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Dexamethasone

Dexamethasone is a potent corticosteroid that suppresses inflammation and immune activity. Tablets, injections, eye drops and ear preparations have different uses and safety profiles.

Dexone

Inflammation, Allergic States, Cerebral Oedema

0.5mg

Dexone is dexamethasone 0.5mg tablets for inflammation, allergic states and cerebral oedema. A potent synthetic glucocorticoid taken by mouth.

From$0.43/ tabletView

Decadron

Inflammatory Conditions, Allergic States

0.5mg

Dexamethasone 0.5mg tablets, used for inflammatory conditions, allergic states, rheumatoid arthritis and cerebral oedema. A potent synthetic glucocorticoid.

From$0.38/ tabletView

Ciprodex

Acute Otitis Externa, Otitis Media

0.3/0.1%

Ciprofloxacin with dexamethasone as 0.3/0.1% ear drops, used for acute otitis externa and otitis media with tympanostomy tubes. Antibiotic plus steroid.

From$15.30/ bottleView

Tobramycin and Dexamethasone Eye Drops

Bacterial Ocular Infection, Ocular Inflammation

0.1/0.3%

Tobramycin with dexamethasone 0.1/0.3% eye drops for bacterial ocular infection and ocular inflammation, an antibiotic and a steroid in one bottle.

From$7.82/ tubeView

Tobradex

Conjunctivitis, Blepharitis

0.1/0.3%

Tobramycin with dexamethasone as an eye drop suspension, used for bacterial conjunctivitis and blepharitis. An aminoglycoside with a corticosteroid.

From$7.82/ bottleView

Key points

  • Systemic and local dexamethasone formulations are not interchangeable.
  • Longer or intensive systemic treatment can suppress adrenal function and should not be stopped suddenly without a plan.
  • Severe infection symptoms, marked mood change, sudden vision loss or collapse needs urgent care.

Listings are for comparison only. Suitability and supply depend on clinician and pharmacy checks, stock, destination rules and prescription requirements.

What Dexamethasone is used for

Systemic dexamethasone has specialist uses in severe allergic states, cerebral oedema and other inflammatory conditions. Local formulations may be used for selected eye or ear inflammation, sometimes in combination products.

Important form differences

Systemic treatment affects the whole body. Eye and ear products act locally but can worsen some infections; combination ingredients must match the diagnosis.

Important safety checks

Active infection, diabetes, stomach-ulcer risk, severe mood disorder, osteoporosis, glaucoma, pregnancy and other steroids require review. Systemic treatment can mask infection and raise blood glucose. Follow clinician-directed tapering when adrenal suppression is possible.

When to seek urgent care

Seek urgent help for collapse, severe weakness with vomiting, fever with rapidly worsening illness, severe confusion or dangerous mood change, vomiting blood, black stools, sudden vision loss, severe eye pain or facial swelling with breathing difficulty.

Further reading