While short-term administration rarely causes side-effects, the consequences of a longer lasting, moderate to high dose treatment are multifarious and potentially fatal. Long-term therapy involves the suppression of adrenal function, Cushing's syndrome and impaired immune defense.

A partial list of the possible problems contains the following: glaucoma, subcapsular cataract, gastrointestinal bleeding, pancreatitis, aseptic bone necrosis, osteoporosis, myopathies, obesity, edemas, hypertension, proteinuria, diabetes, sleep disturbances, psychiatric syndromes, delayed wound healing, atrophy and fragility of the skin, ecchymosis, pseudotumor cerebri.

Dexamethasone: Interactions

Enzyme inducers such as aminoglutethimide, phenobarbitone, phenytoin and rifampicin, as well as ephedrine, can reduce the effect of dexamethasone.

Table of Contents | Indications | Pharmacology | Contraindications & Cautions | Risk Groups | References