Fortecortin 4 mg Dexamethasone, Oral Tablet

  30 tablets

Highlights for dexamethasone

 
    Dexamethasone is available as both a generic and brand-name drug. Brand name(s): DexPak.
    The dexamethasone oral tablet is used to treat many conditions. These include inflammation, allergic reactions, and flare-ups of ulcerative colitis. They also include adrenal insufficiency.
    Dexamethasone comes as an oral tablet, oral solution, or eye drops. It’s also available as an injectable solution, which is only given by a healthcare provider.
 

Warnings

Important warnings
 
    Heart Damage Warning: If you’ve recently had a heart attack, you may be at increased risk for further heart damage from this drug. Before starting this drug, be sure your doctor knows you’ve had a heart attack.
    Infection Warning: Dexamethasone can cover up or worsen certain infections. In addition, infections can develop during treatment. Don’t use this drug if you have fungal infections, or a history of parasite infections or tuberculosis. Tell your doctor about any past illnesses or infections.
    Eye Problems Warning: Using dexamethasone for long periods can lead to eye problems such as cataracts or glaucoma. The drug may also cause damage to the optic nerves, or fungal or viral eye infections.
    Measles or Chickenpox Warning: Tell your doctor if you haven’t had chickenpox or measles, or if you haven’t had the vaccines to prevent them. You could have more serious versions of these illnesses if you have them while taking dexamethasone.
 

About

What is dexamethasone?
 
Dexamethasone is a prescription medication. It’s available as an oral tablet, oral solution, or eye drops. It’s also available as an injectable solution, which is only given by a healthcare provider.
 
The dexamethasone tablet is available as the brand-name drug DexPak. It’s also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version.
Why it's used
 
The dexamethasone oral tablet is used to treat conditions that cause inflammation, conditions related to immune system activity, and hormone deficiency. These conditions include:
 
    inflammation
    allergic reactions
    rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, including ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and acute gouty arthritis
    skin diseases, such as pemphigus, severe erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson syndrome), exfoliative dermatitis, bullous dermatitis herpetiformis, severe seborrheic dermatitis, severe psoriasis, or mycosis fungoides
    flare-ups of intestinal disease, such as ulcerative colitis
    flare-ups of multiple sclerosis or myasthenia gravis
    pre-treatment for chemotherapy to reduce inflammation and side effects from cancer medications
    adrenal insufficiency (a condition where the adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones)
 
How it works
 
Dexamethasone belongs to a class of drugs called steroids. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.
 
For conditions with inflammation: With certain conditions, inflammation can cause the immune system to be overactive. This can damage the body's tissues. Steroids such as dexamethasone help block the immune system’s response to inflammation, which helps prevent this damage.
 
For adrenal insufficiency: The adrenal gland helps control certain body functions. These functions include managing blood glucose, fighting infection, and controlling stress. In people with adrenal insufficiency, the adrenal gland releases lower amounts of certain hormones. Dexamethasone helps replace these hormones.

Side effects

Dexamethasone side effects
 
Dexamethasone oral tablet doesn’t cause drowsiness, but it can cause other side effects.
More common side effects
 
The more common side effects that can occur with dexamethasone oral tablets include:
 
    nausea
    vomiting
    stomach upset
    swelling (edema)
    headache
    dizziness
    mood changes, such as depression, mood swings, or personality changes
    trouble falling asleep
    anxiety
    low potassium levels (causing symptoms such as tiredness)
    high blood glucose
    high blood pressure
 
If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects
 
Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
 
    Unusual tiredness
    Unusual dizziness
    Unusual digestive upset. Symptoms can include:
        stomach pain
        nausea or vomiting
    Blood in your stool, or black stools
    Blood in your urine
    Unusual bleeding or bruising
    Unusual swelling throughout your body, or bloating in your abdomen (stomach area)
    Infection. Symptoms can include:
        fever
        muscle aches
        joint pain
    Changes in mood or thoughts, or mood disorders such as depression. Symptoms can include:
        severe mood swings
        euphoria (a feeling of intense happiness)
        trouble sleeping
        personality changes
    Severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:
        fever
        trouble breathing
    Adrenal insufficiency. Symptoms can include:
        tiredness
        nausea
        darkened skin color
        dizziness when standing
    More frequent infections (can occur with long-term use)
    Stomach ulcers. Symptoms can include:
        pain in the abdomen (stomach area)
    Congestive heart failure. Symptoms can include:
        shortness of breath
        tiredness
        swollen legs
        rapid heartbeat
    Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones)
 
Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare provider who knows your medical history.
Interactions
Dexamethasone may interact with other medications
 
Dexamethasone oral tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.
 
