Dexamethasone is an anti-inflammatory drug that is used in various inflammatory conditions, such as allergic reactions, autoimmune diseases, or arthritis. In addition, this drug can be combined with other drugs to treat multiple myeloma.
Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid drug that works by blocking the release of certain chemicals in the body that can trigger inflammation. This drug also has an immunosuppressant effect or suppresses the immune system.
Based on the research that has been done, dexamethasone can be used in the treatment of COVID-19 with severe symptoms, especially in patients who are attached to breathing devices, such as ventilators.
Trademark dexamethasone:Cendo Xitrol, Cortidex, Dexaharsen, Dexamethasone, Dexaton, Dextaco, Dextamine, Dextaf, Exitrol, Tobroson
What Ithat Dexamethasone
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Corticosteroids |
| Benefit | Treat various inflammatory conditions, allergic reactions, autoimmune diseases, multiple myeloma, and treat severe symptoms of COVID-19 |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Dexamethasone for pregnant and lactating women | Category C:Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Dexamethasone can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets, syrups, eye ointments, eye drops, injections |
Warning Before Use Dexamethasone
Before using dexamethasone you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Do not use dexamethasone if you are allergic to this drug or to other corticosteroids. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have a yeast infection. Dexamethasone should not be used in these conditions.
- Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, glaucoma, or cataracts.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from congestive heart failure, liver disease, thyroid disease, blood clotting disorders, digestive system disorders, or certain infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis or herpes.
- Tell your doctor if you will be vaccinated while on treatment with dexamethasone, as this can decrease the effectiveness of the vaccination.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain supplements, herbal products, or medications, including NSAIDs.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while undergoing treatment with dexamethasone, because it can increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking dexamethasone if you are having surgery, including dental surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking dexamethasone.
Dose and Rules of Use Dexamethasone
The dose of dexamethasone given by the doctor will be determined according to the dosage form of the drug, the purpose of use, and the age of the patient. In general, the dosage of dexamethasone is as follows:
Drug form: tablet, syrup (oral)
- Condition: Inflammation and autoimmune diseases
Mature: The initial dose is 0.5–9 mg per day divided into several doses. The maximum dose is 1.5 mg per day.
Children: Initial dose 0.02–0.3 mg/kgBW per day, divided into 3–4 consumptions. The dose will be adjusted according to the severity and response of the patient.
- Condition: multiple sclerosis
Mature: The initial dose is 30 mg per day for 1 week, followed by a dose of 4–12 mg per day for 1 month.
- Condcontent: Screening tests for Cushing's syndrome
Mature: 2 mg at 11 pm, followed by a blood test at 8 am the next day.
- Condition: Multiple myeloma
Mature: 20–40 mg, once daily.
Drug form: Drops eye
- Condition: Inflammation of the eye
Mature: 1 drop, 4–6 times per day.
The dose of dexamethasone in the form of injection or injection is determined by the doctor. Dexamethasone can be given by injection into a vein. Especially for arthritis, dexamethasone can be injected directly into the joint (intraarticular).
Dexamethasone and COVID-19
Dexamethasone is an anti-inflammatory drug used in certain diseases and conditions, such as eye inflammation, allergies, autoimmune diseases, or as a screening test for Cushing's syndrome. Dexamethasone should only be used as prescribed by a doctor.
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS CoV-2 virus. COVID-19 can cause a variety of complaints and symptoms ranging from coughing, runny nose, fever, to shortness of breath. In some circumstances, COVID-19 can also cause pneumonia and even ARDS ( acute respiratory distress syndrome ) and require a breathing apparatus, such as a ventilator.
To date, there is no single drug that is truly considered effective for this condition, including dexamethasone. The COVID-19 vaccination program is more aimed at reducing the risk of exposure or the occurrence of severe conditions due to COVID-19, not treating COVID-19.
Dexamethasone is not an antiviral, so it cannot treat viral infections, such as COVID-19. However, WHO recommends the use of dexamethasone to help treat COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms.
The dose of dexamethasone for COVID-19 with severe symptoms with the installation of a ventilator will be adjusted according to the patient's condition. But in general, the dose that can be given in the treatment of this condition is 6 mg once a day, for 10 days.
Method Use Dexamethasone dith Right
Follow the doctor's advice and read the information listed on the medicine package before using dexamethasone. Do not reduce or increase the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Dexamethasone injection will be given through a vein (intravenous / IV) or injected into an inflamed joint by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
Dexamethasone tablets and syrup should be taken after meals, to prevent heartburn. Take dexamethasone at the same time each day for effective treatment.
Follow the medication schedule given by the doctor. Do not stop treatment without consulting your doctor first. To take dexamethasone syrup, use the measuring device provided on the medicine package or given by a doctor. Do not use other measuring devices or household spoons, because the dose may not be as prescribed.
Before using dexamethasone in the form of eye drops or eye ointment, lift your head and pull on the lower eyelid. Then, press the bottle until the medicine drips into the eye. Don't blink and close your eyes for a while for the medicine to take effect. Avoid direct contact between the tip of the bottle and the eyes.
If you are taking other eye medications, use them 5–10 minutes after using dexamethasone eye drops.
Do not wear contact lenses while using dexamethasone eye drops, unless approved by your doctor. If your doctor permits the use of contact lenses, remove your contact lenses before using this medicine. Wait 15 minutes before putting on contact lenses again.
Store dexamethasone at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Interaction Dexamethasonewith medicine Other
The following are some drug interactions that can occur when dexamethasone is used together with other drugs:
- Decreased blood levels of dexamethasone when used with phenytoin, rifampicin, barbiturates, carbamazepine, or ephedrine
- Increased blood levels of dexamethasone when used with erythromycin, ketoconazole, or ritonavir
- Increased risk of decreased potassium levels (hypokalemia) if used with diuretics
- Increased risk of fatal infection if used with other immunosuppressant drugs, such as adalimumab, bariticinib, or fingolimod
- Increased risk of tendon inflammation (tendinitis) or tendon rupture if used with quinolone antibiotics, such as moxifloxacin
- Increased risk of bleeding if used with warfarin
- Increased risk of infection and decreased effectiveness of live vaccines, such as the BCG vaccine
- Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding if used with aspirin
Side effects and Danger Dexamethasone
Some of the side effects of dexamethasone that users can experience are:
- Stomach ache
- Headache
- Dizzy
- Appetite increases
- Hard to sleep
- Menstrual cycle changes
- Acne appears
Consult a doctor if the side effects above do not subside immediately or are getting worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Thin skin, sores that don't heal, or easy bruising
- Pain or cramping in muscles, bones, or joints
- Swelling in the legs, weight gain, fat accumulation in the backbuffalo hump), or face ( puffy face )
- Pain in the eye, blurred vision, or seeing a halo
- Mood swings, tiredness, restlessness, anxiety, or depression
- Low levels of potassium in the blood which can be characterized by symptoms such as leg cramps, constipation, numbness, chest palpitations, or increased thirst
- Gastrointestinal bleeding that can be characterized by symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, black stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Infectious disease that can be characterized by symptoms such as sore throat or fever that does not go away