Dexamethazone Tablet 0.5mg Tablets

Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid, a man-made version of a hormone your body makes naturally. It calms inflammation and an overactive immune system.

It is used for many conditions, including:

• severe allergies and severe skin conditions
• autoimmune and inflammatory conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
• croup in children
• eye inflammation (as eye drops)
• nausea and vomiting, and side effects of cancer treatment
• severe COVID-19 and other serious infections, in hospital

It comes as tablets, soluble tablets, liquid, injections and eye or ear drops.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you.

• Take tablets or liquid in the morning with or just after breakfast, not on an empty stomach.
• If you take more than one dose a day, take the last one before 6pm to help you sleep.
• Swallow standard tablets whole; dissolve soluble tablets in water. Measure liquid with the syringe or spoon supplied.
• If you miss a dose, follow the leaflet or ask your pharmacist. Never take 2 doses together.
• Do not stop suddenly, especially after high doses or long use. Your doctor will lower the dose slowly.

Common side effects include:

• weight gain and increased appetite
• indigestion
• sleep problems
• mild mood changes

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• vomit that is black, dark brown or bloody, or black poo
• thoughts of harming yourself, or feeling very low, anxious, confused or seeing things
• fever, sore throat, cough or other signs of infection
• extreme thirst or fruity-smelling breath (high blood sugar)
• severe tummy pain, breathlessness, swollen arms or legs, or changes in eyesight
• swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing

Long-term use can weaken bones, affect the eyes, raise blood sugar and slow growth in children.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have an infection, or have been near someone with chickenpox, shingles or measles
• have diabetes
• have an adrenal or pituitary gland problem
• use other steroids, such as inhalers or nasal sprays
• are due to have a vaccine (live vaccines are not suitable)
• are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding

If you take it for more than 3 weeks or at higher doses, you may be given a steroid card to carry.

Store as directed on the pack or leaflet, and keep out of the sight and reach of children. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.

Infections: it makes infections more likely and can make chickenpox, shingles or measles very serious. Tell your doctor straight away if you are exposed.

Stopping: stopping suddenly after long use can cause severe tiredness, weakness and aches, and your condition may return.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: it can be used in pregnancy after discussion with your doctor; do not stop on your own. It is usually acceptable while breastfeeding if your baby is healthy.

Driving: do not drive if your eyesight is affected. Alcohol is generally fine.