Maxidex

Generic Name: Dexamethasone
Product Name: Maxidex

Indication

– Anti-inflammatory effects in diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease
– Replacement therapy when the body does not produce enough of its own steroid hormones
– Immune suppression for prevention of transplant rejection and in auto immune diseases
– Treatment of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy
– Severe allergic reactions
– Treatment of skin conditions eg. pemphigus vulgaris, allergic dermatitis.

Action

Corticosteroids (such as Dexmethsone) work by entering the cell nucleus and influencing certain genes inside the cell. This causes a suppression of immune and inflammatory responses.

Dose advice

– Adults: 0.5 to 10 mg daily in divided doses, gradually reduced after good effect is achieved to the minimal maintenance dosage needed.
– Oral medication or injection available

Schedule

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Common side effects

The side effects of Dexmethsone are often related to the dosage given and the length of treatment. In general, the longer the duration of treatment, the greater the side effects.

Commonly experienced side effects include:
– reflux/heartburn
– increase blood pressure
– increased appetite
– skin fragility
– increased risk of infections (eg. Thrush)
– easy bruising
– altered sugar levels (diabetics may need more insulin)
– slow to heal wounds
– increased risk of fractures with long term treatments
– growth problems in children with long term treatments
– Cushingoid features in patients treated long term â?? â??moon faceâ??, fat redistribution.
– Muscle weakness
– Mood changes such as depression whilst on treatment

Uncommon side effects

Less common side effects include:
– serious fractures eg. Spinal crush fractures
– aseptic necrosis (dead bone caused by lack of adequate blood supply)
– pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

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For further information talk to your doctor.