Decadron

Pemphigus, Macular Edema, Iridocyclitis + 102 more

Treatment

106 FDA approvals

20 Active Studies for Decadron

Treatment for

Pemphigus

What is Decadron

Dexamethasone

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Dexamethasone (also known as MK-125) is a steroid medication used to treat various conditions such as endocrine disorders, inflammatory conditions, and cancer. It was developed in 1957 and is similar to other corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone and prednisolone. It was approved by the FDA in 1958 and was recently recommended for use in patients with severe respiratory symptoms from COVID-19, reducing death rates by one third in patients requiring ventilation and one fifth in those requiring oxygen.

Decadron

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Decadron Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Decadron

Dexamethasone

1958

452

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Dexamethasone, also known as Decadron, is approved by the FDA for 106 uses which include Serum Sickness and Choroiditis .

Serum Sickness

Helps manage Serum Sickness

Choroiditis

Helps manage Choroiditis

Drug Allergy

Helps manage Drug hypersensitivity reaction

Seborrheic dermatitis

Helps manage Severe Seborrheic Dermatitis

Berylliosis

Helps manage Berylliosis

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Helps manage Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin

Helps manage Malignant Lymphomas

Crohn Disease

Helps manage Regional Enteritis

Lupus

Helps manage Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Arthritis, Gouty

Helps manage Acute Gouty Arthritis

Multiple Myeloma

Used to treat Multiple Myeloma (MM) in combination with Isatuximab

Rhinitis, Allergic

Helps manage Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (PAR)

Tuberculosis (TB)

Helps manage Tuberculosis (TB)

Hay Fever

Helps manage Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

Cushing's Syndrome

Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

Helps manage Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

Adrenal cortical hypofunctions

Helps manage Adrenal cortical hypofunctions

Secondary thrombocytopenia

Helps manage Secondary thrombocytopenia

acquired immune hemolytic anemia

Helps manage acquired immune hemolytic anemia

Acute Leukemia (Category)

Helps manage Acute Leukemia (Category)

Regional Enteritis

Helps manage Regional Enteritis

severe Psoriasis

Helps manage severe Psoriasis

Mycosis Fungoides

Helps manage Mycosis Fungoides (MF)

Conjunctivitis

Helps manage anterior eye segment inflammation

Tennis Elbow

Helps manage Epicondylitis

Degenerative polyarthritis

Helps manage Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis

Bursitis

Helps manage Bursitis

Cushing Syndrome

Anemia, Hemolytic

Helps manage acquired immune hemolytic anemia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Helps manage Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)

Multiple Myeloma (MM)

Used to treat Multiple Myeloma (MM) in combination with Isatuximab

Trialled at least two prior therapies including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor

Used to treat Trialled at least two prior therapies including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor in combination with Isatuximab

Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)

Helps manage Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)

Iridocyclitis

Helps manage Iridocyclitis

Optic Neuritis

Helps manage Optic Neuritis

Adrenal Insufficiency

Helps manage Adrenal cortical hypofunctions

Choroiditis

Helps manage Choroiditis

Tenosynovitis

Helps manage Tenosynovitis

Asthma

Helps manage Asthma

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Juvenile

Helps manage Rheumatoid Arthritis, Juvenile

Erythroblastopenia

Helps manage Erythroblastopenia

Hypercalcemia

Helps manage Hypercalcemia

Aspiration Pneumonitis

Helps manage Aspiration Pneumonitis

Keratitis

Helps manage Keratitis

Ulcerative Colitis

Helps manage Ulcerative Colitis

anterior eye segment inflammation

Helps manage anterior eye segment inflammation

Adrenal Gland Hyperfunction

Mycosis Fungoides (MF)

Helps manage Mycosis Fungoides (MF)

Adrenocortical Hyperfunction

Inflammation

Congenital Hypoplastic Anemia

Helps manage Congenital Hypoplastic Anemia

Epicondylitis

Helps manage Epicondylitis

Cancer

Helps manage Cancer

Trichinosis

Helps manage Trichinosis

Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (PAR)

Helps manage Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (PAR)

Berylliosis

Helps manage Berylliosis

Synovitis

Helps manage Synovitis

Acute Coryza

Helps manage acute rheumatic carditis

Drug hypersensitivity reaction

Helps manage Drug hypersensitivity reaction

Edema of the cerebrum

Helps manage Edema of the cerebrum

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Helps manage Rheumatoid Arthritis

