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All Medications
Common brand names
- Decadron
How it is administered
Dexamethasone can be taken by mouth as tablets (available in strengths such as 0.5 mg, 0.75 mg, 1 mg, 1.5 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg, or 6 mg) or as an oral solution (0.5 mg per 5 mL or a concentrated solution of 1 mg per mL). It is also available as an injectable form for use in hospitals. For eye conditions, dexamethasone is available as eye drops or as an implant injected into the eye by a specialist.
How it works
Dexamethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid. It works by mimicking the effects of hormones your body naturally produces in your adrenal glands. These hormones help reduce inflammation and modify the body’s immune response. In blood cancers such as Mantle Cell Lymphoma, dexamethasone is primarily used for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, and it can help manage symptoms or side effects related to cancer or its treatment.
By reducing inflammation and suppressing immune activity, dexamethasone can help control symptoms like swelling, pain, and allergic reactions. In some blood cancers, it may also be used as part of chemotherapy regimens to help kill cancer cells or reduce side effects from other medications.
Common side effects
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Mood changes (such as euphoria, depression, or emotional instability)
- Insomnia
- High blood sugar
- Increased risk of infections
- Fluid retention and swelling
- High blood pressure
- Stomach upset or ulcers
- Muscle weakness
- Osteoporosis (with long-term use)
- Cataracts or glaucoma (with long-term use)
- Slowed growth in children (with long-term use)
If you notice any unusual symptoms or signs of infection, contact your healthcare provider.
Who should take it
Dexamethasone is used in the palliative management of leukemias and lymphomas, including Mantle Cell Lymphoma. It is also used to treat various allergic, dermatologic, endocrine, gastrointestinal, hematologic, and rheumatic conditions, as well as for certain eye, nervous system, and respiratory diseases.
For people with blood cancers, dexamethasone may be used to help manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, or as part of a chemotherapy regimen. Your doctor will decide if dexamethasone is right for you based on your specific diagnosis and health needs.
Who should not take it
Dexamethasone should not be taken by people who have systemic fungal infections or who are allergic to any components of the medication. It should also be avoided in patients with certain active infections, such as tuberculosis, unless it is being used alongside appropriate anti-infective therapy.
Live vaccines should not be given to people taking immunosuppressive doses of dexamethasone. Caution is needed in people with a history of certain eye diseases, heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes, or other chronic conditions. Always tell your doctor about your full medical history before starting dexamethasone.
Commonly used with
In the treatment of blood cancers like Mantle Cell Lymphoma, dexamethasone is often used in combination with chemotherapy drugs. It may also be used with other supportive medications, such as anti-nausea drugs, antibiotics, or medications to protect the stomach lining.
Your doctor will determine the best combination of medications for your specific situation.
Commonly tested with
Dexamethasone is commonly tested in combination with other chemotherapy agents in clinical trials for blood cancers. It may also be used alongside targeted therapies, immunotherapies, or as part of supportive care regimens to manage side effects of cancer treatment.
Your care team may also monitor your blood sugar, blood pressure, and other lab values while you are taking dexamethasone.
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