Dexamethasone Tablet uses, side effects, precautions
| Medicine type | Corticosteroid |
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Route of administration | Oral |
| Uses | Allergic reactions, Breathing problems, Inflammation |
| Side effects | Infection, Stomach upset, Weight gain |
| Precaution | Pregnancy, Liver or Kidney diseases |
General uses of Dexamethasone Tablet
Dexamethasone Tablet is generally used in the treatment of allergic reactions, inflammation, eye disorders, skin diseases, arthritis, and autoimmune disorders.
What is Dexamethasone?
Dexamethasone: Dexamethasone belongs to the class of medications known as corticosteroids. It is used in the treatment of several allergic reactions and inflammation.
How does Dexamethasone Tablet work? / Mechanism of action
Dexamethasone works by binding to glucocorticoid receptors in the cytoplasm and makes drug-receptor complex. The drug-receptor complex then moves into the nucleus and binds to the glucocorticoid response element and activates it. The activated glucocorticoid response element then alters the gene transcription. Alerting the gene transcription inhibits the inflammatory signals and promotes anti-inflammatory signals.
In other words, dexamethasone works by inhibiting the release and production of several chemical messengers in the body that are responsible for inflammation and allergies.
When Dexamethasone Tablet is prescribed?
Dexamethasone Tablet is prescribed in conditions like:
- Inflammation
- Allergic reactions
- Autoimmune disorders
- Breathing problems
- Asthma
- Eye disorders
- Skin diseases
- Arthritis
Side effects of Dexamethasone Tablet
Dexamethasone Tablet may cause side effects like:
- Peptic ulcer
- Weight gain
- Hyperglycemia
- Increased appetite
- Stomach upset
- Neurological disorders
- Glaucoma
- Abnormal hair growth
- Infection
- Cushing syndrome
Precautions
Alcohol: It is not advised to use Dexamethasone Tablet with alcohol.
Pregnancy: It may be unsafe to use Dexamethasone Tablet in pregnancy.
Liver or Kidney disease: Dexamethasone Tablet should be used with caution in patients with having any liver or kidney disease.
Hypersensitivity: You should avoid using this medicine if you are hypersensitive (allergic) to dexamethasone.
Diabetes: Dexamethasone Tablet may increase the blood glucose level in the body. Diabetic patients should not use this medicine without consulting their doctor.
Osteoporosis: Dexamethasone Tablet may oppose the action of vitamin D. So it should be used with caution in patients with having osteoporosis or any other bone disorders.
Tuberculosis: This medicine decreases the immune response of the body. Patients that are suffering from TB (tuberculosis) should not use this medicine.
How to use Dexamethasone Tablet?
Take the dose of Dexamethasone Tablet as advised by your doctor.
You should take Dexamethasone Tablet after having a meal.
Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet. Swallow it as a whole.
Storage of Dexamethasone Tablet
Store Dexamethasone Tablet at room temperature.
Keep this medicine away from direct sunlight.
Keep this medicine away from kids and pets.
Tell your doctor if:
- You are allergic to dexamethasone.
- You’re a pregnant woman.
- You have high blood pressure or heart diseases (heart failure, recent heart attack).
- You are a diabetic patient.
- You’ve any bone disorders like osteoporosis, osteomalacia.
- You’ve any eye disorders.
- You have mental disorders (anxiety, depression, psychosis).
- You have gastrointestinal disorders (peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis).
Brands of Dexamethasone Tablet in India
| Dexona Tablet | Zydus Cadila |
| Decdan Tablet | Wockhardt Ltd |
| Demisone Tablet | Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd |
| Wymesone Tablet | Pfizer Ltd |
| Lupidexa Tablet | Lupin Ltd |
| D Sone Tablet | Akme Biotec |
Some FAQs
Dexamethasone Tablet belongs to a class of medications known as corticosteroids. It is used in the treatment of allergic reactions, breathing problems, inflammation, and autoimmune disorders.
No, It is not advised to use Dexamethasone Tablet in pregnancy.
Yes, Dexamethasone Tablet has some negative side effects like weight gain. It can cause weight gain by increasing appetite, fluid retention, and by fat redistribution. The fat gained by this medicine usually occurs on the abdomen, face, neck, and shoulder.
Yes, Dexamethasone Tablet is a steroid medicine that shows anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties.
Summary
Dexamethasone Tablet is a steroid medicine that is mainly used in the treatment of inflammation, allergic reactions, breathing problems, and auto-immune disorders.
Dexamethasone Tablet can lead to various side effects and hence it should be used only under the supervision of a registered medical practitioner.
Disclaimer: The information contained in pharmbaba.com is presented for the purpose of educating consumers. Nothing contained in pharmbaba.com is intended to be instructional for medical diagnosis or treatment. The information should not be considered complete, nor should it be relied on to suggest a course of treatment for a particular individual. Information obtained in pharmbaba.com is not exhaustive and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment.
