💊 Dexamethasone Tablet 4 mg
📘 Description:
- Dexamethasone is a potent synthetic corticosteroid (glucocorticoid class) with anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and anti-allergic effects.
- Form: Oral tablet
- Strength: 4 mg
- Route: Oral
- Prescription-only
🩺 Medical Uses / Indications:
| Used For | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Severe allergies & asthma | Reduces inflammation & immune response |
| Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, RA) | Immunosuppressant to slow disease progression |
| COVID-19 (severe cases) | Reduces inflammation in lungs |
| Brain edema | Lowers intracranial pressure |
| Certain cancers (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma) | Part of chemotherapy protocols |
| Inflammatory skin, bowel, or kidney issues | Controls flare-ups |
| Hormonal disorders (adrenal insufficiency) | Cortisol replacement |
| Antiemetic in chemotherapy | Prevents nausea and vomiting |
✅ Advantages:
- High potency (small dose = big effect)
- Long duration of action (36–72 hours)
- Broad therapeutic range
- Useful in acute & chronic inflammatory conditions
- Can be combined with other drugs in chemotherapy or emergency care
⚠️ Precautions:
- Do not stop suddenly—requires gradual tapering
- Use with caution in:
- Diabetics – raises blood sugar
- Hypertension – can cause fluid retention
- Peptic ulcer history – increases GI risk
- Osteoporosis – promotes bone loss
- Infections – may mask or worsen underlying infections
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Use only if clearly needed
- Monitor long-term use with:
- Bone scans
- Blood pressure
- Glucose levels
- Eye exams
🧊 Storage:
- Store at 15–30°C (59–86°F)
- Keep in a dry place, away from light and moisture
- Keep out of reach of children
🗣️ Patient Tips:
- Take with food or milk to prevent gastric upset
- Do not skip or abruptly stop unless told by your doctor
- Inform any healthcare provider or dentist that you’re on steroids
- Report symptoms like:
- Sudden weight gain
- Mood changes
- Vision problems
- Signs of infection (fever, chills)