Dexapro

Each gram of Dexapro oral paste contains Dexamethasone 1 mg and sodium polyacryle 300 mg. Dexapro is a paste for application to the oral mucosa, containing Dexapro with a potent anti-inflammatory action as the active ingredient. The use of sodium polyacrylate which has a potent adhesive and coating activity on the moist surface as the base is greatly contributory to the prolonged action of Dexapro and the protection of wound surface: Dexapro is thus effective against inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity.

Dexapro is 9α-Fluoro-11β, 17α, 21-trihydroxy-16α-methyl-pregna-1, 4-diene-3, 20-dione. It has a molecular formula C₂₂H₂₉FO₅ and a molecular weight of 392.47.

Dexapro occurs as white to light yellow crystals or a crystalline powder. It is sparingly soluble in methanol, in ethanol, in acetone or in dioxane, slightly soluble in chloroform, and practically insoluble in ether.

Intra-articular

Inflammatory joint diseases

Adult: 0.8-4 mg depending on the size of the affected joint. For soft-tissue inj, 2-6 mg may be used. May repeat inj every 3-5 days to every 2-3 wk.

Intravenous

Prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting associated with cytotoxic therapy

Adult: Prevention: 10-20 mg 15-30 minutes before admin of chemotherapy on each treatment day. For continuous infusion regimen: 10 mg every 12 hr on each treatment day. For midly emetogenic regimen: 4 mg every 4-6 hr.

Intravenous

Unresponsive shock

Adult: As phosphate: Initially, 40 mg or 1-6 mg/kg as a single IV inj, may repeat every 2-6 hr. Continue high-dose treatment only until patient's condition has stabilised and not to be continued beyond 48-72 hr.

Intravenous

Bacterial meningitis

Adult: 0.15 mg/kg 4 times daily, to be given 10-20 min before or with the 1st dose of anti-infective treatment. Treatment should be given for the first 2-4 days of the anti-infective treatment.

Child: As phosphate: 2 mth-18 yr: 150 mcg/kg every 6 hr for 4 days, starting before or with 1st dose of antibacterial treatment.

Ophthalmic

Ocular inflammation

Adult: As 0.1% suspension: Apply 1-2 drops into the affected eye/s 4-6 times daily in mild disease, up to hrly admin in more severe disease. As 0.05% ointment: Apply 0.5-1 inch ribbon of ointment into the conjunctival sac(s) up to 4 times daily. Reduce to once daily dosing once conditon has improved.

Oral

Anti-inflammatory

Adult: 0.75-9 mg daily in 2-4 divided doses; may also be given via IM/IV admin.

Child: 1 mth-18 yr: 10-100 mcg/kg daily in 1-2 divided doses via oral admin, adjusted according to response; up to 300 micrograms/kg daily may be used in emergency situations.

Oral

Screening test for Cushing's syndrome

Adult: 0.5 mg every 6 hr for 48 hr after determining baseline 24-hr urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroid (17-OHCS) concentrations. During the second 24 hr of Dexapro admin, urine is collected and analysed for 17-OHCS. Alternatively, after a baseline plasma cortisol determination, 1 mg may be given at 11 pm and plasma cortisol determined at 8 am the next morning. Plasma cortisol and urinary output of 17-OHCS are depressed after Dexapro admin in normal individuals but remain at basal levels in patients with Cushing's syndrome.

Oral

Acute exacerbations in multiple sclerosis

Adult: 30 mg daily for 1 wk followed by 4-12 mg daily for 1 mth.

Child: 1 mth-12 yr: 100-400 mcg/kg daily in 1-2 divided doses; 12-18 yr: Initially 0.5-24 mg daily. Max. 24 mg daily.

Parenteral

Cerebral oedema caused by malignancy

Adult: As phosphate: 10 mg IV followed by 4 mg IM every 6 hr until response is achieved, usually after 12-24 hr. May reduce dosage after 2-4 days then gradually discontinued over 5-7 days. In severe cases, an initial dose of 50 mg IV may be given on day 1, with 8 mg every 2 hr, reduced gradually over 7-13 days. Maintenance dose: 2 mg 2-3 times daily.

Child: As phosphate: <35 kg: Initially 20 mg, then 4 mg every 3 hr for 3 days, then 4 mg every 6 hr for 1 day, then 2 mg every 6 hr for 4 days, then decrease by 1 mg daily. >35 kg: Initially 25 mg, then 4 mg every 2 hr for 3 days, then 4 mg every 4 hr for 1 day, then 4 mg every 6 hr for 4 days, then decrease by 2 mg daily. Doses are given via IV inj.

Dexapro intravitreal implant is used to treat an eye disease called macular edema (swelling of the back of the eye). Macular edema occurs when a blood vessel in the eye is clogged. This causes vision changes that must be treated right away. Dexapro is a corticosteroid (steroid medicine) that helps reduce the swelling in the eye.

