
Key information summary
Efficacy & effects
This medication is used for various endocrine disorders, including primary and secondary adrenal cortex dysfunction and adrenal crisis. It is also utilized as a short-term adjunct therapy to prevent acute progression or exacerbation in rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and acute gouty arthritis. It is applied for collagen vascular diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, acute rheumatic myocarditis, and dermatomyositis, as well as various skin conditions like pemphigus, psoriasis, and neurodermatitis to help alleviate symptoms. In allergic conditions, it is used to treat bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and anaphylactic shock. Moreover, it is effective in improving and treating symptoms of various diseases such as ophthalmic diseases, ulcerative colitis, acquired hemolytic anemia, and nephrotic syndrome. Thus, it is used to improve patient conditions through the reduction of inflammation and immune regulation in multiple diseases.
Dosage
As dexamethasone, the usual adult dosage is 0.5-8mg administered orally in 1-4 divided doses per day. Adjust according to age and symptoms.
Precautions
This medication should not be used in certain patients. For instance, it is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to this drug or any of its components, those who have received live vaccines, and patients suffering from herpes simplex, herpes zoster, chickenpox, as well as those with infections without appropriate antimicrobial therapy or systemic fungal infections. Additionally, this medication contains lactose, so it should not be administered to patients with lactose intolerance or certain genetic metabolic disorders. Some patients require careful administration of this medication. For example, patients with a history of glaucoma, tuberculosis, cataracts, hypertension, thrombosis, peptic ulcers, psychosis, osteoporosis, diabetes, renal failure, cirrhosis, fatty liver, myasthenia gravis, or epilepsy should be observed with particular caution. While using this medication, it is essential to monitor for potential worsening of existing infections. Furthermore, various side effects such as adrenal insufficiency, increased blood glucose levels, gastrointestinal issues, neurological disturbances, osteoporosis, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, ocular diseases, hematological abnormalities, and skin reactions may occur; thus, symptoms should be closely monitored. Prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency, and abrupt discontinuation can cause severe side effects; therefore, the dosage should be gradually reduced. Additionally, vaccination with live vaccines should be avoided due to an increased risk of infections, and caution should be taken to avoid exposure to infectious diseases. This medication can interact with various drugs, so the relationship with other medications taken simultaneously must be verified. In particular, caution is advised when used in conjunction with medications that induce or inhibit specific hepatic metabolic enzymes as this may alter drug efficacy. For women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, the use of this medication should only occur when the benefits outweigh the risks to the fetus or neonatal infant, and it is recommended to discontinue breastfeeding. When using in children, there may be side effects like growth retardation; therefore, the minimum effective dose should be used with careful monitoring of growth status. In elderly patients, side effects such as infections, diabetes, osteoporosis, hypertension, cataracts, and glaucoma may occur more easily; thus, careful administration and regular monitoring are necessary. Finally, contracting chickenpox or measles while using this medication can lead to lethal outcomes, so it's crucial to verify medical history and vaccination status and take appropriate measures to prevent infections.
Side effects
Urticaria, severe swelling (edema), chest tightness, difficulty breathing, cold sweat, pallor, rash, reactions such as anaphylaxis. Severe rash with fever, blisters, skin peeling, oral/ocular mucosal pain. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, asthma attacks, cough with fever.


