Active Substance

Dexamethasone tablets BP 500mcg contain 500mcg of Dexamethasone per tablet.

Dexamethasone tablets BP 2mg contain 2mg of Dexamethasone per tablet.

Other Substances

Dexamethasone tablets 500mcg also contain glycerol, potato starch, magnesium stearate, talc and lactose.

Dexamethasone tablets 2mg also contain potato starch, propylene glycol, magnesium stearate and lactose.

Appearance

500 microgram

Round flat white tablets, 500mcg marked with XC/4 on one side with Organon * on the other.

2.0mg marked with XC/8 on one side with Organon * on the other.

Dexamethasone tablets are sold in containers of 100 and 50 tablets. They may also be available in containers of 500 tablets.

Therapeutic Group

Dexamethasone belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. Corticosteroids work by reducing inflammation in the body and can be used to treat many different diseases.

When should Dexamethasone not be taken?

Dexamethasone may not be suitable for you if you suffer from certain allergies or other medical conditions. Before you take Dexamethasone, make sure you tell your doctor if you suffer or have ever suffered from any of the following:

• hypersensitivity to any ingredient in this medicine
• an infection that affects the whole body

What precautions should be taken?

While taking Dexamethasone you may need to be examined by your doctor more frequently.

 

You should always carry a 'Steroid treatment' card which gives clear guidance on the special care to be taken when you are using this medicine. Show this to any doctor, dentist or nurse who may be giving you treatment. Even after your treatment has finished you must tell anyone who is giving you treatment that you have taken steroids. You must tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any of the following:

• Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones)
• Hypertension (very high blood pressure)
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• TB (tuberculosis)
• Glaucoma (raised eye pressure) or a family history of glaucoma
• Serious affective disorders especially steroid psychosis
  • psychiatric illness made worse by steroids
• Muscle disease caused by corticosteroids
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)
• Epilepsy
• Stomach ulcers
• Migraine
• Certain parasitic infections
• Stunted growth

It is important that you avoid close contact with anybody who is suffering from measles, chicken-pox or shingles if you have not previously suffered from these illnesses. If you are in contact with anybody who has one of these illnesses, or develop measles or chicken-pox whilst taking Dexamethasone tell your doctor immediately as additional treatment may be required.

If you are in an accident or need an operation tell your doctor that you are taking Dexamethasone tablets.

Do you need a vaccination for a holiday abroad?

If you are prescribed Dexamethasone you may not be able to have certain vaccinations. Make sure you tell your doctor before having any vaccination. Your doctor will then be able to advise you.

What other medicines are you taking?

Other medicines may affect how Dexamethasone works or Dexamethasone may affect how they work. Tell your doctor if you are using (or intend to use) any other medicines.

Drugs that reduce the effect of Dexamethasone are:

• Antibiotics such as rifampicin, rifabutin.
• Ephedrine, used to relieve the symptoms of a blocked nose.
• Drugs for epilepsy e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbitone, primidone.
• Drugs used in the treatment of breast cancer e.g. aminoglutethimide.
• Antacids, especially those containing magnesium trisilicate.

Drugs that may enhance the effect of Dexamethasone are:

• Ritonavir, an anti-viral drug.
• Oral contraceptives containing oestrogen and progestogen.

Blood levels of antiviral drugs such as indinavir and saquinavir may be reduced.

Some medicines may not work as well when Dexamethasone is taken at the same time:

The effectiveness of

• a) drugs used to treat diabetes (hypoglycaemic agents)
• b) drugs used to treat high blood pressure (anti-hypertensives)
• c) diuretics (water pills)
• d) drugs which regulate heart beat (cardiac glycosides) are reduced when Dexamethasone is taken.

Blood levels of antiviral drugs such as indinavir and saquinavir may be reduced.

Dexamethasone affects acetazolamide, loop diuretics, thiazide diuretics and carbenoxolone; these drugs are used to lower potassium levels.

The effects of drugs which prevent blood clotting; coumarin anticoagulants e.g. warfarin may be increased by Dexamethasone and frequent tests may be required. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin may cause stomach ulcers if you are taking Dexamethasone as well.

Patients taking Methotrexate (a cytotoxic drug) as well as Dexamethasone have an increased risk of blood poisoning.

Please ask your doctor for advice.

Pregnancy

Dexamethasone may be harmful during pregnancy.

If you are pregnant, think that you may be pregnant or if you are breastfeeding then you must tell your doctor. Your doctor will decide if Dexamethasone can be given to you.

Ability to drive or operate machinery

As far as is known, Dexamethasone has no effect on alertness or concentration.

Other ingredients

Dexamethasone contains lactose. If you are allergic to this or any other ingredient, tell your doctor before you take Dexamethasone.

How much:

The dose is chosen by your doctor and usually depends on how serious your condition is. Always follow your doctor's instructions and read the pharmacy label. If you are unsure ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Usually a dose of 0.5-10mg per day is given. Once your condition has improved the dosage will be reduced or another corticosteroid such as 'Prednisolone' may be given.

(For more serious conditions such as acute asthma, a higher dose may be necessary.)

The tablets should be swallowed whole, without chewing, with some water

Children:

The dosage is chosen by the doctor to suit the needs of the patient. A dose of 0.01 -0.1 milligrams per kilogram of body weight is usual.

What to do if someone accidentally takes too much

Too high a dose of Dexamethasone may cause:

• swelling of the throat (glottis oedema)
• skin allergy (urticaria)
• difficulty in breathing (bronchospasm)

If anyone accidentally takes too many tablets, tell your doctor immediately.

When will I stop taking Dexamethasone

Do not stop taking Dexamethasone just because your complaints seem to have disappeared. If you stop too early or too suddenly your condition may worsen, you may get withdrawal symptoms. Always discuss your treatment with your doctor who will tell you how to reduce the dose gradually if treatment can be stopped.

Symptoms of withdrawal include fever, pain in muscle and joint, inflammation of nose lining (rhinitis), weight loss, itchy skin, eye inflammation (pink eye - conjunctivitis).

What to do if you miss a dose;

Don't panic, take the next dose as soon as you remember then continue to take your medicine as before.