What is this medicine?

DEXAMETHASONE (dex a METH a sone) is a corticosteroid. It is used to treat inflammation of the skin, joints, lungs, and other organs. Common conditions treated include asthma, allergies, and arthritis. It is also used for other conditions, like blood disorders and diseases of the adrenal glands.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blood clotting problems
• Cushing's syndrome
• diabetes
• glaucoma
• heart problems or disease
• high blood pressure
• infection like herpes, measles, tuberculosis, or chickenpox
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• mental problems
• myasthenia gravis
• osteoporosis
• previous heart attack
• seizures
• stomach, ulcer or intestine disease including colitis and diverticulitis
• thyroid problem
• an unusual or allergic reaction to dexamethasone, corticosteroids, other medicines, lactose, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle, joint, lesion, soft tissue, or vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This may not apply. If you are having a series of injections over a prolonged period, try not to miss an appointment. Call your doctor or health care professional to reschedule if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• mifepristone, RU-486
• vaccines

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• amphotericin B
• antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, and troleandomycin
• aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
• barbiturates like phenobarbital
• carbamazepine
• cholestyramine
• cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine, and tacrine
• cyclosporine
• digoxin
• diuretics
• ephedrine
• female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
• indinavir
• isoniazid
• ketoconazole
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines that improve muscle tone or strength for conditions like myasthenia gravis
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• phenytoin
• rifampin
• thalidomide
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.