Dexamethasone is a type of medicine called a steroid (or corticosteroid). Steroids are copies of a hormone your body makes naturally. They're not the same as anabolic steroids.
Dexamethasone tablets and liquid are used to treat a wide range of health conditions. These include:
- severe skin conditions
- severe allergies (anaphylaxis)
- sickness (nausea and vomiting)
- croup
- swelling (inflammation) in your eye
- autoimmune conditions, such as lupus
It's used in hospitals as a treatment for severe COVID-19 and other serious infections.
It can also help reduce the side effects of cancer treatment, or some of your symptoms if you're having end of life care.
It's available on prescription only and comes as tablets, soluble tablets and as a liquid you drink. It can be given by injection but this is usually only done in hospital.
Dexamethasone also comes as eye drops and a spray to treat eye and ear infections.
Key facts
- You usually take dexamethasone tablets or liquid once a day.
- It's best to take it in the morning so it does not affect your sleep.
- Common side effects include sleep problems, mood changes and indigestion.
- Taking dexamethasone tablets or liquid can mean you're more likely to get infections. Tell your doctor if you get an infection, such as COVID-19, or if you come into contact with anyone who has measles, chickenpox or shingles while you're taking dexamethasone.
- If you take dexamethasone for more than 3 weeks, or take more than 6mg a day, you'll get a blue steroid card. You may also need to carry a red steroid emergency card. Ask your pharmacist or doctor about both of these.
- You'll need to carry a red steroid emergency card if you take dexamethasone to treat Addison's disease, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, other adrenal problems, adrenal insufficiency or hypothalamic or pituitary disorder.