What are the Benefits and Potential Side Effects of Dexamethasone Injection?

When we are ill, doctors prescribe medications tailored to the specific condition and symptoms. Dexamethasone Injection is a type of hormonal drug that exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and anti-shock effects. Clinically, it is primarily used to treat bronchitis, dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, acute leukemia, and malignant lymphoma. However, the use of this medication can also bring about certain side effects.

Effects:

Dexamethasone Injection is a corticosteroid drug. The dexamethasone component possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and anti-shock properties. Clinically, it can be used for anti-allergic treatment of allergic diseases and also for the treatment of rheumatic immune system diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Additionally, it may be used to treat severe bronchial asthma or hematological diseases like leukemia and lymphoma. Dexamethasone Injection can be administered through intramuscular injection, intra-thecal injection, intra-articular injection, or intravenous injection. However, prolonged and excessive use of Dexamethasone Injection may lead to peptic ulcer, abnormal blood pressure and blood sugar metabolism, and increased risk of infection.

Side Effects:

1. Iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome, manifesting as centripetal obesity (moon face, buffalo hump), weight gain, edema in the lower extremities, purple striae, tendency to hemorrhage, poor wound healing, acne, menstrual irregularities, ischemic necrosis of the humerus or femoral head, osteoporosis and fractures (including vertebral compression fractures and pathological fractures of long bones), muscle weakness, muscle atrophy, hypokalemia syndrome, gastrointestinal irritation (nausea, vomiting), pancreatitis, peptic ulcer or perforation, growth retardation in children, glaucoma, cataract, benign intracranial hypertension syndrome, impaired glucose tolerance, and worsening of diabetes.

2. Patients may experience psychiatric symptoms such as euphoria, excitement, delirium, agitation, disorientation, or depression. Psychiatric symptoms are more common in patients with chronic debilitating diseases or a history of mental illness.

3. Infection is a major adverse reaction associated with corticosteroids, primarily caused by fungi, Mycobacterium, Staphylococcus, Proteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and various herpes viruses.

1. Caution should be exercised when administering to patients with tuberculosis, acute bacterial or viral infections. If necessary, appropriate anti-infective treatment should be provided.

2. Gradual dose reduction should be performed before discontinuation after long-term use.

3. Caution is advised when administering to patients with diabetes, osteoporosis, liver cirrhosis, renal dysfunction, and hypothyroidism.