Dexamethasone is a type of corticosteroid that has a powerful anti-inflammatory action, widely used to treat different types of allergies or inflammatory problems in the body, such as rheumatoid arthritis, severe asthma or hives, for example.
This drug can be purchased in conventional pharmacies, but only with a prescription, in various forms, such as tablets, elixir or injectables, in order to facilitate its application depending on the place and the problem to be treated. One of the best-known trade names for dexamethasone is Decadron.
The price of this medicine can vary between 5 and 20 reais, depending on your dosage and how you present it.
Dexamethasone is indicated to treat a variety of acute or chronic allergic and inflammatory problems, including rheumatic, skin, ocular, glandular, pulmonary, blood and gastrointestinal disorders.
Intravenous and intramuscular injections are recommended for acute diseases. Once the acute phase is over, the injectable should be replaced, if possible, by a steroid tablet treatment.
The way dexamethasone is used and its dosage can vary considerably depending on the problem to be treated, the age of the person and other factors in the history of health. Therefore, its use should only be done with the recommendation of a doctor.
However, the generally recommended dosage intervals, depending on the form of presentation, are:
The initial dose varies between 0.75 and 15 mg daily, depending on the disease to be treated, its severity and the response of each person. The dose should be gradually reduced during treatment if it lasts several days.
The initial dose of injectable dexamethasone is usually 0.5 to 20 mg per day, depending on the disease being treated. The injection should be given by a healthcare professional.
Side effects of corticosteroid use, such as dexamethasone, are relatively common, especially when treatment is done for a long time. In the case of dexamethasone, the most common effects are weight gain, increased appetite, nausea, discomfort, water retention, heart failure, increased blood pressure, muscle weakness, muscle melting, osteoporosis, bone fragility, gastrointestinal problems, delayed scarring, skin fragility. , acne, red spots on the skin, bruising, excessive sweating and allergic reactions.
In addition, seizures, increased intracranial pressure, dizziness, headaches, depression, euphoria and psychotic disorders, changes in vision and decreased immunity may also occur. There may also be a decrease in the amount of lymphocytes and monocytes in blood tests, as well as the development of cardiac arrhythmias and cardiomyopathy.
Dexamethasone should only be used as directed by the doctor, however, it is fully contraindicated in people with systemic fungal infections or hypersensitivity to sulphites or any other component present in the formula. In addition, it should not be used in people who have recently received live virus vaccines.
For pregnant or lactating women, this medicine should only be used with the close advice of the obstetrician.