Dexamethasone (Dexamethasone) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 8, 2012

Dexamethasone

Types of Pain Medications »

For what conditions are pain medications used?

Virtually any disease as well as most injuries and surgical procedures involve some degree of pain. It's not surprising, then, that pain medications, also known as analgesics, are among the most commonly used drugs in the U.S. Pain can range from minor, acute complaints, such as a muscle sprain, to chronic, severe pain, such as that sometimes experienced by cancer patients. Some drugs used for other conditions also are effective at relieving certain types of pain. These drugs include certain drugs used for depression, epilepsy, and anxiety.

What are the differences among the types of pain medications?

Pain medications can be broadly classified into two categories: prescription and nonprescription. In the latter category are several mild anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen), as well as acetaminophen. These are mainly meant for use with short-term, acute pain -- menstrual cramps,...

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Dexamethasone User Reviews >>

Dexamethasone

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DEXAMETHASONE Tablets USP, DEXAMETHASONE Oral Solution, and DEXAMETHASONE Intensol ™ Oral Solution (Concentrate)

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Dexamethasone Tablets 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 4 and 6 mg USP, Dexamethasone Oral Solution, 0.5 mg per 5 mL and Dexamethasone Intensol ™ Oral Solution (Concentrate), 1 mg per mL are for oral administration.

Each tablet contains:

Dexamethasone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, or 6 mg

Each 5 mL of Oral Solution contains:

Dexamethasone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.5 mg

Each mL of Intensol ™ Oral Solution (Concentrate) contains:

Dexamethasone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 mg
Alcohol30%

Inactive Ingredients

The tablets contain lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, starch, sucrose, cosmetic ochre (1 mg), D&C Yellow No.10 (0.5, 4 mg), FD&C Blue No.1(0.75, 1.5 mg), FD&C Green No.3 (4, 6 mg), FD&C Red No.3 (1.5 mg), FD&C Red No.40 (1.5 mg), and FD&C Yellow No.6 (0.5, 4 mg).

The oral solution contains citric acid, disodium edetate, flavoring, glycerin, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben, sorbitol and water.

The Intensol ™ oral solution contains alcohol, benzoic acid, citric acid, disodium edetate, propylene glycol, and water.

Dexamethasone, a synthetic adrenocortical steroid, is a white to practically white, odorless, crystalline powder. It is stable in air. It is practically insoluble in water. The molecular formula is C₂₂H₂₉FO₅. The molecular weight is 392.47. It is designated chemically as 9-fluoro-11β, 17, 21-trihydroxy-16α-methylpregna-1, 4-diene, 3, 20-dione and the structural formula is:

Dexamethasone Structural Formula Illustration

What are the possible side effects of dexamethasone (Dexamethasone Intensol, Dexpak Jr. Taperpak, Dexpak Taperpak)?

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

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

problems with your vision;
swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;
severe depression, unusual thoughts or behavior, seizure (convulsions);
bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood;

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Dexamethasone »

What are the precautions when taking dexamethasone (Dexamethasone)?

Before taking dexamethasone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone); 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.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: active fungal infections.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other infections (e.g., tuberculosis, herpes), kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood conditions (e.g., psychosis, anxiety, depression), low blood minerals (e.g., low potassium/calcium),...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 7/30/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.