Why is this drug prescribed?

Decadron is a synthetic adrenocortical steroid (a hormone created in the laboratory). Decadron Turbinaire is used to treat hay fever and other nasal allergies, and to assist in the treatment of nasal polyps. Decadron Respihaler is prescribed for bronchial asthma in people who need sustained treatment.

Most important fact about this drug

Decadron lowers your resistance to infections and can make them harder to treat. Decadron may also mask some of the signs of an infection, making it difficult for your doctor to diagnose the actual problem.

How should you take this medication?

These medications come with directions. Read them carefully before using the medicine. To work, the medications must be used exactly as directed.

If you are using the Decadron Respihaler, gargling and rinsing your mouth with water after each dose may help prevent hoarseness and throat irritation. Do not swallow the water after you rinse.

--If you miss a dose...

Take the forgotten dose as soon as possible and take the remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. If it is time for your next dose, skip the one you missed. Never take a double dose.

--Storage instructions...

Store Decadron at room temperature. Since the contents are under pressure, keep the container away from fire or extreme heat.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe to continue using Decadron.

• More common side effects of Decadron Turbinaire may include:
  Nasal dryness and irritation

• Less common side effects of Decadron Turbinaire may include:
  Bronchial asthma, headache, hives, light-headedness, loss of smell, nausea, nosebleeds, perforated nasal septum (dividing wall of the nose), rebound nasal congestion

• Side effects of Decadron Respihaler may include:
  Coughing, fungal infections in the throat, hoarseness, throat irritation

• Side effects that may occur when Decadron is absorbed into the bloodstream:
  Abdominal distention, abnormal skin redness, allergic reactions, blood clots, bruising, cataracts, congestive heart failure, convulsions, development of Cushing's syndrome (moon face, emotional disturbances, high blood pressure, weight gain, and growth of facial and body hair in women), diabetes, emotional disturbances, excessive hairiness, fractures of the long bones, fractures of the vertebrae, fragile skin, glaucoma, headache, hiccups, high blood pressure, hives, increased appetite, increased eye pressure, increased pressure in head), increased sweating, loss of muscle mass, menstrual irregularities, muscle weakness, nausea, osteoporosis, perforated small or large bowel, poor wound healing, potassium loss, protruding eyeballs, reddish or purplish spots on the skin, ruptured tendons, salt and fluid retention, stomach ulcer, ulcer of the esophagus, vague feeling of weakness, vertigo, weight gain

Why should this drug not be prescribed?

Do not use Decadron if you have a fungal infection or if you have ever had an allergic reaction or are sensitive to any cortisone-like medication such as Beclovent. Decadron Turbinaire should not be used if you have tuberculosis or a nasal condition caused by a virus or a fungus, or if you have herpes simplex infection of the eye. Decadron Respihaler should not be used if tests show that you have a yeast infection ( Candida albicans).

Special warnings about this medication

Decadron does not expand the bronchial passages, and should be used for asthma only if bronchodilators and other asthma medications are not effective. Decadron does not provide rapid relief of symptoms, but does help to control asthma when taken routinely.

Decadron can alter the way your body responds to unusual stress. If you are injured, need surgery, or develop an acute illness, tell your doctor. Your dosage may need to be increased.

If you develop an infection of the throat or voice box while using the Decadron Respihaler, stop using the Respihaler and notify your doctor. You will need medication.

Corticosteroids such as Decadron may mask the symptoms of infection and make you more susceptible to infections. Diseases such as chickenpox and measles can be serious and even fatal in adults who have never had these illnesses. If you are using Decadron Turbinaire or Respihaler and are exposed to chickenpox or measles, notify your doctor immediately. Do not get a smallpox vaccination or any other immunizations while taking Decadron, especially in high doses. The vaccination might not take, and could do harm to the nervous system.

Using Decadron for a long time may cause cataracts, glaucoma, and eye infections.

Large doses of Decadron may raise blood pressure and increase salt and water retention. If this happens, your doctor may tell you to restrict salt in your diet.

Decadron should be used with extreme caution if you have dormant tuberculosis or test positive for tuberculosis. Decadron may reactivate the disease.

When you stop taking Decadron after long-term therapy, you may develop withdrawal symptoms such as fever, muscle or joint pain, and weakness.

Decadron should be used with care if you have an underactive thyroid or cirrhosis.

Your doctor will prescribe the lowest possible dose to control your condition, and reduce your dosage of Decadron gradually. Do not suddenly stop taking it.

Decadron may aggravate existing emotional problems or cause emotional disturbances. Symptoms range from euphoria (an exaggerated sense of well-being) and difficulty sleeping to mood swings, personality changes, severe depression, and psychotic episodes. If you experience any changes in mood, call your doctor.

Decadron should be used with care if you have ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis (an inflammation of the digestive tract), peptic ulcer, kidney disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, or myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness, especially in the face and neck), or if you have recently had a heart attack.

Long-term therapy with Decadron may affect the growth and development of children and should be carefully checked by your doctor. Decadron Turbinaire is not recommended for children under 6 years of age.

If you have recently been to the tropics or are suffering from diarrhea with no apparent cause, inform your doctor before using Decadron.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

If Decadron is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Decadron with the following:

Aspirin
Blood thinners such as Coumadin
Ephedrine
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Phenobarbital (Bellergal-S, Donnatal, others)
Potassium-depleting diuretics such as Dyazide and Esidrix
Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Decadron during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Infants born to mothers who have taken substantial doses of steroids during pregnancy may have problems with their adrenal glands. Corticosteroids appear in breast milk and could affect infant growth or cause other damaging effects. Decadron is not recommended for nursing mothers. If Decadron is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding until your treatment with Decadron is finished.

Recommended dosage

TURBINAIRE

The usual initial dosage is 2 sprays in each nostril, 2 or 3 times a day.

Children (6 to 12 Years of Age)

The usual initial dosage is 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril 2 times a day, depending on age.

Dosage should be gradually reduced when improvement occurs. The maximum daily dosage for adults is 12 sprays and for children, 8 sprays. Therapy should be stopped as soon as possible. If symptoms return, your doctor may start the medication again.

RESPIHALER

The recommended initial dose is 3 inhalations, 3 or 4 times a day.

Children

The recommended initial dose is 2 inhalations, 3 or 4 times a day.

Dosage should be gradually reduced when improvement occurs. The maximum daily dosage for adults is 3 inhalations per dose, 12 inhalations per day; and for children, 2 inhalations per dose, 8 inhalations per day.

Overdosage

There have been rare reports of toxicity (poisoning) and death following steroid overdose. If you suspect Decadron overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.