Perhaps your doctor has prescribed you this medicine called 'Dexa' for your asthma, severe allergies, skin problems, or long-standing joint pain. This is a very useful medicine that is known to many people and is given for many diseases. However, like any medicine, there are a few things that we need to be careful about while using it. So today, let's learn everything about this medicine called Dexamethasone.
What is Dexamethasone?
Simply put, dexamethasone is a corticosteroid . In our language, it is a type of steroid. It mainly helps in controlling conditions like inflammation in our body.
Just think, when we get a wound somewhere on our body, that area becomes red, swollen, and painful. In the same way, some diseases can cause inflammation inside the body. Dexamethasone is used to control such inflammatory conditions.
Here are some common uses for this medicine:
- Control asthma
- For severe allergies
- For joint diseases like arthritis
- For skin diseases (e.g. severe eczema, psoriasis)
- For lung-related diseases
- For some blood disorders
- For diseases related to the adrenal glands
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
It's important for your doctor to know your complete health history before prescribing any medication. So, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor about it. Don't ignore it, thinking it's something minor.
| Inform your doctor if you have these conditions. | |
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How exactly do you use this medicine?
This medication usually comes as an oral solution. Be aware of these things when using it.
- Drink a full glass of water before taking the medicine.
- Use the dosing dispenser provided to measure the correct dose. Do not measure with teaspoons or syrup cups.
- If you find it difficult to take this liquid medicine straight, you can mix a small amount into something like pudding or liquid. However, if you mix it that way, you should eat or drink it all at once . Do not save it for later use.
- If you have to drink it once a day, drink it in the morning if possible.
- Take the prescribed dose at the prescribed time. Do not take more than the doctor tells you to.
Most importantly: Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly for any reason without your doctor's advice. Doing so can cause serious side effects. If you need to stop taking the medicine, your doctor will tell you how to gradually reduce the dose and wean you off the medicine without causing any withdrawal symptoms.
Special occasions
- Children: If you are giving this medicine to a young child, talk to your pediatrician about it. In some cases, it is given to children as young as one month old, but with special care.
- People over 65 years of age: Older people may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, so they are usually prescribed a lower dose.
What if I take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have accidentally taken more medicine than you thought, don't delay. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What do you do if you miss a medication appointment?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Some medications can cause problems when taken with dexamethasone, so it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including those prescribed by other doctors, over-the-counter pain relievers, and traditional or herbal remedies).
| Things that should never be taken together | |
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| Live virus vaccines | |
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This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about everything you take. Also tell him if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Decreased immunity: When taking this medicine, your body's immunity may be slightly reduced . Therefore, the chances of getting sick are higher. If you experience symptoms like fever, cold, or sore throat, see a doctor immediately. Stay away from people who are sick as much as possible.
- Blood sugar: If you have diabetes, this medicine may increase your blood sugar levels . So check your blood sugar levels regularly. You may need to adjust the dose of your diabetes medicine.
- Diet: Talk to your doctor about your diet. He or she may tell you to reduce your salt intake .
- Surgery: If you are going to have surgery or other medical tests in the future, tell the doctor that you are taking this medicine (or have taken it within the past 12 months).
- Medical ID: If possible, wear a card or bracelet with details about the medication you are taking, the dosage, and your medical condition.
What side effects can occur?
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
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| Tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome. | |
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Take-Home Message
- Dexamethasone is a very useful and powerful steroid. Therefore, always use it as prescribed by your doctor, for the prescribed period, and in the prescribed dosage .
- Avoid stopping the medication suddenly for any reason. Seek medical advice before stopping.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you take, all medical conditions you have, and any allergies you have.
- Remember to protect yourself from infections and monitor your blood sugar levels while taking this medication.
- If you notice a serious side effect, go to your doctor or the nearest hospital emergency department (ETU) without delay.
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