Clinical Overview
Dexamethasone (Tablets IP 0.5mg) is a long-acting synthetic fluorinated corticosteroid with 25 to 30 times the anti-inflammatory potency of hydrocortisone and virtually no mineralocorticoid (salt-retaining) activity, on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. It possesses exceptional tissue penetration including across the blood-brain barrier and placenta. Indicated for cerebral edema (brain tumors, trauma), severe COVID-19 with hypoxemia, croup, antenatal acceleration of fetal lung maturation in threatened preterm birth (24-34 weeks gestation), chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting, and severe allergic/anaphylactic crises.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Verified Clinical References
Usage Guidelines
Take orally with food or milk in the morning. Take the exact prescribed dose; do NOT discontinue abruptly after prolonged therapy.
General Administration Advice: Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage, frequency, and treatment course. For oral medications, swallow with sufficient water. Never stop antibiotics, psychiatric medications, or antihypertensives abruptly without clinical direction.
Possible Side Effects
Common: Insomnia, increased appetite, anxiety, gastrointestinal irritation, elevated blood sugar, and fluid retention. Rare/Severe: HPA axis suppression, opportunistic infections, steroid psychosis, peptic ulcer perforation, and avascular necrosis of the femoral head.
*Note: Individual physiological responses vary. While many patients experience few or no side effects, notify your treating physician if adverse reactions persist or if hypersensitivity (angioedema, skin rash, dyspnea) occurs.
Precautions & Warnings
Contraindicated in systemic fungal infections, herpes simplex keratitis, and live virus vaccines. In diabetic patients, significant insulin dose escalation is required. Gradual dose tapering required after courses exceeding 1-2 weeks.
Schedule H (Prescription Required)
This medication is scheduled under statutory drug regulatory frameworks (CDSCO / Drugs & Cosmetics Rules). Dispensing requires a valid medical prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Self-medication or unsupervised dosage adjustment carries significant clinical risks.
Medical Disclaimer: Statutory Gynecological, Obstetric & Endocrinological Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and price-transparency purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or reproductive healthcare guidance. Hormonal medications, uterotonics, corticosteroids, fertility therapies, and emergency contraceptives have profound systemic actions and must be administered strictly under the supervision of a registered gynecologist, obstetrician, or endocrinologist.