Dexapro intravitreal implant is also used to treat an eye disease called uveitis (swelling in the middle part of the eye). Dexapro is also used to treat diabetic macular edema in patients with artificial lens implant or are scheduled for cataract surgery.

Dexapro is to be given only by or under the supervision of your doctor.

Generic name: Dexapro 0.5mg in 5mL

Dosage form: elixir

See also:

• Dexapro tablet

Medically reviewed on October 1, 2017.

For oral administration: DOSAGE REQUIREMENTS ARE VARIABLE AND MUST BE INDIVIDUALIZED ON THE BASIS OF THE DISEASE AND THE RESPONSE OF THE PATIENT.

The initial dosage varies from 0.75 to 9 mg a day depending on the disease being treated. In less severe diseases doses lower than 0.75 mg may suffice, while in severe diseases doses higher than 9 mg may be required. The initial dosage should be maintained or adjusted until the patient's response is satisfactory. If satisfactory clinical response does not occur after a reasonable period of time, discontinue Dexapro® Elixir and transfer the patient to other therapy.

After a favorable initial response, the proper maintenance dosage should be determined by decreasing the initial dosage in small amounts to the lowest dosage that maintains an adequate clinical response.

Patients should be observed closely for signs that might require dosage adjustment, including changes in clinical status resulting from remissions or exacerbations of the disease, individual drug responsiveness, and the effect of stress (e.g., surgery, infection, trauma). During stress it may be necessary to increase dosage temporarily.

If the drug is to be stopped after more than a few days of treatment, it usually should be withdrawn gradually.

The following milligram equivalents facilitate changing to Dexapro® Elixir from other glucocorticoids:

Dexapro suppression tests

1. Tests for Cushing's syndrome.

   Give 1 mg of Dexapro orally at 11:00 p.m. Blood is drawn for plasma cortisol determination at 8:00 a.m. the following morning.

   For greater accuracy, give 0.5 mg of Dexapro orally every 6 hours for 48 hours. Twenty-four hour urine collections are made for determination of 17-hydroxycorticosteroid excretion.

2. Test to distinguish Cushing's syndrome due to pituitary ACTH excess from Cushing's syndrome due to other causes.

   Give 2 mg of Dexapro orally every 6 hours for 48 hours. Twenty-four hour urine collections are made for determination of 17-hydroxycorticosteroid excretion.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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• Drug class: glucocorticoids

Consumer resources

• Dexapro (Advanced Reading)

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Professional resources

• Dexapro (FDA)
• Dexapro Elixir (FDA)
• Dexapro sodium phosphate (AHFS Monograph)

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See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Dexapro?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to Dexapro, or if you have a fungal infection anywhere in your body.

Before taking Dexapro, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, and about all other medicines you are using. There are many other diseases that can be affected by steroid use, and many other medicines that can interact with steroids.

Your steroid medication needs may change if you have any unusual stress such as a serious illness, fever or infection, or if you have surgery or a medical emergency. Tell your doctor about any such situation that affects you during treatment.

Steroid medication can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection or worsening an infection you already have or have recently had. Tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medication.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are taking Dexapro. Vaccines may not work as well while you are taking a steroid.

Do not stop using Dexapro suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication.

Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take Dexapro. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you are using a steroid.

Use Dexapro suspension as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• If your doctor prescribed more than 1 eye medicine, find out the best order for using each medicine.
• Remove contact lenses before using Dexapro suspension.
• Shake well before each use.
• To use Dexapro suspension in the eye, first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back. Using your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Immediately use your finger to apply pressure to the inside corner of the eyelid for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not blink. Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean, dry tissue, being careful not to touch your eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.
• To prevent germs from contaminating your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface, including the eye. Keep the container tightly closed.
• If you miss a dose of Dexapro suspension, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Dexapro suspension.

This medication is used to treat various conditions such as severe allergic reactions, arthritis, blood diseases, breathing problems, certain cancers, eye diseases, intestinal disorders, and skin diseases. It is also used to test for an adrenal gland disorder (Cushing's syndrome). It decreases your body's natural defensive response and reduces symptoms such as swelling and allergic-type reactions. Dexapro is a corticosteroid hormone (glucocorticoid). This injectable form of Dexapro is used when a similar drug cannot be taken by mouth or when a very fast response is needed, especially in patients with severe medical conditions. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of Dexapro, especially if it is to be injected near your spine (epidural). Rare but serious side effects may occur with epidural use.

This drug may also be used with other medications as a replacement for certain hormones.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy.

How to use Dexapro injection

This medication is given by injection into a vein, muscle, joint, or skin wound as directed by your doctor. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often than prescribed without consulting your doctor. Some patients (especially newborns) should receive the preservative-free form of this drug. In these patients, when mixing this form of the drug, be sure to use IV fluid that is also preservative-free. Use these mixtures within 24 hours.

