Understanding Dexamethasone

Dexamethasone is a strong prescription that helps reduce inflammation! Patients take this drug orally or topically most of the time. However, it is also available through an intravenous line. When they take it orally, this medication is offered as a tablet or liquid. This medication handles eye conditions in eye drop form! Unfortunately, it has many side effects, including severe ones. Thus, patients taking it require close monitoring. They must tell their doctor about all side effects. They need to talk to them immediately about signs of infection!

This medication is a significant treatment for ulcerative colitis. Of course, a dexamethasone pill also works as an effective arthritis treatment! In addition, patients use this drug as an eczema treatment. It works as a topical medication for psoriasis and other skin conditions as well. However, patients must understand how this prescription works first!

How It Works

Dexamethasone is a powerful medication. It is a corticosteroid! Medications in this class reduce inflammation and weaken the immune system. This particular one is no different! It decreases inflammation by preventing white blood cells from getting to the site of inflammation. However, white blood cells are the ones that fight infections. This is why this drug makes individuals more susceptible to infection! It helps treat adrenal insufficiency by replacing hormones that the adrenal glands should have released. Research indicates that this drug also works by triggering the death of certain cells!

Continue reading to learn about the uses for this medication next.