- Used to prevent the symptoms of asthma like breathing difficulties
- Used to treat allergies and skin problems
- Also used for colitis, arthritis and lupus
- Helps prevent nausea and vomiting post-chemotherapy
Dexamethasone Intensol is the brand name for the generic drug Dexamethasone which is manufactured by Roxane Laboratories Inc. It comes as a solution and each dose dispensed with a dropper is 30 mL.
Indications
Dexamethasone Intensol is a glucocorticoid or a steroid hormone used to prevent the breathing problems that come up during an asthma attack as well as to treat many ailments and conditions like arthritis, colitis, lupus, psoriasis and other allergies. It is useful in preventing the nausea and vomiting that usually follows chemotherapy.
Action
This drug is a steroid and it prevents inflammation in the body by acting on the substances that cause it. In asthma patients, this helps them to breathe easier and it prevents an attack. This drug is not to be used to relieve the symptoms once an attack has set in. This medicine is best taken with food or milk and only the dropper provided with it should be used.
Side Effects
Some users do experience side effects though most do not. However, most of the side effects are mild. There could be insomnia, nervousness or increased appetite. There could be stomach upsets too. For a few, however, there could be serious side effects like intestinal bleeding and this could show up as dark or bloody stools. There could also be feelings of depression, muscular weakness, agitation, irregularity of the menstrual cycle, blood sugar spikes, high blood pressure, blood clots, slowing down of the heartbeat, hallucinations and delirium. Medical attention must be sought immediately for these side effects.
Caution
As with all steroids, the doctor must be told your full medical history including past ailments, allergies and any drugs that you reacted to. He will also want to know a bit of your family history and any cases of tobacco, alcohol or drug abuse. Any vitamins or supplements – even if they are natural or herbal must be listed down as well as any medication you are on for any current ailment.
Contraindications
This drug is best avoided by pregnant women and nursing mothers as the effects on the fetus and the baby have not been researched enough. Steroids tend to weaken your immunity so you need to be careful that you do not expose yourself to infections and it is best you stay away from people who suffer from them, especially chicken pox and measles. You should also not take a ‘live’ vaccine while you are on it. You will need to tell your doctor if you have a fungal infection and if you do suffer from a serious illness, your doctor might need to change the doses. However, on no account should the dosages be changed by you. Nor should the drug be stopped without consulting the doctor. Carrying a medical card stating you are on this drug will be a good idea in case of emergencies.