (fever, sore throat) immediately.
- Limit salt intake to help prevent fluid retention.
- Monitor blood sugar if you have diabetes or are at risk.
- Carry a steroid warning card if on long-term therapy.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Generic Alternatives:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
Highly variable depending on indication. For anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressive: 0.75 mg to 9 mg daily, often in divided doses.
Dose Range:
0.75 - 9 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
antiInflammatory:
0.75-9 mg/day orally, in single or divided doses
cerebralEdema:
Initial: 10 mg IV, then 4 mg IM/IV every 6 hours until symptoms subside. Taper over 5-7 days.
antiemetic:
8-20 mg IV/oral prior to chemotherapy, often with other antiemetics.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established for general use; highly individualized for specific conditions (e.g., bronchopulmonary dysplasia).
Infant:
Highly individualized based on weight/BSA and indication (e.g., croup: 0.6 mg/kg oral/IM single dose, max 10 mg).
Child:
Highly individualized based on weight/BSA and indication (e.g., anti-inflammatory: 0.02-0.3 mg/kg/day orally in 1-4 divided doses).
Adolescent:
Similar to adult dosing, individualized based on indication and response.
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No specific adjustment recommended.
Moderate:
No specific adjustment recommended.
Severe:
No specific adjustment recommended.
Dialysis:
Not significantly removed by dialysis; no supplemental dose needed.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No specific adjustment recommended.
Moderate:
Consider dose reduction in severe hepatic impairment, as clearance may be reduced. Monitor for increased side effects.
Severe:
Consider dose reduction in severe hepatic impairment, as clearance may be reduced. Monitor for increased side effects.
Confidence:
Medium
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Dexamethasone is a synthetic adrenocortical steroid that is approximately 25 times more potent than hydrocortisone and 5 times more potent than prednisone. It binds to specific intracellular glucocorticoid receptors in target tissues, forming a complex that translocates to the nucleus. This complex then interacts with DNA to modulate gene transcription, leading to altered protein synthesis. This results in a wide range of physiological effects, including potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions (by inhibiting prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis, reducing leukocyte migration, and suppressing immune responses), as well as metabolic effects (gluconeogenesis, protein catabolism, fat redistribution).
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
80-90%
Tmax:
1-2 hours (oral)
FoodEffect:
Minimal effect on absorption; may be taken with food to reduce GI upset.
Distribution:
Vd:
0.8 L/kg
ProteinBinding:
Approximately 77% (primarily to albumin, less than other corticosteroids)
CnssPenetration:
Yes
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Plasma half-life: 3-4.5 hours; Biological half-life: 36-54 hours
Clearance:
Not available (highly variable)
ExcretionRoute:
Renal (primarily as inactive metabolites)
Unchanged:
<10%
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Hours (for anti-inflammatory effects)
PeakEffect:
1-2 hours (plasma concentration); biological effects peak later
DurationOfAction:
36-72 hours (biological effects)
Confidence:
Medium
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:
Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of infection: fever, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased or changed sputum production, painful urination, mouth sores, or a wound that won't heal.
Signs of low potassium levels: muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or an irregular heartbeat.
Signs of pancreatitis (pancreas problem): severe stomach pain, severe back pain, or severe nausea and vomiting.
Signs of high blood pressure: severe headache, dizziness, fainting, or changes in vision.
Signs of adrenal insufficiency (weak adrenal gland): severe nausea and vomiting, severe dizziness or fainting, muscle weakness, fatigue, mood changes, decreased appetite, or weight loss.
Signs of Cushing's syndrome: weight gain in the upper back or abdomen, moon face, severe headache, or slow wound healing.
Signs of high blood sugar: confusion, drowsiness, increased thirst or hunger, frequent urination, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity-smelling breath.
Shortness of breath, sudden weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
Skin changes: acne, stretch marks, slow healing, or excessive hair growth.
Purple, red, blue, brown, or black bumps or patches on the skin or in the mouth.
Abnormal heartbeat: fast, slow, or irregular.
Chest pain or pressure.
Swelling, warmth, numbness, color changes, or pain in a leg or arm.
Menstrual changes.
Bone or joint pain.
Muscle pain or weakness.
Changes in vision.
Changes in behavior or mood.
Seizures.
Abnormal sensations: burning, numbness, or tingling.
Unexplained bruising or bleeding.
Severe stomach pain.
Black, tarry, or bloody stools, or vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material.
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people experience no side effects or only mild ones. If you experience any of the following side effects, or if they bother you or persist, contact your doctor or seek medical attention:
Nausea and vomiting.
Insomnia.