Atopic Dermatitis

Helps manage Atopic Dermatitis

Severe Seborrheic Dermatitis

Helps manage Severe Seborrheic Dermatitis

Malignant Lymphomas

Helps manage Malignant Lymphomas

exfoliative erythroderma

Helps manage exfoliative erythroderma

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Helps manage Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Optic Neuritis

Helps manage Optic Neuritis

Synovitis

Helps manage Synovitis

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)

Helps manage Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)

Bursitis

Helps manage Bursitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

Helps manage Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

Sarcoidosis

Helps manage Sarcoidosis

Uveitis

Helps manage Uveitis

Chorioretinitis

Helps manage Chorioretinitis

Ophthalmia, Sympathetic

Helps manage Ophthalmia, Sympathetic

non-suppurative Thyroiditis

Helps manage non-suppurative Thyroiditis

Contact Dermatitis

Helps manage Contact Dermatitis

Tuberculosis

Helps manage Tuberculosis (TB)

Loeffler's syndrome

Helps manage Loeffler's syndrome

Pemphigus

Helps manage Pemphigus

Uveitis

Helps manage Uveitis

Iritis

Helps manage Iritis

Acute Gouty Arthritis

Helps manage Acute Gouty Arthritis

Hypercalcemia

Helps manage Hypercalcemia

Asthma

Helps manage Asthma

Rosacea

Helps manage Rosacea

Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis

Helps manage Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis

Brain

Helps manage Edema of the cerebrum

Inflammation

Iridocyclitis

Helps manage Iridocyclitis

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Helps manage Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Ulcerative Colitis

Helps manage Ulcerative Colitis

Iritis

Helps manage Iritis

Pulmonary Eosinophilia

Helps manage Loeffler's syndrome

Allergic Conjunctivitis (AC)

Helps manage Allergic Conjunctivitis (AC)

Anemia, Diamond-Blackfan

Helps manage Congenital Hypoplastic Anemia

Arthritis, Juvenile

Helps manage Rheumatoid Arthritis, Juvenile

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Helps manage Acute Leukemia (Category)

varicella-zoster virus acute retinal necrosis

Helps manage varicella-zoster virus acute retinal necrosis

Rosacea

Helps manage Rosacea

Multiple Myeloma

Used to treat Trialled at least two prior therapies including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor in combination with Isatuximab

Bullous dermatitis herpetiformis

Helps manage Bullous dermatitis herpetiformis

Thrombocytopenia

Helps manage Secondary thrombocytopenia

Pemphigus

Helps manage Pemphigus

Thyroiditis

Helps manage non-suppurative Thyroiditis

Psoriasis

Helps manage severe Psoriasis

Effectiveness

How Decadron Affects Patients

Corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone, work by blocking pro-inflammatory signals and promoting anti-inflammatory signals. The amount of time they last varies depending on how they are taken. Corticosteroids are generally safe and effective, but it is important to be aware of the risk of suppressing the body's natural hormones and increased vulnerability to infection.

How Decadron works in the body

Corticosteroids reduce the size of blood vessels and decrease white blood cell movement to sites of inflammation. Corticosteroid binding to a receptor changes gene expression, leading to many other effects. It inhibits neutrophils from dying and stops the formation of arachidonic acid. It also reduces inflammation by inhibiting NF-Kappa B and other transcription factors, as well as promoting anti-inflammatory genes. Lower doses have an anti-inflammatory effect, while higher doses suppress the immune system. High doses over a long period of time bind to the mineralocorticoid receptor, which increases sodium levels and decreases potassium levels.

When to interrupt dosage

The proposed measure of Decadron is contingent upon the identified illness, including Pink Eye, Brain and Keloids Scars. The amount of dosage is contingent upon the approach of delivery noted in the table beneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Uveitis

, 0.7 mg, 0.001 mg/mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL, 1.5 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg, 0.75 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 6.0 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.5 mg/mL, 0.1 %, 40.0 mg, 0.0005 mg/mg, 517.0 mg/mL, 0.0015 mg/mg, 0.4 mg, 20.0 mg, 0.1 mg/mL, 0.5 mg/units

