Decadron Tablet 4 mg. 500 mg. Tabs

Generic Name:  Dexamethasone -- Oral

DESCRIPTION

Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid.  It reduces swelling, pain, and inflammation following dental surgery.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR TAKING

Take with food or immediately after a meal to prevent stomach upset.  Take this medication as prescribed.  Follow the dosing schedule carefully.  This medication is given in two (2) doses.  Take the first dose soon after the surgery.  The second dose should be taken on the morning following the surgery.

SIDE EFFECTS

This medication may cause dizziness, nausea, indigestion, increased appetite, weight gain, weakness, or sleep disturbances.  These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.  If they persist or become bothersome, inform Dr. Greene.

Notify Dr. Greene immediately if you experience vomiting of blood or black or tarry stools.

PRECAUTIONS

Do not have a vaccination, or other immunization, or any skin test while you are taking this drug, unless first notifying Dr. Greene.

Before you take this drug, tell Dr. Greene if you are pregnant, think that you may be pregnant, or are trying to become pregnant.  Do not take this medication if you are pregnant or nursing unless first notifying Dr. Greene.

Before taking this medication, Dr. Greene should be familiar with your entire medical history, particularly if you have liver, kidney, intestinal or heart disease; an under-active thyroid gland; high blood pressure; myasthenia gravis; osteoporosis (brittle bones); herpes eye infection; or, a history of tuberculosis (TB), seizures, ulcers, or blood clots.

Do not consume alcoholic beverages while taking this medication -- especially if you have a history of ulcers or take large doses of aspirin or other arthritis medication.

If you have diabetes, this drug may increase your blood sugar level.  Test your urine/blood for sugar (glucose) frequently, and contact Dr. Greene if sugar is present.  Your dose of diabetes medication and your diet may need to be changed.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Before you take this drug, tell Dr. Greene what prescription and non-prescription medications you are taking -- especially aspirin, arthritis medication, anticoagulants ("blood thinners"), diuretics ("water pills"), estrogen (e.g., birth-control pills), phenytoin, rifampin, phenobarbital, macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), ketoconazole, neostigmine, pyridostigimine, ambenomium, and drugs for diabetes.

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius) away from moisture, heat, and sunlight.

Do not store in bathroom.