To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
 
Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with dexamethasone are listed below.
Antibiotics
 
Erythromycin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria. When used with dexamethasone, this drug can increase the amount of dexamethasone in your body. This raises your risk of side effects.
Antifungal drugs
 
When used with dexamethasone, certain drugs used to treat certain fungal infections can lower the level of dexamethasone in your blood. This can keep dexamethasone from working well. Examples of these drugs include:
 
    ketoconazole
    itraconazole
    posaconazole
    voriconazole
 
Amphotericin B is another drug used to treat fungal infections. Using this drug with dexamethasone raises your risk of low potassium levels. (Potassium is a mineral that helps your nerves, muscles, and organs work normally.) This can cause muscle cramps, weakness, tiredness, and an irregular heartbeat.
Blood thinners
 
Using dexamethasone with certain blood thinners can decrease the levels of these drugs in your body. This can make them less effective, and raise your risk of clots or stroke. Examples of these drugs include:
 
    apixaban
    rivaroxaban
 
Warfarin is also used to thin the blood. Using dexamethasone with this drug raises your risk of increased bleeding. Your doctor may need to monitor you closely.
Cholesterol drugs
 
If you take dexamethasone with certain drugs used to lower cholesterol, it can keep your body from absorbing dexamethasone well. This could keep dexamethasone from working well. Examples of these drugs include:
 
    cholestyramine
    colesevelam
    colestipol
 
Cushing’s syndrome drugs
 
Aminoglutethimide is used to treat symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome (a disease of the adrenal gland). Using this drug with dexamethasone may decrease the amount of dexamethasone in your body. This means it may not work as well.
Diabetes drugs
 
Dexamethasone may increase your blood glucose. If you take diabetes drugs, your doctor may need to change your dose. Examples of these drugs include:
 
    amylin analogs, such as:
        pramlintide
    biguanides, such as:
        metformin
    GLP-1 agonists, such as:
        exenatide
        liraglutide
        lixisenatide
    DPP4 inhibitors, such as:
        saxagliptin
        sitagliptin
    insulin
    meglitinides, such as:
        nateglinide
        repaglinide
    sulfonylureas, such as:
        glimepiride
        glipizide
        glyburide
    SGLT-2 inhibitors, such as:
        canagliflozin
        dapagliflozin
        empagliflozin
    thiazolidinediones, such as:
        pioglitazone
        rosiglitazone
 
Diuretics (water pills)
 
When used with dexamethasone, these drugs reduce your body’s potassium levels. (Potassium is a mineral that helps your nerves, muscles, and organs work normally.) This can cause muscle cramps, weakness, tiredness, and an irregular heartbeat. Examples of these drugs include:
 
    bumetanide
    furosemide
    hydrochlorothiazide
 
Epilepsy drugs
 
When used with dexamethasone, certain drugs used to treat epilepsy can lower the level of dexamethasone in your blood. This can keep dexamethasone from working well. Examples of these drugs include:
 
    phenytoin
    fosphenytoin
    phenobarbital
    carbamazepine
 
Heart drugs
 
Digoxin is used to treat heart rhythm problems or heart failure. Taking this drug with dexamethasone could increase your risk of irregular heartbeats caused by low potassium levels. (Potassium is a mineral that helps your nerves, muscles, and organs work normally.)
Hormones
 
Taking certain hormones with dexamethasone can cause decreased levels of these hormones in your body. Your doctor may have to adjust your dose of either the dexamethasone or hormone medications. Examples of these drugs include:
 
    estrogens
    oral contraceptives
 
HIV drugs
 
Taking certain drugs used to treat HIV with dexamethasone can reduce the levels of these drugs in your body. This means they may not work as well. Examples of these drugs include:
 
    protease inhibitors, such as:
        atazanavir
        darunavir
        fosamprenavir
        indinavir
        nelfinavir
        ritonavir
        saquinavir
        simeprevir
        tipranavir
    non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, such as:
        etravirine
    entry inhibitors, such as:
        maraviroc
    integrase inhibitors, such as:
        elvitegravir
 
