Common brand names

• Decadron

How it is administered

Dexamethasone is most commonly administered orally in the form of an elixir (liquid), but it is also available in tablet and injectable forms. The oral elixir is typically measured by the teaspoonful (5 mL), with each 5 mL containing 0.5 mg of dexamethasone. The exact dosage and form will depend on your specific medical condition and your healthcare provider's instructions.

How it works

Dexamethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid, which means it mimics the effects of hormones naturally produced by your adrenal glands. It is primarily used for its strong anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. In the context of blood cancers like Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), dexamethasone helps to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system, which can be beneficial in managing certain symptoms and complications related to cancer and its treatment.

Dexamethasone can also help manage side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and allergic reactions, and may be used as part of a palliative care regimen to improve quality of life. It works by altering the body's immune response to various stimuli and reducing the production of substances that trigger inflammation and immune activity. Unlike some other corticosteroids, dexamethasone has minimal salt-retaining properties, which reduces the risk of certain side effects like fluid retention.

Who should take it

Dexamethasone is indicated for patients who need strong anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive therapy. In the context of blood cancers such as AML, it is often used for palliative management of leukemia and lymphomas in adults, and for acute leukemia in children. It may also be used to manage complications such as severe allergic reactions, inflammation, or to help control symptoms caused by cancer or its treatment.

Your doctor may prescribe dexamethasone if you are experiencing significant inflammation, allergic reactions, or other immune-related complications that are not adequately controlled by other treatments. It is also used in combination with other medications to enhance their effectiveness or reduce their side effects.

Who should not take it

Dexamethasone should not be used in patients with known systemic fungal infections or in those who have a known allergy or sensitivity to dexamethasone or any of its ingredients. It should also be avoided in patients who are receiving live virus vaccines while on immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids, as this can increase the risk of infection.

Caution is needed in patients with a history of tuberculosis, hepatitis B, or other chronic infections, as dexamethasone can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of reactivation or worsening of these infections. It should also be used with caution in patients with certain conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, peptic ulcers, or psychiatric disorders, as it may worsen these conditions.

Commonly used with

Dexamethasone is often used in combination with chemotherapy drugs to help reduce inflammation, manage allergic reactions, and prevent nausea and vomiting. It may also be used with other corticosteroids, antiemetics, or supportive care medications as part of a comprehensive cancer treatment plan.

In some cases, it is combined with mineralocorticoids or other hormone therapies, depending on the patient's needs and underlying health conditions.

Commonly tested with

Dexamethasone is commonly tested in combination with various chemotherapy agents and supportive care medications in clinical trials for blood cancers, including AML. It is also used in diagnostic tests such as the dexamethasone suppression test to evaluate adrenal gland function and diagnose conditions like Cushing's syndrome.

In research and clinical practice, dexamethasone is frequently evaluated alongside other corticosteroids (like prednisone or methylprednisolone) and immunosuppressive therapies to determine the most effective treatment regimens for blood cancers and their complications.