Decadron vs. Celestone

• Are Decadron and Celestone the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Decadron?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Celestone?
• What Is Decadron?
• What Is Celestone?
• What Drugs Interact with Decadron?
• What Drugs Interact with Celestone?
• How Should Decadron Be Taken?
• How Should Celestone Be Taken?

Decadron (dexamethasone) and Celestone (betamethasone) are corticosteroids used to treat arthritis, allergic conditions, skin disorders, breathing disorders, and intestinal disorders.

Decadron is also used to treat certain types of cancer and occasionally, cerebral edema.

The brand name Decadron is no longer available in the U.S; it may be available as a generic.

Side effects of Decadron and Celestone that are similar include nausea, stomach pain or upset, headache, dizziness, acne, sleep problems (insomnia), or bruising or discoloration.

Side effects of Decadron that are different from Celestone include vomiting, skin rash, increased hair growth, irregular menstrual periods, increased appetite, weight gain, anxiety, or depression.

Side effects of Celestone that are different from Decadron include mood changes, dry skin, thinning skin, skin problems, slow wound healing, increased sweating, spinning sensation, bloating, or changes in shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).

Both Decadron and Celestone may interact with aminoglutethimide, potassium-depleting agents (e.g., amphotericin B, diuretics), macrolide antibiotics, anticholinesterases, oral anticoagulants, antidiabetics, antitubercular drugs, cholestyramine, cyclosporine, digitalis glycosides, estrogens and oral contraceptives, barbiturates, seizure medications, rifampin, ketoconazole, aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), skin tests, and live or inactivated vaccines.

Decadron may also interact with dexamethasone suppression tests (DST), ephedrine, and thalidomide.

Common side effects of Decadron include:

• nausea,
• vomiting,
• stomach upset,
• headache,
• dizziness,
• acne,
• skin rash,
• increased hair growth,
• irregular menstrual periods,
• trouble sleeping,
• increased appetite,
• weight gain,
• easy bruising,
• anxiety, or
• depression.

Side effects of Decadron (dexamethasone) listed above may become severe and include:

• GI bleeding,
• increased susceptibility to many types of infections, and
• swelling.

Common side effects of Celestone include:

• sleep problems (insomnia)
• mood changes
• acne
• dry skin
• thinning skin
• bruising or discoloration
• skin problems
• slow wound healing
• increased sweating
• headache
• dizziness
• spinning sensation
• nausea
• stomach pain
• bloating
• changes in shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist)

Decadron (dexamethasone) is a corticosteroid, similar to a natural hormone produced by the adrenal glands, used to treat arthritis, skin, blood, kidney, eye, thyroid, intestinal disorders, severe allergies, and asthma. Decadron is also used to treat certain types of cancer and occasionally, cerebral edema. The brand name Decadron is no longer available in the U.S; it may be available as a generic.

Celestone (betamethasone) is corticosteroid used to prevent inflammation and to treat conditions such as allergic disorders, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, breathing disorders and more. Celestone is available in generic form.

Decadron may interact with aminoglutethimide, potassium-depleting agents (e.g., amphotericin B, diuretics), macrolide antibiotics, anticholinesterases, oral anticoagulants, antidiabetics, antitubercular drugs, cholestyramine, cyclosporine, dexamethasone suppression tests (DST), digitalis glycosides, ephedrine, estrogens and oral contraceptives, barbiturates, phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin, ketoconazole, aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), phenytoin, skin tests, thalidomide, and live or inactivated vaccines. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use and all vaccines you recently received. Decadron should be used during pregnancy or during breastfeeding only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus or infant. Infants may suffer adrenal suppression if their mothers use this drug during pregnancy. In special instances (for example, leukemia and nephrotic syndrome), Decadron has been used in pediatric patients. Such use should be done in most patients in conjunction with a pediatric specialist.

Tell your doctor if you are taking medications such as aspirin, diuretics blood thinners, seizure medicine or insulin as these and other medications can interact with betamethasone. Betamethasone and other steroid medication can weaken your immune system. Alcohol consumption should also be avoided.

Decadron Tablets are available in 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 4 and 6 mg strengths. The initial dosage for Decadron varies from .75 to 9 mg a day depending on the disease being treated. Infants born to mothers who have received substantial doses of corticosteroids during pregnancy should be carefully observed for signs of hypoadrenalism. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from corticosteroids, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. Use in pediatric patients is recommended to be done in consultation with a pediatric specialist.

Dosage of betamethasone may vary from 0.6 mg to 7.2 mg per day depending on the condition being treated.