If this medication is injected into a joint, be careful how much pressure you put on that joint, even if it is feeling better. Ask your doctor how much you can move/use the joint while it is healing.

If you have been using this medication for a long time, do not suddenly stop using it without your doctor's approval. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased to reduce symptoms such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, or extreme tiredness.

If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

See also:
What other drugs will affect Dexapro?

Tablet/Forte Tablet: Barbiturates, Phenytoin, Ephedrine, Carbamazepine, Rifampicin and Other Drugs that Stimulate Hepatic Metabolism: May lessen the effect of Dexapro due to enhancement of Dexapro metabolism. Increase in Dexapro dosage may be required.

CYP3A4 Inhibitors eg, Ketoconazole and Macrolide Antibiotics: May increase plasma concentrations of corticosteroids.

Indinavir, Erythromycin and Other Drugs Metabolized by CYP3A4: Dexapro is a moderate inducer of CYP3A4 and may increase clearance of these drugs, resulting in decreased plasma concentrations.

Oral Contraceptives and Estrogen:

Aspirin: Concomitant use of aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids increases the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects. Use aspirin cautiously in conjunction with corticosteroids in hypoprothrombinemia.

Concomitant administration of Dexapro and aspirin may also cause changes in salicylate plasma protein-binding and its rate of metabolism. These changes cause lowering of plasma salicylate levels.

Warfarin: Co-administration of corticosteroids and warfarin usually results in decreased response to warfarin, although there have been conflicting results.

Monitor coagulation indices frequently to maintain the desired anticoagulant effect.

Potassium-Depleting Agents eg, Diuretics and Amphotericin-B: Observe patients closely for the development of hypokalemia. Patients on digitalis glycosides may be at increased risk of arrhythmias due to hypokalemia.

Anticholinesterase Agents: Concomitant use of anticholinesterase agents and corticosteroids may produce severe weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. If possible, withdraw anticholinesterase agents at least 24 hrs before initiating corticosteroid therapy.

Antacids: Large doses of antacids cause alteration in corticosteroid absorption.

Insulin: Concomitant administration of Dexapro and insulin generally requires higher doses of insulin.

Ketoconazole: Decreases the metabolism of certain corticosteroids by up to 60% leading to an increased risk of corticosteroid side effects.

Thalidomide: Toxic epidermal necrolysis has been reported when Dexapro was used concomitantly with thalidomide.

Indomethacin: May cause false negative results in the Dexapro suppression test (DST).

Other Interactions: Toxoids and Live or Inactivated Vaccines: Patients on prolonged corticosteroid therapy may exhibit diminished response to toxoids and live or inactivated vaccines due to inhibition of antibody response.

Corticosteroids may also potentiate the replication of some organisms contained in live attenuated vaccines. If possible, postpone routine administration of vaccines or toxoids until corticosteroid therapy is discontinued.

Antidiabetic Agents: Dosage adjustment of antidiabetic agents may be required because corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations.

Skin Tests: Corticosteroids may suppress reactions to skin tests.

See also:
What are the possible side effects of Dexapro?

Applies to Dexapro: oral elixir, oral solution, oral tablet

Along with its needed effects, Dexapro (the active ingredient contained in Dexapro) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking Dexapro:

More common

• Aggression
• agitation
• anxiety
• blurred vision
• decrease in the amount of urine
• dizziness
• fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• headache
• irritability
• mental depression
• mood changes
• nervousness
• noisy, rattling breathing
• numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
• pounding in the ears
• shortness of breath
• swelling of the fingers, hands, feet, or lower legs
• trouble thinking, speaking, or walking
• troubled breathing at rest
• weight gain

• Abdominal cramping and/or burning (severe)
• abdominal pain
• backache
• bloody, black, or tarry stools
• cough or hoarseness
• darkening of skin
• decrease in height
• decreased vision
• diarrhea
• dry mouth
• eye pain
• eye tearing
• facial hair growth in females
• fainting
• fatigue
• fever or chills
• flushed, dry skin
• fractures
• fruit-like breath odor
• full or round face, neck, or trunk
• heartburn and/or indigestion (severe and continuous)
• increased hunger
• increased thirst
• increased urination
• loss of appetite
• loss of sexual desire or ability
• lower back or side pain
• menstrual irregularities
• muscle pain or tenderness
• muscle wasting or weakness
• nausea
• pain in back, ribs, arms, or legs
• painful or difficult urination
• skin rash
• sleeplessness
• sweating
• trouble healing
• trouble sleeping
• unexplained weight loss
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vision changes
• vomiting
• vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds

Some side effects of Dexapro may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Increased appetite

• Abnormal fat deposits on the face, neck, and trunk
• acne
• dry scalp
• lightening of normal skin color
• red face
• reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin
• swelling of the stomach area
• thinning of the scalp hair