What to know before taking dexamethasone?

Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies.

To make sure dexamethasone is safe for you, tell your doctor if you ever had:

●      infections such as tuberculosis, herpes, fungal infections

●      kidney disease

●      liver disease

●      mental or mood disorders such as psychosis, anxiety, depression

●      mineral imbalance such as low level of potassium or calcium in the blood

●      thyroid disease

●      stomach or intestinal problems such as ulcer, diverticulitis

●      high blood pressure

●      heart problems such as heart failure or heart attack

●      diabetes

●      eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma

●      bone loss

●      blood clots

Using corticosteroid medicines for a long time can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress.

This medicine can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen your current infections. Do not get in contact with people who have infections that may spread to others, such as chickenpox, measles, flu.

This drug may cause stomach bleeding. Do not drink alcohol while using this drug may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. 

Old age people may be more sensitive to this drug’s side effects, especially bone loss or pain, stomach or intestinal bleeding, and mental or mood changes (such as confusion).

 

Dexamethasone may slow down a child’s growth if used for a long time.

 

Do not use this drug during pregnancy because it may harm an unborn baby. Infants born to mothers who have been using this drug for a long time may have hormone problems.

 

It is unknown whether dexamethasone passes into breastmilk. Talk to your doctor before breastfeeding.