What Is Dexamethasone?

Dexamethasone seems to be a prescription that can reduce inflammation. This corticosteroid appears to be available as a tablet, liquid, eye drop, and topical cream or gel. However, some patients may receive it through an intravenous line. Eye drops may treat eye conditions. The topical form seems to help skin conditions. Unfortunately, this medication may trigger many possible side effects. This may be why patients need close monitoring when they take it. Doctors should know about any infection signs immediately when patients are on this drug.

Patients seem to take this medication as an arthritis treatment. A dexamethasone pill may also act as an effective treatment for ulcerative colitis. As mentioned, it appears to work as a topical medication for eczema and other skin conditions. Of course, patients may need more knowledge on how this medication works before they consider taking it.

How It Should Work

Dexamethasone seems to be a strong prescription corticosteroid. As such, it should reduce inflammation and weaken the patient's immune system. It appears that the reason for reduced inflammation may be thanks to stopping white blood cells from reaching the affected area. However, white blood cells seem to be responsible for fighting infections. This may be why patients on this medication may see more infections.

In addition, this medication may replace hormones that the adrenal glands should have released. Adrenal insufficiency patients seem to benefit from this. Finally, some research indicates that this medication may trigger the death of certain cells. This may provide additional benefits.

Learn about the potential uses for this medication next.

Potential Uses

This medication appears to treat a few forms of arthritis. One of them seems to be gout. It may also reduce flare-ups of certain conditions, such as ulcerative colitis and multiple sclerosis. Individuals with some skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, may take this drug too. Cancer patients who need chemotherapy may benefit from this medication as well. They appear to receive it before their treatment. This medication should reduce inflammation and other chemotherapy side effects.

This drug seems to treat swelling from brain and spinal cord tumors. It may help certain cancers too, such as lymphoma and leukemia. Other potential uses appear to include allergic reactions, eye inflammation, and conditions that trigger breathing issues.

Reveal the possible side effects next.