Dexamethasone tablets and liquid
NHS information about the medicine dexamethasone, including what it's used for, who can take it, how to take it and side effects.
There is separate information about dexamethasone eye drops.
What dexamethasone tablets and liquid are for
Dexamethasone is a type of medicine called a steroid (or corticosteroid).
Steroids reduce swelling and inflammation. They're different to anabolic steroids, which some people use illegally to help build bigger muscles.
Dexamethasone tablets and liquid are used to treat many different conditions, including:
- some lung conditions, such as croup and asthma
- autoimmune conditions (where the immune system attacks itself) such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
- some cancers, such as acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, combined with other cancer treatments
Dexamethasone is sometimes given in hospital to treat severe COVID.
It can also be used to ease some of the symptoms associated with end-of-life care or chemotherapy, such as feeling or being sick (nausea and vomiting).
How to take dexamethasone tablets and liquid
Dexamethasone usually comes as tablets or a liquid you swallow (oral solution).
How much you need to take and how long for depends on which type it is and why you're taking it.
You usually take it once a day, in the morning. Your prescribed dose may go up or down depending on your symptoms and if your condition gets better or worse.
When taking dexamethasone:
- swallow tablets whole with water, or break them in half to make them easier to swallow – if you have soluble tablets dissolve them in a glass of water and then drink it
- if you're taking the liquid medicine, use the syringe or spoon that comes with it to help you measure the right dose
- take it with or after food to help protect your stomach
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.
If a child is prescribed dexamethasone, they'll have their height checked regularly by their doctor. This is because steroids can sometimes affect how children grow.
Depending on your condition and how long you need to take dexamethasone for, you may be given a card to carry with you. This is to let healthcare professionals know you’re taking this medicine.
Dexamethasone also comes as an injection, but this is usually given in hospital.
Side effects of dexamethasone tablets and liquid
Like all medicines, dexamethasone tablets and liquid can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Common side effects of dexamethasone include:
- feeling anxious or irritable
- wanting to eat more than usual and putting on weight
- problems sleeping (insomnia)
- headaches
- feeling sick (nausea) and indigestion
- blurred vision
Dexamethasone will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery. But if you have blurred vision after taking dexamethasone, wait until this has stopped.
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of dexamethasone.
For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website
Who can and cannot take dexamethasone tablets and liquid
Most adults and children can take dexamethasone tablets and liquid.
But dexamethasone is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:
- you've had an allergic reaction to dexamethasone or another steroid medicine
- you have an infection that’s not currently being treated
- you have high blood pressure, heart failure or recently had a heart attack
- you have an underactive thyroid, or liver or kidney problems
- you have diabetes or a history of diabetes in your family
- you have epilepsy
- you have a stomach ulcer, or a bowel condition such as ulcerative colitis or diverticulitis
- you have osteoporosis
- you've ever had problems with your mental health
- you've recently been vaccinated using a live vaccine, such as for chickenpox or yellow fever
Before taking dexamethasone, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.
Breastfeeding and dexamethasone tablets and liquid
Dexamethasone can sometimes be taken while breastfeeding, but check with a doctor first. They may recommend a different medicine for you.
If you're taking dexamethasone while breastfeeding, your baby will be monitored to make sure they are feeding and putting on weight as expected. Speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.
Pregnancy and dexamethasone tablets and liquid
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant.
Dexamethasone can be used during pregnancy, if needed. Your doctor will talk to you about the risks and benefits of taking it while pregnant.
It’s occasionally been linked to problems when taken in early pregnancy and may affect your baby's growth.
Taking dexamethasone tablets and liquid with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with dexamethasone tablets and liquid.
This includes:
- other steroids (corticosteroids) such as hydrocortisone
- some antibiotics such as erythromycin
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- medicines to treat diabetes, such as insulin and metformin
- anticoagulants, such as warfarin
- some medicines for high blood pressure, such as verapamil
- epilepsy medicines, such as phenytoin and carbamazepine
- medicines that make you pee more (diuretics)
If you’re due to have a vaccine for tuberculosis (TB), yellow fever, chicken pox, or any other live vaccine, tell the doctor or pharmacist that you’re taking dexamethasone.
Before taking dexamethasone, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
Food, drink and alcohol with dexamethasone tablets and liquid
It’s best to avoid alcohol while taking dexamethasone, as it can increase the chance of side effects.
Your doctor may also recommend cutting back on the amount of salt and caffeine you have. Otherwise you can eat and drink normally when taking dexamethasone.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- speak to a pharmacist or a doctor for advice