Dexamethasone
(deks-a-METH-a-sone)
Definition | Special instructions | Missed dose | Side effects | Warning signs | Additional information| Contact us
What is dexamethasone?
Dexamethasone (Decadron") is a steroid. It has a number of different uses including asthma, arthritis, some autoimmune diseases, and leukemia. It is also used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. Because it is used to treat a variety of disorders, make sure you ask your child's doctor about why dexamethasone is being prescribed for your child. Dexamethasone is available as a tablet, injection, liquid, eye ointment, or eye-drop.
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Special instructions
- Doses vary with each child and can only be prescribed by your child's doctor. Take this medication only as prescribed by your child's doctor.
- Never give your child steroids without first talking to your child's doctor.
- Never stop giving your child steroids without first asking your child's doctor.
- Take the tablets or liquid with food to help decrease stomach upset.
- When using the eye ointment or drops avoid touching the tip of the medicine bottle/tube on the skin or the eye.
- If you have any questions about using the eye ointment or drops ask your child's doctor or pharmacist.
- If your child is going to have surgery or other stressful situations while on steroids, talk to your child's doctor.
- Keep this medication at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight.
- Do not use after the expiration date on the bottle/package.
- Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
- If too much medication is taken by accident, call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC), 513-636-5111 or 1-800-222-1222, or call your child's doctor immediately.
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If a dose is missed
For any medication information related to your child's dosing schedule and/or missed doses, contact the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication.
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Side effects
Contact your child's doctor if any of the following persist or become bothersome:
- increased hunger
- moodiness/mood swings
- stomach pain
- upset stomach or vomiting
- acne
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Warning signs
Call your child's doctor immediately if your child has any of the following occur:
- black, tar-like bowel movements
- vomiting of blood
- irregular heart beat
- dizziness
- severe headache
- blurred vision
- swelling of feet and/or hands
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Additional information
Your child may be at an increased risk for infection while taking dexamethasone. Call your child's doctor if your child develops signs of an infection like sores that don't heal or are painful and/or red, fever, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, or sore throat.
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Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
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PEP 5017 V 9/95
rev. 9/05, 8/07
