Decadron

Brand name:

Decadron, Zema-pak, Hexadrol, DexPak

Decadron is a drug used in allergic states such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, drug hypersensitivity reactions, perennial or seasonal allergic rhinitis, and serum sickness. It is also used to treat certain skin disorders, endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, blood disorders, leukemias and lymphomas, trichinosis with brain or heart involvement, tuberculous meningitis, brain and nerve disorders, kidney diseases, eye diseases, lung disorders, and certain rheumatic disorders which are responsive to dexamethasone.

Decadron is available as a tablet containing 0.5 mg or 0.7 mg of dexamethasone.

Instructions:

You should read the product information leaflet before using this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication should be taken by mouth as instructed by your doctor. Do not crush or chew the drug because it may diminish its effects. This medication should be taken with a full glass of water unless your doctor tells you otherwise. You should swallow the drug whole.

Your dosage is based on your medical condition and the way you will respond to treatment. Take this drug regularly to experience the most benefits. You should also take this drug at the same time each day.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Continue to use it as prescribed by your doctor or as stated on the package label.

Interactions:

Decadron may interact with medications such as:

• Natalizumab
• Aminoglutethimide
• Aprepitant
• Birth control pills
• Blood thinners such as warfarin
• Bupropion
• Certain cancer drugs such as dasatinib, lapatinib, sunitinib or aldesleukin
• Caspofungin
• Cholestyramine
• Cyclosporine
• Diabetes medications such as glyburide
• Digoxin
• Drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove dexamethasone from your body such as azole antifungals including ketoconazole
• Barbiturates including phenobarbital
• Macrolide antibiotics including erythromycin
• Rifamycins including rifampin
• Certain anti-seizure medications including phenytoin and carbamazepine
• Drugs that may cause potassium loss such as amphotericin B
• Diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide
• Ephedrine
• Estrogen hormone replacement
• HIV protease inhibitors such as indinavir
• Isoniazid
• Mifepristone
• Quinolone antibiotics such as levofloxacin
• Salicylates such as salsalate
• Temsirolimus
• Thalidomide

Side Effects:

There are no side effects known aside from a possible allergic reaction in people who have previous or unknown hypersensitivity to the drug.

Watch out for signs of allergic reactions such as:

• Rash
• Itching
• Swelling

Warnings:

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have the following:

• Allergy to dexamethasoneor to other corticosteroids such as prednisone
• Active fungal infections
• Other infections such as tuberculosis or herpes
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Mental or mood conditions such as psychosis, anxiety or depression
• Low blood minerals such as low potassium or calcium
• Thyroid disease
• Stomach or intestinal problems such as ulcer, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis or unexplained diarrhea
• High blood pressure
• Heart problems such as congestive heart failure or recent heart attack
• Diabetes
• Eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma or herpes infection of the eye
• Osteoporosis
• History of blood clots
• Pregnancy or lactation