, Intravitreal, Implant - Intravitreal, Implant, Ointment, Ophthalmic, Ointment - Ophthalmic, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intra-articular; Intralesional; Intramuscular; Intravenous; Soft tissue, Injection, solution - Intra-articular; Intralesional; Intramuscular; Intravenous; Soft tissue, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Suspension / drops - Ophthalmic, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Suspension, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Suspension - Auricular (otic), Auricular (otic), Intramuscular, Injection, solution - Intramuscular, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Intra-articular; Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Elixir, Elixir - Oral, Solution - Intramuscular; Intrasynovial; Intravenous, Solution - Auricular (otic); Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Auricular (otic); Ophthalmic, Auricular (otic); Ophthalmic, Solution - Intra-articular; Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid, Solution / drops - Topical, Ophthalmic; Topical, Liquid - Ophthalmic; Topical, Topical, Liquid - Auricular (otic); Ophthalmic, Ointment - Auricular (otic); Ophthalmic, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution - Intra-articular; Intralesional; Intramuscular; Intravenous; Soft tissue, Suspension / drops, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Solution, concentrate, Injection - Intra-articular; Intralesional; Intramuscular; Intravenous; Soft tissue, Dental, Kit, Epidural; Infiltration; Intramuscular; Intravenous, Kit - Epidural; Infiltration; Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection - Intramuscular, Injection, solution - Ophthalmic, Intramuscular; Intrasynovial; Intravenous, Liquid - Dental, Intraocular, Injection, suspension - Intraocular, Injection, solution - Intraocular, Injection, suspension, Epidural; Infiltration; Intramuscular; Intravenous; Topical, Kit - Epidural; Infiltration; Intramuscular; Intravenous; Topical, Kit - Infiltration; Intramuscular; Intravenous; Topical, Injection, suspension - Intra-articular; Intralesional; Intramuscular; Intravenous; Soft tissue, Intramuscular; Intravenous; Topical, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intrasynovial; Intravenous, Liquid - Intra-articular; Intralesional; Intramuscular; Intravenous; Soft tissue, Ointment - Topical, Liquid - Intra-articular; Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution - Oral, Suspension / drops - Auricular (otic), Parenteral, Solution - Parenteral, Infiltration; Intramuscular; Intravenous; Topical, Kit - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Topical, Injection, emulsion - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Insert, Insert - Ophthalmic, Solution - Topical, Epidural; Infiltration; Intramuscular; Intravenous; Perineural; Topical, Kit - Epidural; Infiltration; Intramuscular; Intravenous; Perineural; Topical, Suspension / drops - Topical, Injection, emulsion, Perineural

Communicable Diseases

Bacterial Infections

Communicable Diseases

Otitis

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Conjunctivitis

Aspiration Pneumonitis

Phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis

Sarcoidosis

Cataract Surgery

Chorioretinitis

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Retinal Vein Occlusion

Communicable Diseases

Crohn Disease

Ocular Infections, Irritations and Inflammations

swelling of the eyes

Eye

Keloids Scars

Warnings

Decadron Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

active periocular infections

Do Not Combine

Eye

Do Not Combine

Tympanic membrane structure

Do Not Combine

suspected periocular infections

Do Not Combine

Eye Infections, Fungal

Do Not Combine

Viral Conjunctivitis

Do Not Combine

Communicable Diseases

Do Not Combine

Eye Infection

Do Not Combine

Mycoses

Do Not Combine

Chickenpox

Do Not Combine

External auditory canal structure

Do Not Combine

epithelial herpes simplex keratitis

Do Not Combine

External Ear

Do Not Combine

torn posterior lens

Do Not Combine

Open-angle glaucoma

Do Not Combine

Cornea

Do Not Combine

Eye Infections

Do Not Combine

ruptured posterior lens

Do Not Combine

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

Do Not Combine

Dexamethasone may interact with Pulse Frequency

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Decadron.

Common Decadron Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

1,2-Benzodiazepine

Major

The metabolism of 1,2-Benzodiazepine can be increased when combined with Dexamethasone.

2-Methoxyethanol

Major

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Dexamethasone is combined with 2-Methoxyethanol.

3,5-diiodothyropropionic acid

Major

The metabolism of 3,5-diiodothyropropionic acid can be increased when combined with Dexamethasone.

6-O-benzylguanine

Major

The metabolism of 6-O-benzylguanine can be increased when combined with Dexamethasone.

7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin

Major

The metabolism of 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin can be increased when combined with Dexamethasone.

Decadron Toxicity & Overdose Risk

The toxic dose of glucocorticoids in female mice is 6.5g/kg when taken orally, and 794mg/kg when injected intravenously. Although overdoses are not expected with otic formulations, long-term use of high doses can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, water retention, high cholesterol, ulcers, mood changes, acne, and weakened immune system. In the case of an overdose, the dose should be adjusted or stopped and supportive treatments should be administered.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Decadron Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Decadron?