NSAIDs
 
Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with dexamethasone raises your risk of stomach upset. Talk with your doctor about whether you can take these drugs together. Examples of NSAIDs include:
 
    aspirin
    ibuprofen
    indomethacin
    naproxen
 
Sedatives or sleeping pills
 
Phenobarbital can be used to help people sleep. Taking this drug with dexamethasone can lower the level of dexamethasone in your blood. This can keep it from working well.
Tuberculosis drugs
 
When used with dexamethasone, certain drugs used to treat tuberculosis (TB) can lower the level of dexamethasone in your blood. This can keep dexamethasone from working well. Examples of these drugs include:
 
    rifampin
    rifabutin
    rifapentine
 
Isoniazid is another TB drug. When it’s used with dexamethasone, levels of isoniazid can be lowered. This can keep isoniazid from working well.
Vaccines
 
Avoid getting vaccines when taking dexamethasone. Certain vaccines may not work as well for people taking this drug. Also, the drug may make some live vaccines stronger. This raises the risk of side effects from the vaccine.
Other drugs
 
Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It’s often used to treat pain, as well as thin the blood to reduce your risk of heart attack. Dexamethasone can decrease your aspirin levels. This can make aspirin less effective and increase your risk of heart attack. Also, aspirin can increase your risk of bleeding from stomach ulceration (sores) when used with dexamethasone. If you take aspirin, talk with your doctor about whether dexamethasone is safe for you.
 
Thalidomide is used to treat skin lesions and multiple myeloma. Combining it with dexamethasone can cause toxic epidermal necrolysis. This skin condition can be life-threatening.
 
Cyclosporine is used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients, as well as to treat rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis. Taking this drug with dexamethasone could increase the risk that your immune system will be suppressed (won’t work well). This would raise your risk of infection.
 
Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.
 

Other warnings

Dexamethasone warnings
 
This drug comes with several warnings.
Allergies
 
Dexamethasone can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:
 
    trouble breathing
    swelling of your throat or tongue
 
If you have an allergic reaction, call your doctor or local poison control center right away. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
 
Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death).
For people with certain health conditions
 
For people with infections. Dexamethasone may make a systemic fungal infection worse. (Systemic means it affects the whole body, not just one part.) This drug shouldn’t be used if you’re taking medication to treat a systemic fungal infection. Also, dexamethasone may hide the signs of a non-fungal infection.
 
For people with congestive heart failure. Dexamethasone can increase sodium levels, edema (swelling), and potassium loss. This can make your heart failure worse. Before taking this drug, talk to your doctor about whether it’s safe for you.
 
For people with high blood pressure. Dexamethasone can increase sodium levels, edema (swelling), and potassium loss. This can increase your blood pressure. Before taking this drug, talk to your doctor about whether it’s safe for you.
 
For people with kidney disease. Dexamethasone can increase sodium levels, edema (swelling), and potassium loss. This can increase your risk of irregular heartbeats. Before taking this drug, talk to your doctor about whether it’s safe for you.
 
For people with peptic ulcers. Dexamethasone can increase the risk of stomach or intestinal bleeding and ulcers. If you have peptic ulcers or other conditions of the intestines, talk to your doctor about whether this drug is safe for you. Conditions of the intestines include:
 
    diverticulitis
    ulcerative colitis
 
For people with osteoporosis. Dexamethasone decreases bone formation. It also increases bone resorption (breakdown of bone). As a result, it raises the risk of osteoporosis (bone thinning). The risk is higher for people already at an increased risk of osteoporosis. These include postmenopausal women.
 
For people with hyperthyroidism. This drug is removed from the body more quickly than normal. Your doctor may adjust your dose of this drug based on your condition.
 
For people with eye problems. Long-term use of dexamethasone may cause eye problems such as cataracts or glaucoma. Your risk is higher if you already have eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, or increased pressure in the eye.
 
For people with tuberculosis. If you have latent tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity, dexamethasone can re-activate the disease. If you test positive for tuberculosis, talk with your doctor about whether taking this drug is safe for you.
 
For people with recent history of heart attack. If you’ve recently had a heart attack, use of dexamethasone may lead to a tear in your heart muscle. Before you start this drug, be sure your doctor knows you’ve had a recent heart attack.
 
For people with diabetes. Dexamethasone can increase blood sugar levels. As a result, your doctor may change the dose of your antidiabetic drugs.
 
For people with myasthenia gravis (MG). If you have MG, using dexamethasone with certain drugs used to treat Alzheimer’s disease can cause severe weakness. Examples of these drugs include memantine, rivastigmine, and donepezil. If possible, wait at least 24 hours after taking these drugs to start dexamethasone therapy.
For pregnant women
 
Dexamethasone is a category C pregnancy drug. That means two things:
 
    Research in animals has shown adverse effects to the fetus when the mother takes the drug.
    There haven’t been enough studies done in humans to be certain how the drug might affect the fetus.
 
Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This drug should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
For women who are breastfeeding
 
Dexamethasone is not recommended for women who are breastfeeding. The drug can pass to a child through breast milk and may cause side effects.
For seniors
 
The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.
Dosage
How to take dexamethasone
 
All possible dosages and forms may not be included here. Your dose, form, and how often you take it will depend on:
 
    your age
    the condition being treated
    how severe your condition is
    other medical conditions you have
    how you react to the first dose
 
Dosage for inflammation
 
Generic: Dexamethasone
 
    Form: oral tablet
    Strengths: 0.5 mg, 0.75 mg, 1 mg, 1.5 mg, 4 mg, and 6 mg
 
Brand: DexPak
 
    Form: oral tablet
    Strengths: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.75 mg, 1 mg, 1.5 mg, 4 mg, and 6 mg
 
Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)
 
Typical dosage: 0.75–9 mg every 6–12 hours, depending on the condition being treated
 
Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)
 
Initial dosage: 0.02–2 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, taken in three or four divided doses. Dosage depends on the condition being treated
 
Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)
 
The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.
 
Your doctor may start you on a lowered dose or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.
 
Special dosage considerations
 
When stopping treatment, your dosage should be decreased slowly over time. This helps to prevent withdrawal side effects.
Dosage for adrenal insufficiency
 
Generic: Dexamethasone
 
    Form: oral tablet
    Strengths: 0.5 mg, 0.75 mg, 1 mg, 1.5 mg, 4 mg, and 6 mg
 
Brand: DexPak
 
    Form: oral tablet
    Strengths: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.75 mg, 1 mg, 1.5 mg, 4 mg, and 6 mg
 
Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)
 
Typical dosage: 0.75–9 mg every 6–12 hours, depending on the condition being treated.
 
Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)
 
Initial dosage: 0.02–2 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, taken in three or four divided doses. Dosage depends on the condition being treated.
 
Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)
 
The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.
 
Your doctor may start you on a lowered dose or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.
 
Special dosage considerations
 
When stopping treatment, your dose should be decreased slowly over time. This helps to prevent withdrawal side effects.
 
Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always to speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you.
Take as directed
Take as directed
 
Dexamethasone oral tablets are used for long-term treatment. They come with serious risks if you don’t take them as prescribed.
If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don’t take it at all
 
If you don’t take the drug at all, your condition won’t be controlled. If you stop taking dexamethasone suddenly, you may have withdrawal side effects. These can include:
 
    tiredness
    fever
    muscle aches
    joint pain
 
Your dose should be decreased over time to avoid withdrawal side effects. Don’t stop taking dexamethasone unless your doctor tells you to.
If you miss doses or don’t take the drug on schedule
 
Your medication may not work as well or may stop working completely. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times.
If you take too much
 
You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include:
 
    irregular heartbeats
    seizures
    severe allergic reaction, with trouble breathing, hives, or swelling of your throat or tongue
 
If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or local poison control center. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
What to do if you miss a dose
 
If you miss a dose, wait and take the next dose as planned. Don’t double your dose. This could result in dangerous side effects.
How to tell if the drug is working
 
The symptoms of your condition should be reduced.
Important considerations
Important considerations for taking dexamethasone
 
Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes dexamethasone for you.
 

General

 
    Take dexamethasone with food. Taking it with food can reduce stomach upset from the drug.
    Take this drug at the time(s) recommended by your doctor.
    You can cut or crush the tablet.
 

Storage

 
    Keep dexamethasone tablets at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).
    Don’t store this medication in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms.
 
Refills
 
A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.
Travel
 
When traveling with your medication:
 
    Always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on bag.
    Don’t worry about airport X-ray machines. They can’t hurt your medication.
    You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled box with you.
    Don’t put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold.
 
Clinical monitoring
 
Your doctor will monitor you during treatment with this drug. They may do tests to check for side effects from long-term use of dexamethasone. These tests may include:
 
    weight test
    blood pressure test
    eye test (glaucoma screening)
    bone mineral density tests (osteoporosis screening)
    X-ray of your gastrointestinal tract (this is done if you have symptoms of peptic ulcer, such as severe stomach upset, vomiting, or blood in your stool)
 
The cost of these tests will depend on your insurance.