Hexadrol

Hexadrol Phosphate Injection (dexamethasone sodium phosphate) is a corticosteroid used to treat a number of conditions including arthritis, blood/hormone/immune system disorders, allergic reactions, certain skin and eye conditions, breathing problems, certain bowel disorders, and certain cancers. Hexadrol Phosphate Injection is also used as a test for an adrenal gland disorder (Cushing's syndrome). The brand name Hexadrol Phosphate Injection may be discontinued, but generic versions may be available. Common side effects of Hexadrol Phosphate Injection (dexamethasone sodium phosphate) include:

• stomach upset
• headache
• dizziness
• menstrual changes
• trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• increased appetite
• weight gain
• irritability
• swelling in the feet and ankles
• heartburn
• weakness
• impaired wound healing, or
• increased blood sugar levels

The initial dosage of Hexadrol Phosphate Injection varies from 0.50 mg/day to 9.0 mg/day depending on the disease being treated. Hexadrol may interact with minoglutethimide, aprepitant, birth control pills, cancer drugs, caspofungin, cholestyramine, cyclosporine, digoxin, azole antifungals, barbiturates, rifamycins, anti-seizure medications, antiplatelet drugs, blood thinners, NSAIDs, ephedrine, estrogen hormone replacement, HIV medications, isoniazid, mifepristone, temsirolimus, and thalidomide. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. During pregnancy, Hexadrol should be used only if prescribed. This drug may pass into breast milk and have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Our Hexadrol Phosphate Injection (dexamethasone sodium phosphate) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

The initial dosage of Hexadrol Phosphate Injection varies from 0.50 mg/day to 9.0 mg/day depending on the disease being treated. Hexadrol may interact with minoglutethimide, aprepitant, birth control pills, cancer drugs, caspofungin, cholestyramine, cyclosporine, digoxin, azole antifungals, barbiturates, rifamycins, anti-seizure medications, antiplatelet drugs, blood thinners, NSAIDs, ephedrine, estrogen hormone replacement, HIV medications, isoniazid, mifepristone, temsirolimus, and thalidomide. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. During pregnancy, Hexadrol should be used only if prescribed. This drug may pass into breast milk and have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Our Hexadrol Phosphate Injection (dexamethasone sodium phosphate) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

 

Hexadrol Consumer Information

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• muscle tightness, weakness, or limp feeling;
• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
• shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;
• severe depression, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• a seizure (convulsions);
• bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood;
• fast or slow heart rate, weak pulse;
• pancreatitis--severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting;
• low potassium level--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling; or
• increased blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, anxiety, nosebleed.

Dexamethasone can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.

Common side effects may include:

• fluid retention (swelling in your hands or ankles);
• increased appetite;
• mood changes, trouble sleeping;
• skin rash, bruising or discoloration;
• acne, increased sweating, increased hair growth;
• headache, dizziness;
• nausea, vomiting, upset stomach;
• changes in your menstrual periods; or
• changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the entire detailed patient monograph for Hexadrol (Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection, USP)

 

Hexadrol Professional Information

SIDE EFFECTS

Fluid and electrolyte disturbances

Sodium retention
Fluid retention
Congestive heart failure in susceptible patients
Potassium loss
Hypokalemic alkalosis
Hypertension

Musculoskeletal

Muscle weakness
Steroid myopathy
Loss of muscle mass
Osteoporosis
Vertebral compression fractures
Aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads
Pathologic fracture of long bones

Gastrointestinal

Peptic ulcer with possible subsequent perforation and hemorrhage
Pancreatitis
Abdominal distention
Ulcerative esophagitis

Dermatological

Impaired wound healing
Thin fragile skin
Facial erythema
Increased sweating
May suppress reactions to skin tests
Petechiae and ecchymoses

Neurological

Convulsions
Increased intracranial pressure with papilledema (pseudotumor cerebri) usually after
treatment
Vertigo
Headache

Ophthalmic

Posterior subcapsular cataracts
Increased intraocular pressure
Glaucoma

Endocrine

Menstrual irregularities
Development of cushingoid state
Suppression of growth in children
Secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness, particularly in times of stress, as in trauma, surgery, or illness
Decreased carbohydrate tolerance
Manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus
Increased requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents in diabetics

Metabolic

Negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism

Miscellaneous

Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation
Subcutaneous and cutaneous atrophy
Sterile abscess
Postinjection flare, following intra-articular use
Charcot-like arthropathy
Itching, burning, tingling in the ano-genital region

Read the entire FDA prescribing information for Hexadrol (Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection, USP)