Drug reference
dexamethasone
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Endocrine (Adrenocortical Drugs)
Mechanism of action
Potent glucocorticoid with minimal to no mineralocorticoid activity Decreases inflammation by suppressing migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and reducing capillary permeability; stabilizes cell and lysosomal membranes, increases surfactant synthesis, increases serum vitamin A concentration, and inhibits prostaglandin.
Common side effects
- Anaphylaxis
- Bradycardia
- Acne
- Depression
- Decreased carbohydrate and glucose tolerance
- Fluid and electrolyte disturbances
- Abdominal distention
Known interactions (14)
- dexamethasone + mifepristone Contraindicated
- dexamethasone + Ketorolac Major
- dexamethasone + measles mumps and rubella vaccine Major
- apixaban + dexamethasone Moderate
- cariprazine + dexamethasone Moderate
- dexamethasone + diclofenac Moderate
- dexamethasone + hepatitis a vaccine inactivated Moderate
- dexamethasone + Hydroxyzine Moderate
- dexamethasone + lurasidone Moderate
- dexamethasone + metamizole (dipyrone) Moderate
- dexamethasone + pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent Moderate
- dexamethasone + praziquantel Moderate
- dexamethasone + regorafenib Moderate
- dexamethasone + roflumilast Moderate
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is dexamethasone?
dexamethasone belongs to: Endocrine.
How does dexamethasone work?
Potent glucocorticoid with minimal to no mineralocorticoid activity Decreases inflammation by suppressing migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and reducing capillary permeability; stabilizes cell and lysosomal membranes, increases surfactant synthesis, increases serum vitamin A concentration, and inhibits prostaglandin.
What are the common side effects of dexamethasone?
Anaphylaxis, Bradycardia, Acne, Depression, Decreased carbohydrate and glucose tolerance, Fluid and electrolyte disturbances, Abdominal distention
Which drugs interact with dexamethasone?
mifepristone, Ketorolac, measles mumps and rubella vaccine, apixaban, cariprazine, diclofenac, hepatitis a vaccine inactivated, Hydroxyzine, lurasidone, metamizole (dipyrone), pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent, praziquantel, regorafenib, roflumilast
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