Decadron Elixir (Dexamethasone)

Do’s

• Follow healthcare provider's instructions:
• Take Decadron elixir exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. The dosage will vary depending on your condition.
• Ensure you shake the container thoroughly before each use to ensure proper medication distribution.
• Use the provided measuring device (likely a dropper or oral syringe) to measure the exact prescribed dose. Don't rely on teaspoons or tablespoons for measurement.
• Decadron elixir is strictly for oral administration. Don't inject or administer it through any other route.
• In some cases, your healthcare provider might recommend taking Decadron elixir on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal) to maximize absorption. Discuss this with your healthcare provider for your specific situation.
• Complete the entire prescribed course of Decadron elixir, even if your symptoms improve earlier. Stopping prematurely can lead to a recurrence of your condition.
• Tell your healthcare provider if your condition doesn't improve or worsens after using Decadron elixir.

Don'ts

• Don't take more Decadron elixir than prescribed by your healthcare provider. Higher doses can increase the risk of side effects.
• Don't use it for extended periods (without the healthcare provider's supervision). Decadron elixir is typically used for short-term treatment. Don't use it for longer than prescribed without consulting your healthcare provider. Long-term use can lead to serious side effects.
• Don't suddenly stop taking Decadron elixir without talking to your healthcare provider. Abrupt withdrawal can cause side effects like fatigue, weakness, muscle pain, and worsening of your original condition. Your healthcare provider may need to gradually taper your dosage.
• Don't share it with others who may have different medical needs.
• Don't use Decadron elixir after the expiry date. The medication might lose its effectiveness or even be harmful.

Common Side Effects:

• Fluid retention (swelling in hands or ankles)
• Increased appetite
• Mood changes, trouble sleeping
• Skin rash, bruising or discoloration
• Acne, increased sweating, increased hair growth
• Headache, dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach
• Changes in menstrual periods
• Changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist)
• Dry mouth
• Nervousness
• Noisy, rattling breathing
• Muscle wasting or weakness
• Increased appetite
• Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients

Serious Side Effects:

• Aggression
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Blurred vision
• Decrease in the amount of urine
• Fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• Headache
• Irritability
• Mental depression
• Mood changes
• Nervousness
• Noisy, rattling breathing
• Muscle wasting or weakness
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights
• Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Decadron Elixir,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider of any allergies you have, including allergies to dexamethasone or any of the medication's ingredients.

Tell your healthcare provider about any pre-existing health problems, especially:

• Infections (tuberculosis, herpes, fungal infections)
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Mental/mood disorders (psychosis, anxiety, depression)
• Mineral imbalance (low potassium/calcium in the blood)
• Thyroid disease
• Stomach/intestinal problems (ulcer, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, unexplained diarrhea)
• High blood pressure
• Heart problems (heart failure, recent heart attack)
• Diabetes
• Eye diseases (cataracts, glaucoma)
• Bone loss (osteoporosis)
• Blood clots

Long-term use of Decadron Elixir can suppress your body's ability to respond to physical stress. Inform your healthcare provider about your use of Decadron Elixir before any surgery, emergency treatment, or if you experience a serious illness/injury.

Decadron Elixir may mask signs of infection and increase your risk of getting infections. Avoid people with contagious illnesses. Consult your healthcare provider if you have been exposed to an infection.

Decadron Elixir may increase your risk of stomach bleeding. Limit alcohol consumption while using this medication.

Inform your healthcare provider about your use of Decadron Elixir before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who recently received live vaccines.

The liquid form of Decadron Elixir may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Consult your healthcare provider about using this medication safely if you have diabetes or liver disease.

Older adults may be more susceptible to side effects like bone loss, stomach bleeding, and mental/mood changes.

Long-term use of Decadron Elixir may slow down growth in children. Regular healthcare provider visits are recommended to monitor your child's growth.

Discuss the risks and benefits of using Decadron Elixir with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant.

It is unknown if dexamethasone passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding if you are using Decadron Elixir.