Frequently asked questions for Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone
Q. Is Dexamethasone a steroid?
Yes, Dexamethasone is a steroid medicine also known as glucocorticoids which occur naturally in the body and help to maintain health and wellbeing. Dexamethasone helps in treating various illnesses involving inflammation (redness, tenderness, heat and swelling) in the body.Q. What is Dexamethasone used for?
Dexamethasone has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant properties. It is used to treat conditions like allergic conditions, anaphylaxis, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory skin diseases. It also aids in treating autoimmune diseases (these diseases happen when your body’s immune system attacks the body itself and causes damage) and certain eye disorders. Additionally, it is used to treat cancer and nephrotic syndrome when used with other medicines.Q. How is Dexamethasone administered?
Dexamethasone should be administered by a doctor or under the supervision of a healthcare professional and should not be self-administered. Usually, it is given into a muscle (intramuscular), joint (intra-articular), directly into a vein (direct intravenous), infusion or into the area being treated (soft tissue infiltration). The dose will be decided by your doctor based on the condition you are being treated for as well as your body weight. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get the maximum benefit from Dexamethasone.Q. How does Dexamethasone work?
Dexamethasone works by reducing the inflammation which helps in treating many illnesses caused due to active inflammation. Also, it stops the reactions known as autoimmune reactions which occur when your body's immune system attacks the body itself and causes damage.Q. Is Dexamethasone better than Prednisone?
Clinical studies have shown that Dexamethasone is a long-acting glucocorticoid, and it is nearly 6 times more potent than Prednisone. It stays in our body for a longer duration and is better tolerated when used in the treatment of inflammatory conditions. However, consult your doctor for the right treatment of your condition.