Dexamethasone, Hidex 6-day, Taperdex 6-day

Written by Sarah Lewis, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Victor Nguyen, PharmD, MBA
Updated on June 28, 2023

Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved dexamethasone for:

• allergic reactions and other allergic conditions
• autoimmune conditions (conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue)
• certain blood disorders
• certain eye, lung, and kidney conditions
• endocrine (hormone-related) disorders
• certain tumors and cancers
• rheumatic disorders (problems related to the joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, or bones)
• trichinosis (a parasitic infection)

These approved uses differ based on the form of dexamethasone your doctor prescribes.

This article describes dexamethasone’s uses, side effects, and more. You’ll also find some coupon options to help save on the cost of dexamethasone.

This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of dexamethasone. To find coupons for certain dexamethasone oral tablets, see this article. You can also search Optum Perks for your specific tablet to find coupons for the other oral tablet forms.

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about dexamethasone.

Can I take dexamethasone with ciprofloxacin or neomycin polymyxin?

Sometimes. You can use dexamethasone eardrops and eyedrops with ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and neomycin polymyxin. Ciprodex is an eardrop that combines dexamethasone with ciprofloxacin. Maxitrol is an eyedrop that combines all three drugs.

If you take oral dexamethasone, doctors do not recommend combining it with ciprofloxacin. Taking these drugs together by mouth increases your risk of tendon problems.

Be sure to talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to take other medications with dexamethasone. To learn more, you can talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How does dexamethasone work? And how long does it take to start working?

Dexamethasone’s mechanism of action (how the drug works) is to act like the hormone cortisol, which your body naturally makes. The drug’s effects include reducing inflammation (swelling and damage) and reducing the activity of the immune system.

How long dexamethasone takes to start working depends on the form you’re using. In general, dexamethasone intravenous (IV) infusion* and drops will begin working quickly. An injection into a muscle and oral forms of dexamethasone can take longer to work, and it may take up to a day for swelling or other symptoms to start reducing.

If you’d like to know more about what to expect with your treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* An IV infusion is an injection into your vein given over time.

Is dexamethasone similar to prednisone?

Yes, dexamethasone is similar to prednisone. They’re both corticosteroid drugs. Because of this, they work in the same way. They also have similar side effects and warnings.

Dexamethasone and prednisone differ in strength and how long their effects last. Dexamethasone is stronger than prednisone and its effects last longer.

To learn more about how these two drugs compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as dexamethasone for certain conditions. Approved uses for dexamethasone are described below. These uses differ based on the form of dexamethasone prescribed.

Use for conditions related to inflammation

Doctors may prescribe dexamethasone oral tablet, oral liquid solution, or injection* for treating various conditions that involve inflammation (swelling and damage) or immune system responses. This includes certain kinds of:

• allergic reactions and other allergic conditions
• autoimmune conditions (conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue)
• blood disorders
• certain eye, lung, and kidney conditions
• certain tumors and cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma
• endocrine (hormone-related) problems
• rheumatic disorders (problems related to the joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, or bones)
• trichinosis (a parasitic infection), in certain situations

Doctors usually prescribe dexamethasone as a short-term treatment. It treats the above conditions in adults and children.

Doctors may prescribe dexamethasone eardrops or eyedrops to adults to help treat inflammation of the eyes or ears.  

With these various conditions, the immune system causes swelling or other symptoms. There can be a variety of causes of these conditions. For example, allergic reactions occur when the immune system reacts to allergens, such as certain drugs or foods.

Doctors may not prescribe dexamethasone oral tablet, oral liquid solution, or injection in certain situations, such as if you have a fungal infection. And they may not prescribe dexamethasone drops for eye infections or a hole in the eardrum.

* Dexamethasone injection may be given as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into your vein given over time) or an injection into a muscle. A healthcare professional will give these injections.

Dexamethasone may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of dexamethasone and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about dexamethasone’s side effects, see this article or ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for dexamethasone listed in the “Article resources” section.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with some forms of dexamethasone are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of dexamethasone you take.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about dexamethasone’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for dexamethasone listed in the “Article resources” section.

As with many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects bother you, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Dexamethasone eyedrops’ mild side effects include:

• blurry vision
• burning or stinging
• mild allergic reaction*

Dexamethasone oral tablet’s mild side effects include:

• acne
• bloating
• nausea
• sleep problems
• mild allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for dexamethasone” section.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of dexamethasone are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of dexamethasone you take.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about dexamethasone’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for dexamethasone listed in the “Article resources” section.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, dexamethasone’s serious side effects include:

• the adrenal glands not making enough cortisol
• bone fractures
• Cushing syndrome (high levels of cortisol)
• increased blood pressure
• increased blood sugar levels
• increased risk of infection
• low potassium levels
• mental health problems, such as depression, loss of touch with reality, and other mood changes
• thinning of the bones
• pancreas inflammation (swelling and damage)
• seizures
• slowed growth in children
• ulcers (sores) in the stomach or upper part of the small intestine
• severe allergic reaction*

For dexamethasone eyedrops, the following serious side effects may also occur:

• glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye), which can damage the optic nerve
• cataracts (cloudiness in the lens of the eye)
• hole in the eyeball
• increased risk of eye infection

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for dexamethasone” section.

Below, you’ll find information about dexamethasone’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of dexamethasone

Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you take dexamethasone, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription or over-the-counter drugs
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for dexamethasone” section below.

Warnings for dexamethasone

Some people should not take dexamethasone, and others should take it cautiously.

Dexamethasone could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether dexamethasone is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of dexamethasone you take.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for dexamethasone, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Dexamethasone can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to dexamethasone or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe dexamethasone. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to dexamethasone, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Overdose of dexamethasone

If you take dexamethasone by mouth, you should not take more than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve taken too much dexamethasone, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and dexamethasone

Information about dexamethasone and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Dexamethasone and pregnancy

It’s not known whether dexamethasone should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking or using this medication.

Dexamethasone and breastfeeding

Dexamethasone should not be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking or using this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with dexamethasone.

This article describes dexamethasone’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about dexamethasone or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• How does dexamethasone compare to other drugs that could treat my condition?
• Am I at higher risk of side effects than other people?
• How should I take dexamethasone?

• Dexamethasone – dexamethasone elixir. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/3746066a-3c87-4238-945a-6dfb4d01a072/spl-doc
• Dexamethasone – dexamethasone tablets. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/fe8cf911-84ef-47be-acb8-0501b546299b/spl-doc
• Dexamethasone intensol – dexamethasone intensol solution, concentrate. (2016). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/a817ab46-54ec-4e3f-886b-04ce6ac1caf9/spl-doc
• Dexamethasone sodium phosphate – dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection, solution. (2017). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/6d3cbd54-93ef-40fe-b15a-7a4f52dc5f71/spl-doc
• Dexamethasone sodium phosphate – dexamethasone sodium phosphate solution/drops. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/38620ec3-6300-41d2-a583-bc1fc7b0925c/spl-doc
• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.