What Is Dexamethasone?

The prescription drug dexamethasone is used for the treatment of several different conditions, among them:
 
 
  • Certain inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
  • Symptomatic relief of certain cancers, such as metastatic brain tumors, leukemia, and lymphoma
  • Nervous system conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, brain swelling (cerebral edema) associated with a brain tumor, and head injury
  • Eye conditions, such as uveitis, temporal arteritis, keratitis, and other inflammatory conditions of the eye.
     
It works primarily by suppressing the immune system and resembles a naturally occurring hormone in the body. As a result, it should only be used for short-term treatment and should not be stopped suddenly.
 
(Click Dexamethasone to learn more about what this product is used for, possible side effects, dosing, and important information for your healthcare provider.)
 
List of references (click here)
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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