Decadron Dexamethasone: Medical Description
Inflammations which occur in our body can be a trigger for more serious diseases, and very often we are not aware what happens inside us. Inflammatory processes are the natural occurrence in an organism that is overloaded with the process of eliminating harmful substances.
The intercellular spaces are full of acid and bad substances waiting for ejection out of our body; until this happens, there is a possibility those elements trigger the reaction of the organism by increasing the production of white blood cells or developing an inflammatory process that has the role of protecting the body. In this way, there are internal inflammations that are not caused by foreign bodies, bacteria, and viruses.
Decadron as a Corticosteroid
To treat internal conditions, doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs; these are medicines whose purpose is to overcome inflammation and keep its symptoms under control. Decadron, or Dexamethasone, belongs to a group of drugs called corticosteroids (steroid hormones).
We must explain the difference: steroids that our body naturally produces, and which are synthesized in Decadron are not the same, as steroids used by athletes which are characterized as illicit substances.
Our body can produce steroid hormones by itself. This process occurs in the cortex of the adrenal gland, and its products, cortisol and aldosterone, influence the functioning of the system of the organs; the proper secretion of steroids is vital for our immune system. And a strong immunity is the first line of defense against many diseases. Also, corticosteroids influence a wide array of effects including effects on the metabolism of macronutrients, helping to maintain balance of fluids and electrolytes, etc.
The purpose of this group of drugs is to block the activity of substances which can cause inflammatory or allergic processes. The best effects Decadron shows in the treatment of skin diseases, such as psoriasis or lupus, in the treatment of inflammatory processes that occur as a defensive reaction of the organism, etc.
Also, Dexamethasone is prescribed to patients with diagnosed cancer. It has been proven that its application affects the decrease of side effects which occur after chemotherapy, such as headaches, nausea, and tiredness.
How does it work?
Decadron purpose is to reduce swelling. It works by preventing white blood cells (polymorphonuclear leukocytes) which fight infection to travel to the area in your body where swelling is located. Using the anti-inflammatory properties of the drug, corticosteroids reduce the pressure of the swelling on the nerve endings and alleviate the pain or other symptoms caused by the inflammation.
Decadron can be found in the form of tablets or drops both available on meds4sure.com – online pharmacy. In a liquid form, it is mainly prescribed to patients with specific allergic reactions to foreign bodies, for example, in people who wear lenses. The method of use depends on what condition health is being treated. In people who have difficulty swallowing pills, the medicament can be applied intravenously, directly into the swollen place (for example, when you suffer of rheumatoid arthritis and your joints swell).
It’s important not to stop taking Dexamethasone if you consume it daily for more than three weeks because it can have dangerous consequences on your health. Long-term use of the drug can disrupt the normal work of your adrenal glands which produce natural corticosteroids (this is called suppression of the adrenal gland), which means your body is temporarily relying on the medicine and the dose of steroids in it.
When it is time to stop treatment with Decadron, your dose should be gradually reduced so that your adrenal glands can again produce enough natural steroids. Always follow the instructions of your doctor or pharmacist.
During Decadron treatment, your body is more sensitive to disease because the defensive function of your immunity is weakened. This state can be alleviated by specific supplements in the form of vitamins and minerals, but it is still the best prevention to take care of infections like smallpox, or measles.
Side Effects of Decadron
The fact that momentary interruption of Decadron therapy is not recommended does not necessarily mean that it can induce symptoms of abstinence crisis. It’s not proven that Dexamethasone can cause addiction. This just means the organism needs some time to absorb all the benefits of therapy and continue at that pace.
Side effects of this drug are mainly related to substances which can be potential allergens, such as lactose. In addition, some of the contraindications include weight gain, sleep disturbance, senses of weakness and sudden fatigue, and slower healing of wounds. The last symptom is closely related to the decreased production of white blood cells which play a major role in the forming of scabs and the cessation of bleeding.
In very few cases, some mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety can occur. If you have not been diagnosed with a physical illness, but lately you have negative and suicidal thoughts, your mood is bad, and you’re noticeably nervous, Decadron may be the cause. It is unquestionably desirable to visit a doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of these symptoms.
As far as physical contraindications are concerned, in rare cases, there may be bleeding from the digestive tract or in the urine; in women, it may be possible to disrupt the menstrual cycle. If you are using Dexamethasone in the form of the eye drops, pay attention to the appearance of blurred vision or the feeling of pressure in your eyes.
Try not to worry about the possible side effects that may occur if your doctor prescribes you Decadron. If any unwanted effects appear, it does not necessarily mean the drug doesn’t work. In such situations, your condition will be treated by reducing the dose or by adding other medicines (this should not be done without previously seeing a doctor). Only in the case of extreme contraindications is the advice to stop the therapy and find an adequate replacement.
Top photo: Bigstock