Side effects of dexamethasone

Dexamethasone

Dexamethasone is a steroid which is used to reduce inflammation. It is usually used in treatments for ulcerative colitis, lupus, arthritis, skin problems, psoriasis, problems caused by allergies, and breathing problems.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Dexamethasone are sleeping disorders, vertigo, dizziness, excessive perspiration, increased appetite, problems with digestion and changes in mood. Other side effects which are less common, but are not considered to dangerous include acne, dryness and thinning of the skin, headache, pain in the stomach, nausea, weakness in the muscles and accumulation of body fat in the face, neck, arms and waist. Serious side effects of Dexamethasone include vision impairment, shortness of breath, sudden weight gain, seizures, severe mood and behavior changes, blood in the stool, coughing up blood, irregular pulse, pain in the upper stomach, vomiting, increased thirst and urination, severe headache and pain in the chest. You may also experience loss of appetite which can lead to weight loss, changes in menstruation, ache in the whole body and flu-like symptoms. Other side effect may include pain behind the eyes, pain in the muscles and joints and swelling of the legs and feet. If you are allergic to Dexamethasone, you may develop swelling of the face, lips or tongue, breathing difficulties, pain in the chest and skin irritation, rash and itchiness.

Classification

Side effects of Dexamethasone can be classified according to the affected parts of the body. There are cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, metabolic, ocular, dermatologic, psychiatric, hematologic, genitourinary, hepatic and renal side effects of Dexamethasone. In addition, side effect can also include nervous system and the body as whole.

Precautions

Your doctor must be informed about any conditions or disorders, and medications that you take because Dexamethasone should not be given in case certain disorders and it should not be combined with some medications. Dexamethasone is not recommended for patients with fungal infections. Using steroid medications causes weakened immune system, so you may be prone to infections during treatment with Dexamethasone. You should avoid sick people and immediately tell your doctor if you have been exposed to any infections. You may need the dose adjustment in case of kidney or liver disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, tuberculosis, muscle disorder, thyroid gland disorder, cataract, glaucoma, high blood pressure and herpes which affected your eyes. In order to avoid harm to the baby, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or you are breastfeeding. You should not drink any alcohol while you are taking Dexamethasone.