📌 Dexamethasone Tablet 0.5 mg – As Licensed
📄 Description:
Dexamethasone is a potent synthetic corticosteroid used to treat various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. It mimics the action of natural corticosteroids produced by the adrenal glands.
💊 Prescription/Use:
- Indications:
- Severe allergies
- Asthma
- Rheumatic and autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Skin diseases
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Cerebral edema
- COVID-19 (as per protocol)
- Certain cancers (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma)
- Dosage:
- Varies by condition, age, and patient response
- Usually prescribed 0.5 mg to 10 mg per day, in divided doses
- Route: Oral
- Frequency: Once or multiple times per day, based on condition and medical advice
- Prescription Status: Rx only (prescription required)
🔬 Nature:
- Class: Glucocorticoid / Corticosteroid
- Form: Oral tablet
- Strength: 0.5 mg
- Color/Appearance: Small tablet (often white or pale-colored)
🌟 Advantages:
- Strong anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects
- Helps control severe allergic or autoimmune reactions
- Effective in reducing cerebral swelling
- Cost-effective and widely available
- Long duration of action compared to other steroids
📦 Package:
- Commonly available in strips of 10 or 20 tablets
- Also sold in boxes containing multiple strips
- Clearly marked with dose, expiry, and batch number
🧊 Storage:
- Store at room temperature (below 25°C)
- Protect from light and moisture
- Keep in original packaging until use
- Keep out of reach of children
⚠️ Precautions:
- Do not stop suddenly if used for more than a few days — taper gradually
- Use cautiously in patients with:
- Diabetes (may increase blood sugar)
- Hypertension
- Peptic ulcers
- Osteoporosis
- Tuberculosis or infections
- May cause delayed wound healing
- Monitor for mood changes, weight gain, muscle weakness
👩⚕️ Patient Advice:
- Take with food or milk to avoid stomach upset
- Do not skip or double dose; take as prescribed
- Inform doctor if experiencing vision changes, unusual mood swings, or infections
- Monitor blood sugar regularly if diabetic
- Carry a steroid card if on long-term therapy
- Report any signs of swelling, rapid weight gain, or bruising
- Regular follow-up and blood tests may be needed