Restlessness.
Excessive sweating.
Hair thinning.
Headache.
Dizziness, fatigue, or weakness.
Weight gain.
Increased appetite.
Hiccups.
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:
Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of infection: fever, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased or changed sputum production, painful urination, mouth sores, or a wound that won't heal.
Signs of low potassium levels: muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or an irregular heartbeat.
Signs of pancreatitis (pancreas problem): severe stomach pain, severe back pain, or severe nausea and vomiting.
Signs of high blood pressure: severe headache, dizziness, fainting, or changes in vision.
Signs of adrenal insufficiency (weak adrenal gland): severe nausea and vomiting, severe dizziness or fainting, muscle weakness, fatigue, mood changes, decreased appetite, or weight loss.
Signs of Cushing's syndrome: weight gain in the upper back or abdomen, moon face, severe headache, or slow wound healing.
Signs of high blood sugar: confusion, drowsiness, increased thirst or hunger, frequent urination, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity-smelling breath.
Shortness of breath, sudden weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
Skin changes: acne, stretch marks, slow healing, or excessive hair growth.
Purple, red, blue, brown, or black bumps or patches on the skin or in the mouth.
Abnormal heartbeat: fast, slow, or irregular.
Chest pain or pressure.
Swelling, warmth, numbness, color changes, or pain in a leg or arm.
Menstrual changes.
Bone or joint pain.
Muscle pain or weakness.
Changes in vision.
Changes in behavior or mood.
Seizures.
Abnormal sensations: burning, numbness, or tingling.
Unexplained bruising or bleeding.
Severe stomach pain.
Black, tarry, or bloody stools, or vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material.
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people experience no side effects or only mild ones. If you experience any of the following side effects, or if they bother you or persist, contact your doctor or seek medical attention:
Nausea and vomiting.
Insomnia.
Restlessness.
Excessive sweating.
Hair thinning.
Headache.
Dizziness, fatigue, or weakness.
Weight gain.
Increased appetite.
Hiccups.
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe stomach pain or black, tarry stools (signs of GI bleeding)
- Unusual swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
- Extreme tiredness, weakness, dizziness, or nausea (signs of adrenal insufficiency if stopped too quickly)
- Blurred vision or eye pain
- Increased thirst or urination (signs of high blood sugar)
- Signs of infection (fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms)
- Mood changes (depression, anxiety, confusion)
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions to ensure safe treatment:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
The presence of any infection, including bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, as well as specific conditions like:
+ Amoeba infection (e.g., traveler's diarrhea)
+ Herpes infection of the eye
+ Malaria infection in the brain
+ Threadworm infestation
+ Any other type of infection
Nerve problems affecting the eye
Stomach or bowel problems, such as:
+ Diverticulitis
+ Ulcerative colitis
+ Ulcers
+ Recent bowel surgery
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health issues with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine whether it is safe to take this medication in conjunction with your other treatments and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without consulting your doctor first.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions to ensure safe treatment:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
The presence of any infection, including bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, as well as specific conditions like:
+ Amoeba infection (e.g., traveler's diarrhea)
+ Herpes infection of the eye
+ Malaria infection in the brain
+ Threadworm infestation
+ Any other type of infection
Nerve problems affecting the eye
Stomach or bowel problems, such as:
+ Diverticulitis
+ Ulcerative colitis
+ Ulcers
+ Recent bowel surgery
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health issues with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine whether it is safe to take this medication in conjunction with your other treatments and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without consulting your doctor first.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Regular blood tests, as directed by your doctor, are crucial to monitor your health. Additionally, if you are taking this medication long-term, you may need to have your eye pressure and bone density checked.
This medication can interfere with certain laboratory tests, so it is vital to notify all your healthcare providers and lab workers that you are taking it. Be aware that drugs like this one can cause high blood pressure, so regular blood pressure checks, as advised by your doctor, are necessary.
If you are scheduled to undergo allergy skin tests, inform your doctor and lab workers that you are taking this medication, as it may affect the test results. Long-term use of this medication may increase the risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma, so discuss this with your doctor.
Prolonged use of this medication can also lead to weak bones (osteoporosis). Talk to your doctor to determine if you are at a higher risk or if you have any questions. You may need to reduce your salt intake and take extra potassium, so consult with your doctor about this.
If you have diabetes, it is crucial to closely monitor your blood sugar levels. Before consuming alcohol, discuss it with your doctor. Additionally, consult with your doctor before receiving any vaccines, as some vaccines may not work as well or may increase the risk of infection when taken with this medication.
