Dexamethasone Intensol

Generic Name: dexamethasone intensol

Corticosteroid [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Dexamethasone Intensol, Dexamethasone

DESCRIPTION Dexamethasone Tablets, USP are available for oral administration containing either 0.5 mg, 0.75 mg, 1 mg, 1.5 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg or 6 mg of dexamethasone, USP. Each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, starch, sugar, D&C Yellow #10 (0.5 mg and 4 mg), FD&C Blue #1 (0.75 mg and 1.5 mg), FD&C Green #3 (4 mg and 6 mg), FD&C Red #3 (1.5 mg), FD&C Red #40 (1.5 mg), FD&C Yellow #6 (0.5 mg and 4 mg) and Yellow Iron Oxide (1 mg).

Overview

DESCRIPTION Dexamethasone Tablets, USP are available for oral administration containing either 0.5 mg, 0.75 mg, 1 mg, 1.5 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg or 6 mg of dexamethasone, USP. Each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, starch, sugar, D&C Yellow #10 (0.5 mg and 4 mg), FD&C Blue #1 (0.75 mg and 1.5 mg), FD&C Green #3 (4 mg and 6 mg), FD&C Red #3 (1.5 mg), FD&C Red #40 (1.5 mg), FD&C Yellow #6 (0.5 mg and 4 mg) and Yellow Iron Oxide (1 mg).

Uses

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Allergic States Control of severe or incapacitating allergic conditions intractable to adequate trials of conventional treatment in asthma, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, drug hypersensitivity reactions, perennial or seasonal allergic rhinitis, and serum sickness. Dermatologic Diseases Bullous dermatitis herpetiformis, exfoliative erythroderma, mycosis fungoides, pemphigus, and severe erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson syndrome).

Dosage

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For Oral Administration The initial dosage varies from 0.75 mg to 9 mg a day depending on the disease being treated. It Should Be Emphasized That Dosage Requirements Are Variable And Must Be Individualized On The Basis Of The Disease Under Treatment And The Response Of The Patient. After a favorable response is noted, the proper maintenance dosage should be determined by decreasing the initial drug dosage in small decrements at appropriate time intervals until the lowest dosage that maintains an adequate clinical response is reached.

Side Effects

ADVERSE REACTIONS (Listed alphabetically, under each subsection) The following adverse reactions have been reported with dexamethasone or other corticosteroids: Allergic Reactions Anaphylactoid reaction, anaphylaxis, angioedema. Cardiovascular Bradycardia, cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac enlargement, circulatory collapse, congestive heart failure, fat embolism, hypertension, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in premature infants, myocardial rupture following recent myocardial infarction (see WARNINGS: Cardio-Renal ), edema, pulmonary edema, syncope, tachycardia, thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis, vasculitis.

Interactions

Drug Interactions Aminoglutethimide : Aminoglutethimide may diminish adrenal suppression by corticosteroids. Amphotericin B injection and potassium-depleting agents : When corticosteroids are administered concomitantly with potassium-depleting agents (e.g., amphotericin B, diuretics), patients should be observed closely for development of hypokalemia. In addition, there have been cases reported in which concomitant use of amphotericin B and hydrocortisone was followed by cardiac enlargement and congestive heart failure. Antibiotics : Macrolide antibiotics have been reported to cause a significant decrease in corticosteroid clearance (see Drug Interactions: CYP 3A4 Inducers , CYP 3A4 Inhibitors , and CYP 3A4 Substrates ).

Warnings

WARNINGS General Rare instances of anaphylactoid reactions have occurred in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ). Increased dosage of rapidly acting corticosteroids is indicated in patients on corticosteroid therapy subjected to any unusual stress before, during, and after the stressful situation. Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infection Corticosteroids, including dexamethasone, suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infection with any pathogen, including viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan, or helminthic pathogens. CONTRAINDICATIONS Systemic fungal infections (see WARNINGS: Fungal Infections ) and in patients who are hypersensitive to any components of these products.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects: Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic in many species when given in doses equivalent to the human dose. Animal studies in which corticosteroids have been given to pregnant mice, rats, and rabbits have yielded an increased incidence of cleft palate in the offspring. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Storage

HOW SUPPLIED Dexamethasone Tablets, USP 0.5 mg tablets are supplied as a light yellow, flat tablet with beveled edges, scored on one side and product identification “54 299” debossed on the other side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dexamethasone Intensol used for?

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Allergic States Control of severe or incapacitating allergic conditions intractable to adequate trials of conventional treatment in asthma, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, drug hypersensitivity reactions, perennial or seasonal allergic rhinitis, and serum sickness. Dermatologic Diseases Bullous dermatitis herpetiformis, exfoliative erythroderma, mycosis fungoides, pemphigus, and severe erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson syndrome).

What are the side effects of Dexamethasone Intensol?

ADVERSE REACTIONS (Listed alphabetically, under each subsection) The following adverse reactions have been reported with dexamethasone or other corticosteroids: Allergic Reactions Anaphylactoid reaction, anaphylaxis, angioedema. Cardiovascular Bradycardia, cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac enlargement, circulatory collapse, congestive heart failure, fat embolism, hypertension, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in premature infants, myocardial rupture following recent myocardial infarction (see WARNINGS: Cardio-Renal ), edema, pulmonary edema, syncope, tachycardia, thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis, vasculitis.

Can I take Dexamethasone Intensol during pregnancy?

Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects: Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic in many species when given in doses equivalent to the human dose. Animal studies in which corticosteroids have been given to pregnant mice, rats, and rabbits have yielded an increased incidence of cleft palate in the offspring. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

What are the important warnings for Dexamethasone Intensol?

WARNINGS General Rare instances of anaphylactoid reactions have occurred in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ). Increased dosage of rapidly acting corticosteroids is indicated in patients on corticosteroid therapy subjected to any unusual stress before, during, and after the stressful situation. Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infection Corticosteroids, including dexamethasone, suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infection with any pathogen, including viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan, or helminthic pathogens. CONTRAINDICATIONS Systemic fungal infections (see WARNINGS: Fungal Infections ) and in patients who are hypersensitive to any components of these products.

Related Medications

Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.