345 active trials are currently investigating Decadron as a possible therapy for Eyelid Infections, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Chorioretinitis.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Rheumatoid Arthritis

56 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 4

Asthma

87 Actively Recruiting

Phase 1, Phase 4, Early Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 3

Inflammation

57 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Early Phase 1, Phase 3

Acute Coryza

0 Actively Recruiting

Thyroiditis

0 Actively Recruiting

Lupus

62 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 4, Early Phase 1

Trichinosis

0 Actively Recruiting

Diabetic Macular Edema

27 Actively Recruiting

Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 1, Phase 2

Tuberculosis

2 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 3

Pulmonary Eosinophilia

7 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 3, Phase 1, Phase 2

Open-angle glaucoma

47 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 4, Early Phase 1, Phase 1

Uveitis

3 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 3

Rosacea

2 Actively Recruiting

Early Phase 1, Phase 2

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

35 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 1, Phase 3

Thrombocytopenia

0 Actively Recruiting

Arthritis, Juvenile

1 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable

Bacterial Infections

0 Actively Recruiting

Atopic Dermatitis

14 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 1

Skin Diseases

0 Actively Recruiting

Otitis Externa

0 Actively Recruiting

Decadron Reviews: What are patients saying about Decadron?

Patient Review

2/17/2014

Decadron for Inflammation of the Joints due to Gout

I was really pleased with the results of this treatment. I got my mobility back quickly and it allowed me to do things I thought weren't possible. The only downside is that it kept me awake for more than 12 hours.

Patient Review

10/8/2013

Decadron for Rheumatoid Arthritis

This drug is amazing! I was struggling to do simple tasks like getting dressed or brushing my hair yesterday, but after just one shot of this medication I felt great! I joke that I wish I could have one everyday, but in all seriousness it really helped me out.

Patient Review

3/1/2022

Decadron for Inflammation of the Nose due to an Allergy

My seasonal allergies had gotten to the point where over-the-counter anti-histamines and nasal steroid sprays weren't working anymore. So, my doctor gave me a Decardron shot. Within four hours, I was feeling completely better! I did have some minor side effects related to sleep, but it was well worth it and I'll definitely do it again if needed!

Patient Review

3/10/2012

Decadron for Asthma

Excellent results when injected.

Patient Review

6/20/2016

Decadron for Inflammation of the Nose due to an Allergy

This medication is successful in treating my allergies and sinus-related body aches. I would highly recommend it to others.

4.7

Patient Review

12/18/2014

Decadron for Vocal Cord Swelling

I had such a sore throat that I couldn't swallow or chew. I went to the ER and they gave me this medication. I felt amazing for 12-14 hours.

3.7

Patient Review

7/3/2013

Decadron for Vocal Cord Swelling

I unfortunately experienced one of the rare side effects: giant hives. They would start on one leg and spread to my other thigh, knee area, etc. I'm fingers crossed that the drug will eventually wear off; otherwise, I'll never take it again.

2.3

Patient Review

11/17/2012

Decadron for Thyroid Gland Inflammation

I took the decadron injection because I'd been sick for three weeks with a sore throat, sinus pressure, pain in my ears, and swollen thyroid glands. Almost immediately, I felt extremely tired, began sweating profusely, and felt like I had a massive bladder infection. Ten hours later, I'm still awake and the pain when urinating is even worse than before. The medicine may be effective but the side effects are terrible.

image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about decadron

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What does Decadron steroid do?

"A corticosteroid called Decadron, similar to a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands, can be used to treat various disorders including arthritis, skin conditions, blood diseases, kidney diseases, eye diseases, thyroid problems, severe allergies, and asthma. It is also sometimes used to treat certain types of cancer and cerebral edema."

Answered by AI

Is Decadron a strong steroid?

"Dexamethasone is a very strong corticosteroid. It is about 25 times stronger than hydrocortisone and 6 times stronger than prednisone. Your body naturally produces the equivalent of about 5 mg of prednisone every day."

Answered by AI

What is a Decadron used for?

"This medication is used to treat a variety of conditions, such as arthritis, blood/hormone disorders, allergic reactions, skin diseases, eye problems, breathing problems, bowel disorders, cancer, and immune system disorders. It is also used as a test for an adrenal gland disorder (Cushing's syndrome)."

Answered by AI

Why do doctors prescribe Decadron?

"This medication reduces inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals by the body. It is used to treat conditions such as allergies, arthritis, asthma, blood disorders, bone marrow problems, kidney problems, skin conditions, and flare-ups of multiple sclerosis."

Answered by AI