It is essential to avoid close contact with anyone who has chickenpox or measles, as these infections can be severe or even deadly in people taking steroid medications like this one. If you have not had these infections before and are exposed to them, inform your doctor immediately. Steroid medications, including this one, can increase the risk of infection, which can be mild or severe, and even life-threatening. To minimize this risk, wash your hands frequently, avoid people with infections, colds, or flu, and notify your doctor if you experience any signs of infection.
Some infections, such as tuberculosis and hepatitis B, can reactivate in patients taking medications like this one. If you have a history of these infections, inform your doctor. This medication can also suppress your body's natural production of steroids, which can affect your response to stress, such as fever, infection, surgery, or injury. In such situations, you may require additional steroid doses, so notify your doctor.
If you have been taking this medication for an extended period, do not stop abruptly without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, shakiness, rapid heartbeat, confusion, sweating, or dizziness.
Long-term use of this medication has been associated with an increased risk of a type of cancer called Kaposi's sarcoma. Discuss this with your doctor. Patients with cancer may be at a higher risk of developing a potentially life-threatening condition called tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), so inform your doctor if you have cancer.
If you are 65 or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects. In children and adolescents, this medication can affect growth, so regular growth checks may be necessary. This medication can also lower sperm counts, so if you have concerns, discuss them with your doctor.
If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks to you and your baby. If you took this medication during pregnancy, notify your baby's doctor.
This medication can interfere with certain laboratory tests, so it is vital to notify all your healthcare providers and lab workers that you are taking it. Be aware that drugs like this one can cause high blood pressure, so regular blood pressure checks, as advised by your doctor, are necessary.
If you are scheduled to undergo allergy skin tests, inform your doctor and lab workers that you are taking this medication, as it may affect the test results. Long-term use of this medication may increase the risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma, so discuss this with your doctor.
Prolonged use of this medication can also lead to weak bones (osteoporosis). Talk to your doctor to determine if you are at a higher risk or if you have any questions. You may need to reduce your salt intake and take extra potassium, so consult with your doctor about this.
If you have diabetes, it is crucial to closely monitor your blood sugar levels. Before consuming alcohol, discuss it with your doctor. Additionally, consult with your doctor before receiving any vaccines, as some vaccines may not work as well or may increase the risk of infection when taken with this medication.
It is essential to avoid close contact with anyone who has chickenpox or measles, as these infections can be severe or even deadly in people taking steroid medications like this one. If you have not had these infections before and are exposed to them, inform your doctor immediately. Steroid medications, including this one, can increase the risk of infection, which can be mild or severe, and even life-threatening. To minimize this risk, wash your hands frequently, avoid people with infections, colds, or flu, and notify your doctor if you experience any signs of infection.
Some infections, such as tuberculosis and hepatitis B, can reactivate in patients taking medications like this one. If you have a history of these infections, inform your doctor. This medication can also suppress your body's natural production of steroids, which can affect your response to stress, such as fever, infection, surgery, or injury. In such situations, you may require additional steroid doses, so notify your doctor.
If you have been taking this medication for an extended period, do not stop abruptly without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, shakiness, rapid heartbeat, confusion, sweating, or dizziness.
Long-term use of this medication has been associated with an increased risk of a type of cancer called Kaposi's sarcoma. Discuss this with your doctor. Patients with cancer may be at a higher risk of developing a potentially life-threatening condition called tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), so inform your doctor if you have cancer.
If you are 65 or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects. In children and adolescents, this medication can affect growth, so regular growth checks may be necessary. This medication can also lower sperm counts, so if you have concerns, discuss them with your doctor.
If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks to you and your baby. If you took this medication during pregnancy, notify your baby's doctor.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Acute overdose is rare but may include: increased blood pressure, fluid retention, hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, and psychiatric disturbances.
What to Do:
There is no specific antidote. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control) immediately or seek emergency medical attention.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Live or live-attenuated vaccines (during immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids)
- Systemic fungal infections (unless used as part of specific treatment for adrenal insufficiency)
Major Interactions
- CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., Phenytoin, Rifampin, Barbiturates, Carbamazepine, Ephedrine): May decrease dexamethasone levels and efficacy.
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Ritonavir, Erythromycin): May increase dexamethasone levels and risk of side effects.
- Warfarin: May alter anticoagulant effect (increase or decrease INR).
- NSAIDs: Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding.
- Antidiabetic agents (e.g., Insulin, Oral hypoglycemics): Dexamethasone may increase blood glucose, requiring dose adjustment of antidiabetics.
- Digoxin: Increased risk of digoxin toxicity due to hypokalemia.
