Dexadran Injection

Composition of Dexadran Injection

Dexadran Injection contains Dexamethasone sodium phosphate 4 mg/mL (as dexamethasone phosphate). It belongs to the Glucocorticoid class of medicines.

Uses of Dexadran Injection

• Severe allergic reactions
• acute inflammatory conditions
• asthma/COPD exacerbations
• autoimmune disorders
• cerebral edema
• adjunct antiemetic in chemotherapy (as prescribed).

Key benefits

• Rapid anti-inflammatory action
• Controls severe allergy
• Helps in asthma exacerbations
• Reduces edema and swelling
• Useful in autoimmune flares under supervision

How Dexadran Injection works

Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid that decreases inflammation by suppressing cytokines and inflammatory mediator release. It also reduces swelling by decreasing capillary leakage and tissue edema.

How to take Dexadran Injection

Administered only by a healthcare professional via IV/IM. Dose is individualized; if used beyond a short course, dose should be tapered. Follow hospital/doctor instructions strictly.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is almost due, skip the one you missed — never take two doses together to catch up.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause weight gain, high blood sugar, bone thinning and suppression of the body's own steroid production when it is taken over a prolonged period. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Dexadran Injection

Most side effects of Dexadran are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Hyperglycemia
• indigestion
• fluid retention
• mood changes
• insomnia
• increased appetite
• elevated blood pressure
• injection-site reactions

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Dexadran Injection

Warnings and precautions

Increases risk of infection and may mask infection symptoms; avoid live vaccines. Long-term use can cause adrenal suppression and bone loss; do not stop suddenly. Use caution in diabetes, hypertension, peptic ulcer, glaucoma, osteoporosis and tuberculosis history.

Do not take Dexadran if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Not for people with an untreated systemic infection, except where the steroid is part of the treatment.

Interactions with other medicines

Rifampicin/phenytoin/carbamazepine (decrease effect), ketoconazole/erythromycin (increase effect), NSAIDs (GI ulcer/bleed), warfarin (INR changes), diuretics (hypokalemia), antidiabetic drugs (dose adjustment needed), live vaccines (avoid)

How to store Dexadran Injection

Store below 25°C, protect from light, do not freeze.

Expert advice for Dexadran Injection

Take the whole daily dose in the morning with food, unless your doctor directs otherwise — this suits the body's own rhythm and helps you sleep. Carry a steroid card or note if you are on a long course. Watch your salt, sugar and weight during the course.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

Scott Edil Advance Research Laboratories & Education Ltd

Therapeutic class:

Corticosteroid

Drug class:

Glucocorticoid