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What Is Dexamethasone?

Dexamethasone is a prescription synthetic glucocorticoid corticosteroid used for inflammatory, allergic, endocrine, rheumatic, gastrointestinal, blood, respiratory, neurologic, eye, kidney, and selected cancer-related conditions. Oral tablets come in several strengths. Dosing varies widely by condition and is adjusted according to clinical response.

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What Is Dexamethasone?

Dexamethasone is a prescription synthetic glucocorticoid corticosteroid used for inflammatory, allergic, endocrine, rheumatic, gastrointestinal, blood, respiratory, neurologic, eye, kidney, and selected cancer-related conditions. Oral tablets come in several strengths. Dosing varies widely by condition and is adjusted according to clinical response.

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How Does Dexamethasone Reduce Inflammation?

Dexamethasone binds intracellular glucocorticoid receptors and changes gene transcription involved in inflammatory and immune responses. It has strong glucocorticoid activity with very little sodium-retaining activity compared with hydrocortisone at equivalent anti-inflammatory doses.

Which Conditions Are Treated With Dexamethasone?

Current oral labeling includes severe allergic disorders, selected skin diseases, endocrine disorders, rheumatic diseases, acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis, cerebral edema, inflammatory bowel disease, respiratory disorders, blood disorders, nephrotic syndrome, selected eye inflammation, and palliative treatment of leukemias and lymphomas.

How Are Dexamethasone Tablets Dosed?

Oral dosing is individualized according to the disease and treatment response. Current tablet labeling lists an initial adult range of 0.75 mg to 9 mg daily. After improvement, the dose is reduced gradually to the lowest amount that maintains the needed clinical response. Long-term therapy is generally tapered rather than stopped abruptly.

What Serious Risks Are Linked to Dexamethasone?

Dexamethasone can suppress adrenal function and increase susceptibility to infection. Other concerns include high blood glucose, fluid and electrolyte changes, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding, mood or psychiatric changes, cataracts, glaucoma, impaired wound healing, and growth suppression in children. Systemic fungal infection is a contraindication.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dexamethasone

Is dexamethasone a corticosteroid?

Yes. Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid corticosteroid with strong anti-inflammatory activity.

What is the usual oral starting range?

Current tablet labeling lists an initial adult range of 0.75 mg to 9 mg daily, depending on the condition.

Can dexamethasone increase infection risk?

Yes. Systemic corticosteroid treatment suppresses immune activity and can increase susceptibility to infection.

Should long-term dexamethasone be stopped suddenly?

No. After long-term therapy, the dose is generally reduced gradually rather than stopped abruptly.

References

Corticosteroids. LiverTox. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548400/. Date Accessed September 24, 2026.

DailyMed - DEXAMETHASONE tablet. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=522a1a49-5540-4245-a15f-e3cdc0a97a5e. Date Accessed September 24, 2026.

Dexamethasone. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682792.html. Date Accessed September 24, 2026.

Dexamethasone. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Dexamethasone. Date Accessed September 24, 2026.

Dexamethasone. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482130/. Date Accessed September 24, 2026.