Dexamethasone 0.5 mg

Indication

Dexamethasone 0.5 mg tablets are a synthetic corticosteroid used for a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions including allergic disorders, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, cerebral oedema, and adrenal insufficiency. Also used in diagnostic testing (dexamethasone suppression test).

Ingredients

• Dexamethasone acetate

Direction

Adults: Dose varies widely by indication. Typical anti-inflammatory dose: 0.5–9 mg per day in divided doses. Adrenal insufficiency replacement: 0.5–0.75 mg daily. Always follow physician's instructions. Taper dose gradually when discontinuing after prolonged use.

Side effects

• Hyperglycaemia and diabetes mellitus.
• Weight gain
• fluid retention
• and hypertension.
• Osteoporosis with long
• term use.
• Adrenal suppression.
• Mood changes
• insomnia
• and psychosis.
• Cataracts and glaucoma.
• Impaired wound healing.

Precautions

• Prolonged use suppresses the hypothalamic
• pituitary
• adrenal (HPA) axis — do not stop abruptly after long
• term therapy.
• Increases susceptibility to infections
• may mask signs of infection.
• Contraindicated in systemic fungal infections.
• Use with caution in diabetes mellitus
• hypertension
• osteoporosis
• peptic ulcer disease
• and psychiatric disorders.
• Avoid live vaccines during treatment.
• Use in children may impair growth.
• Keep out of reach of children.