Posted by notfred on September 15, 2006, at 22:26:08
In reply to Re: Dexamethasone- 4 days- wish I could continue!, posted by Jimmyboy on September 13, 2006, at 21:22:58
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dexamethasone#Side_effects
Side effects
If dexamethasone is given orally or by injection (parenteral) over a period of more than a few days, side-effects common to systemic glucocorticoids may occur. These may include:
* Stomach upset, increased sensitivity to stomach acid to the point of ulceration of esophagus, stomach, and duodenum
* Increased appetite leading to significant weight gain
* A latent diabetes mellitus often becomes manifest. Glucose intolerance is worsened in patients with preexisting diabetes.
* Immunsuppressant action, particular if given together with other immunosuppressants such as ciclosporine. Bacterial, viral, and fungal disease may progress more easily and can become life-threatening. Fever as a warning symptom is often suppressed.
* Psychiatric disturbances, including personality changes, irritability, euphoria, mania
* Osteoporosis under long term treatment, pathologic fractures (e.g., hip)
* Muscle atrophy, negative protein balance (catabolism)
* Elevated liver enzymes, fatty liver degeneration (usually reversible)
* Cushingoid (syndrome resembling hyperactive adrenal cortex with increase in adiposity, hypertension, bone demineralization, etc.)
* Depression of the adrenal gland is usually seen, if more than 1.5 mg daily are given for more than three weeks to a month.
* Hypertension, fluid and sodium retention, edema, worsening of heart insufficiency (due to mineral corticoid activity)
* Dependence with withdrawal syndrome is frequently seen.
* Increased intraocular pressure, certain types of glaucoma, cataract (serious clouding of eye lenses)
* Dermatologic: Acne, allergic dermatitis, dry scaly skin, ecchymoses and petechiae, erythema, impaired wound-healing, increased sweating, rash, striae, suppression of reactions to skin tests, thin fragile skin, thinning scalp hair, urticaria.
* Allergic reactions (though infrequently): Anaphylactoid reaction, anaphylaxis, angioedema. (Highly unlikely, since dexamethasone is given to prevent anaphylactoid reactions.)
poster:notfred
thread:685086
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060909/msgs/686401.html