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Dexamethasone is an effective steroid for various medical conditions, such as inflammation, allergic reactions, and cancer treatment. We discuss the possible interactions between Dexamethasone and other drugs and the precautions you must take when using this medication.
Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid, anti-inflammatory drug that treats:
Additionally, it provides relief for people struggling with the following conditions:
In endocrinology, Dexamethasone is a diagnostic tool for Cushing Syndrome, which occurs when your body produces too much cortisol.1
Dexamethasone’s off-label uses include:
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While you can’t combine some medicines, there are instances where your doctor may prescribe two different drugs that could interact. In the case of Dexamethasone, physicians don’t typically use it with other drugs.
If they do, they may adjust the dosage or frequency of use for one or both medicines. Doing so will avoid potential complications, such as heartburn and indigestion.2
Your doctor may combine Dexamethasone with other medications to treat conditions you may have or be at risk of having.
These are medications that can interact with Dexamethasone:
Using certain medications with Dexamethasone also increases the risk of certain side effects. Thus, your doctor will adjust the dose or frequency of one or both medicines for safety reasons.2
These are the drugs that can interact with Dexamethasone, risking side effects:
Be aware of the potential interactions between specific medicines and food. Consuming alcohol or tobacco while taking certain medications can also lead to complications.
Consult with a healthcare professional to discuss the appropriate medication use concerning food, alcohol, and tobacco.
Dexamethasone with Tylenol (acetaminophen) is generally safe, especially for minor pain.3 There have been no reported interactions between these drugs, although this doesn’t guarantee their compatibility.
Tylenol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) relieve pain, but Tylenol falls outside the category of NSAIDs. Consult with a healthcare professional before taking both medications as a precaution.4
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You can take codeine, co-codamol, and paracetamol with Dexamethasone for effective pain relief. However, healthcare professionals advise against nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) to avoid stomach ulceration and bleeding.
These NSAIDs include:5
A clinical study recommends a low-dose combination of ibuprofen and Dexamethasone as a viable treatment method for neuropathic pain.6 This approach provides a valuable option for those having difficulty tolerating high-dose medications.
Nonetheless, consult a healthcare professional if you’re considering taking these medications together to ensure safety and effectiveness.7
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To ensure safety, you should avoid taking medications that can lead to adverse interactions while taking Dexamethasone.
Aside from the abovementioned medications, here are others you should avoid taking with Dexamethasone:2
Taking these drugs with Dexamethasone can lead to a dangerous decrease in the effectiveness of the medication, increased complications, and potential toxicity. Therefore, you must talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about any medications before using Dexamethasone.
Dexamethasone is a strong medicine that helps the body in many ways. Particularly, it:1
The body breaks down Dexamethasone mainly in the liver and then gets rid of it in urine. However, the drug’s effects can change when other medicines are involved.
Some drugs can interact with Dexamethasone since their combination with Dexamethasone is not necessarily harmful. Your doctor must evaluate each drug individually to determine the potential interactions.
Consulting with your doctor is an excellent way to avoid possible complications and get the most out of your medication.
COVID-19 triggers a severe hyperinflammatory response in the body. As a result, Dexamethasone’s ability to suppress inflammation is vital to its therapeutic efficacy against the virus.
In a recent clinical trial, those hospitalized with COVID-19 who received Dexamethasone experienced lower 28-day mortality rates, especially those requiring mechanical ventilation or oxygen therapy.1
Yes, Dexamethasone is effective in reducing fever. A study showed that those with pneumonia treated with Dexamethasone experienced a significant decrease in body temperature.7
The suppression of pro-inflammatory and pyretic cytokines is the most likely mechanism behind the fever-reducing effect of this medication. However, you shouldn’t use it to treat preschool children with fevers caused by common respiratory infections.8
Dexamethasone’s strong immunosuppressive properties may increase the risk of opportunistic infections and potentially worsen any infection.
Before prescribing corticosteroid therapy, medical professionals must weigh the potential risks and strictly avoid its use for fever of unknown origin.
The half-life of Dexamethasone ranges from 36 to 72 hours.8 This means it takes the body between 0.5 and 1.5 days to eliminate half of the amount taken.
On the other hand, its mean terminal half-life lasts approximately four hours, and its oral clearance is 15.7 L/hr with just one dose.1
The following factors affect how long Dexamethasone stays in the system:1
You can’t have any immunization or vaccination while taking this drug.9 Dexamethasone may weaken your body’s ability to resist infections, lowering vaccine efficacy or potentially causing infection.
Dexamethasone increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration if combined with NSAIDs.5
Before taking Dexamethasone, inform your doctor if you are:10
Seek immediate medical help if you experience these symptoms that won’t go away while taking Dexamethasone.10
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following adverse reactions:
Dexamethasone is a type of corticosteroid medication used to treat disorders related to inflammation. It helps reduce swelling, pain, itching, and allergic reactions. However, it can have serious side effects and interactions combined with other medications.
Therefore, talking to your doctor before taking Dexamethasone with other medications is essential. Your doctor will consider all your current drugs and advise on potential interactions to avoid adverse drug reactions.
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