Dexan 0.5 mg Tablet

Potent long-acting corticosteroid for:

• Severe allergic reactions, angioedema, severe asthma/croup
• Brain swelling (cerebral oedema) from tumours or surgery
• Prevention of nausea and vomiting with chemotherapy
• Inflammatory and autoimmune diseases (arthritis, lupus, skin diseases)
• Severe COVID-19 requiring oxygen
• Some blood cancers (multiple myeloma) and adrenal disorders
• Before preterm delivery to help the baby's lungs (injection)
• Eye/ear drops: inflammation after surgery, allergic eye/ear conditions

Dose depends on the condition; examples:

• Adults (general): 0.5–9 mg daily by mouth in divided doses.
• Cerebral oedema: 10 mg IV, then 4 mg every 6 hours.
• Croup (children): 0.15–0.6 mg/kg single dose.
• Severe COVID-19: 6 mg once daily for up to 10 days.
• Antenatal lung maturation: 6 mg IM every 12 hours, 4 doses (or as per protocol).

Eye drops: 1 drop 4–6 times daily, reduced as inflammation improves.

• Take tablets in the morning with food.
• After more than a few weeks, reduce gradually — do not stop suddenly.

• Untreated systemic infection, especially fungal
• Live vaccines during immunosuppressive doses
• Allergy to dexamethasone
• Eye drops: viral (herpes), fungal or TB eye infections; untreated eye infections

Short term: high blood sugar, increased appetite, mood changes, sleeplessness, indigestion, fluid retention, raised blood pressure.

Long term: osteoporosis, muscle weakness, thin skin, cataract, glaucoma, infections, Cushing's features, adrenal suppression, growth suppression in children.

Eye drops (long use): raised eye pressure, cataract, eye infections.

• Monitor blood sugar (especially in diabetes) and blood pressure.
• Avoid exposure to chickenpox/measles if not immune.
• Carry a steroid card on long-term use.
• Eye drops: use only under medical supervision; check eye pressure if used over 2 weeks.

Used in pregnancy for specific indications (e.g. to mature the baby's lungs); otherwise avoid long-term use unless needed. Compatible with breastfeeding at usual doses.

• NSAIDs (ulcers), diabetes medicines (reduced effect), diuretics (low potassium)
• Rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine (reduce effect)
• Ketoconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin (increase effect)
• Warfarin (INR changes)
• Live vaccines

Rarely dangerous as a single dose; long-term excess causes Cushing's effects.

Store below 30°C, protected from light.