Dexamethasone Injections Description

Your doctor may administer Dexamethasone Injections during a hospital stay should you require immediate attention for shock, a severe allergic reaction, or severe asthma attack. Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that is a safe and fast alternative to oral corticosteroids if you are unconscious or unable to swallow. Once your condition has been brought under control, you may be treated with oral medications.

Quickly Inhibit Immune Response and Reduce Inflammation

Dexamethasone Injections will work to inhibit your immune and inflammatory responses by stopping the action of cells in your body that produce chemicals that cause inflammation when there has been an injury or threat to your body. A severe asthma attack involves inflammation that can impede your airways and must be dealt with swiftly to reverse this effect and restore breathing. Although inflammation is a part of your body’s healing process, inflammation causes more inflammation as well as swelling and pain.

Brand or generic Dexamethasone Injections are usually administered through a vein or into a muscle which is why an experienced medical professional will carry out the injections. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Conditions Treated by Dexamethasone Injections

For non-emergency uses, Dexamethasone Injections can be administered in your doctor’s office to help reduce the pain and inflammation of arthritis, to reduce the risk of rejection after a bone marrow or stem cell transplant by inhibiting your immune response, and can help boost your appetite if you are dealing with acute stress.

Your body produces its own steroids, called cortisol. This is important for controlling moods and behavior, regulating blood pressure, and maintaining a balance of salt and water in your body. When you are injured or experience a stressful situation, your body needs cortisol to prepare for a fight or flight response, such as mobilizing stored energy into your bloodstream to increase cardiovascular tone while putting a hold on your appetite, growth, and digestion as these are considered unnecessary during a crisis.

Before Dexamethasone Injections are Administered

If you are able to speak, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding as Dexamethasone Injections may be a risk to your unborn or nursing baby. If you have allergies or are taking over the counter and prescription medications, try to keep an updated list in your purse, wallet, or vehicle for times there is an emergency. Include herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements so your attending physician can determine if Dexamethasone Injections are safe to administer to you.

Recommendations After Receiving Dexamethasone Injections

Try to avoid contact with others that are sick or have an active infection as your immune system will be suppressed and possibly not strong enough to fight off germs or illnesses. List other medical conditions or allergies you have before your doctor administers any Dexamethasone Injections to reduce the risk of a possible drug interaction.

Possible Side Effects of Dexamethasone Injections

• Insomnia
• Mood changes
• Slow wound healing
• Pain or redness at injection site

Drugs Similar to Dexamethasone Injections

• Depo-Medrol
• Prednisolone
• Decadron