Dexamethasoneandprednisonearecorticosteroidmedications commonly known as steroids.
Dexamethasone and prednisone are generic drugs but are available in brand-name form.Hemady is a brand-name version of dexamethasone.
Rayos is a prednisone brand.
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However, it is more commonly known as prednisone to the general public.
These medications are similar but have many differences.
Notably, dexamethasone generally has longer-lasting effects than prednisone.
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What Is Dexamethasone?
This medication is available only by prescription.
An injectable form of dexamethasone is also available, which comes as dexamethasone sodium phosphate.
In addition, dexamethasone is commonly prescribed for many different off-label uses.
Off-label prescribing is when a medicine is prescribed for a not specifically FDA-approved purpose.
Some notable examples include:
How Does Dexamethasone Work?
Inflammationcan result in different symptoms depending on where it occurs in the body.
For instance, knee inflammation can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.
Healthcare providers commonly prescribe corticosteroids to adults and children to treat inflammation due to various causes.
Dexamethasone belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids, commonly called steroids.
It works by acting like a natural hormone in your body called cortisol.
Steroids block specific processes within the bodys immune system, preventing the release of certain compounds.
Through this mechanism, steroids help to reduce inflammation.
What Is Prednisone?
Like dexamethasone, prednisone is a corticosteroid available by prescription only in different dosage forms.
The only brand-name version available is Rayos, a delayed-release oral tablet.Generic prednisone is much more commonly prescribed.
The FDA has approved prednisone to treat numerous conditions and symptoms in adults and children.
How Does Prednisone Work?
Like dexamethasone, prednisone works by blocking specific processes in the immune system.
By lowering the immune system’s activity, prednisone helps control inflammation and reduces symptoms brought on by it.
Dosing Overview
In terms of oral dosages, dexamethasone is generally more potent than prednisone.
Also, dexamethasone produces longer-lasting effects in the body than prednisone.
But this isnt always desirable considering the reason the drug is being prescribed and the potential side effects.
The specific dosing for dexamethasone and prednisone depends on the condition being treated.
However, a similar prescription drug called prednisolone is available in these and other forms.
Healthcare providers typically prescribe dexamethasone or prednisone for short-term use.
In many cases, your provider will prescribe asteroid taper.
This means youll start with a higher dosage and gradually decrease it over weeks or days before stopping it.
However, the choice between these drugs depends on your specific medical needs.
Its used as part of a regimen with other antiemetic drugs, such asZofran (ondansetron).
Providers may prescribe prednisone for palliative treatment of leukemias and lymphomas.
The drug is also used to managehypercalcemia (high calcium levels) related to cancer.
Alternative Treatment Options
Witharthritiscomes chronic pain and inflammation in one or more joints.
Unfortunately, there isnt a simple solution for the chronic pain and swelling of arthritis.
Healthcare providers may prescribe steroids like dexamethasone or prednisone to manage conditions involving low corticosteroid levels.
A typical example isadrenal insufficiency, in which the adrenal glands produce little to nocortisol.
People with low cortisone levels are advised to minimize stress and other factors that may trigger an adrenal crisis.
Consult a healthcare professional for advice that applies to your situation.
Side Effects & Safety
Like all drugs, dexamethasone and prednisone carry the potential for adverse effects.
Dexamethasone or prednisone can suppress the immune system if taken above a specific dosage.
hey consult a healthcare professional before you receive any vaccines during steroid treatment.
In addition, avoidgrapefruitand grapefruit juice while taking dexamethasone.
Prednisone, conversely, is not known to interact with grapefruit.
Summary
Dexamethasone and prednisone are both generic steroid drugs prescribed for treating health conditions involving inflammation.
Both work by lowering the activity of the immune system.
The main differences include the specific conditions they are commonly used for and how they are taken.
Your healthcare provider can determine which one might work better for your needs.
Keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets.
Take prednisone or dexamethasone with food.
Prednisone does not have known interactions with grapefruit.
Experts strongly discourage flushing medications down the toilet or tossing them in the trash.
Also, many areas now have local household hazardous waste drop-off facilities offeringsafe, environmentally friendly drug disposal.
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