Moderate Interactions
- Diuretics (Thiazide, Loop): Increased risk of hypokalemia.
- Oral contraceptives/Estrogens: May increase dexamethasone levels.
- Cyclosporine: Increased risk of seizures and other CNS effects.
- Fluoroquinolones: Increased risk of tendon rupture (especially in elderly or those with renal impairment).
Minor Interactions
- Antacids: May decrease dexamethasone absorption (separate administration).
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Blood pressure
Rationale: Risk of hypertension
Timing: Prior to initiation
Blood glucose
Rationale: Risk of hyperglycemia/diabetes
Timing: Prior to initiation
Electrolytes (especially potassium)
Rationale: Risk of hypokalemia
Timing: Prior to initiation
Weight
Rationale: Risk of fluid retention/weight gain
Timing: Prior to initiation
Bone mineral density (for long-term use)
Rationale: Risk of osteoporosis
Timing: Prior to initiation
Ophthalmic exam (for long-term use)
Rationale: Risk of cataracts/glaucoma
Timing: Prior to initiation
Routine Monitoring
Blood pressure
Frequency: Regularly, especially during dose adjustments or long-term therapy
Target: Individualized
Action Threshold: Significant elevation requiring intervention
Blood glucose
Frequency: Regularly, especially in diabetic patients or those at risk
Target: Individualized
Action Threshold: Persistent hyperglycemia
Electrolytes (especially potassium)
Frequency: Periodically, especially with concomitant diuretics or GI losses
Target: Normal range
Action Threshold: Hypokalemia
Weight and fluid balance
Frequency: Regularly
Target: Stable
Action Threshold: Significant weight gain or edema
Signs of infection
Frequency: Ongoing
Target: Absence of infection
Action Threshold: Fever, malaise, localized signs of infection
Adrenal function (if discontinuing after prolonged use)
Frequency: As clinically indicated during taper
Target: Normal cortisol response
Action Threshold: Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency
Symptom Monitoring
- Signs of infection (fever, sore throat, unusual fatigue)
- Hyperglycemia (increased thirst, urination, hunger)
- Fluid retention (swelling in ankles/feet, weight gain)
- Mood changes (irritability, anxiety, depression, euphoria)
- Gastrointestinal upset (stomach pain, heartburn, black/tarry stools)
- Muscle weakness or pain
- Vision changes
- Skin thinning or bruising
- Sleep disturbances
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Use during pregnancy should only be considered if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Dexamethasone crosses the placenta. Prolonged or repeated use during pregnancy may increase the risk of fetal growth restriction and neonatal adrenal suppression.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Limited data, but generally, corticosteroids are associated with a small increased risk of oral clefts in some studies, though data for dexamethasone specifically is less clear.
Second Trimester:
Risk of fetal growth restriction and potential for neonatal adrenal suppression with prolonged use.
Third Trimester:
Increased risk of neonatal adrenal suppression if used close to term. Monitor neonate for signs of hypoadrenalism.
Lactation
Dexamethasone is excreted into breast milk. While the amount is generally small, potential for adverse effects in the infant (e.g., growth suppression, interference with endogenous corticosteroid production) exists, especially with high doses or prolonged use. Use with caution; monitor infant for adverse effects.
Infant Risk:
Low to Moderate (L3)
Pediatric Use
Children are more susceptible to growth suppression and adrenal suppression with long-term corticosteroid therapy. Monitor growth and development carefully. Increased risk of intracranial hypertension in children.
Geriatric Use
Elderly patients may be at increased risk for adverse effects such as osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, and fluid retention. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. Monitor closely for side effects.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Dexamethasone has a long biological half-life (36-54 hours), allowing for once-daily dosing or alternate-day therapy for some indications.
- It is a potent glucocorticoid with minimal mineralocorticoid activity, making it less likely to cause significant fluid retention compared to hydrocortisone or prednisone.
- Commonly used for cerebral edema due to its good CNS penetration.
- Essential to taper the dose gradually after prolonged therapy to prevent adrenal insufficiency.
- Patients on long-term therapy should be advised to carry a steroid warning card.
- Can cause significant mood changes, including euphoria, depression, or psychosis.
- Increased risk of infection, especially opportunistic infections, with immunosuppressive doses.
Alternative Therapies
- Prednisone (oral)
- Methylprednisolone (oral, IV)
- Hydrocortisone (oral, IV)
- Betamethasone (oral)
- Triamcinolone (oral)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$10 - $50 per 30 tablets (0.75mg)
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Tier 1 (Generic)
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe and effective treatment, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it is a good idea to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, consult with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.