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Dexamethasone

Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid (steroid anti-inflammatory medicine) used as tablets, oral liquid, injections, eye products and more to treat allergic, skin, hormone, stomach and bowel, and eye conditions, and, as Hemady, multiple myeloma.

Brand names DecadronDexamethasone IntensolDexpak TaperpakDexiumDexasone +10 more
Drug class Corticosteroid
Rx/OTC Forms 6
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Reviewed by Last reviewed Jul 10, 2026 Content updated Oct 2, 2026
🧬 Where this information comes from Click to expand

The clinical label records used on this page are FDA-filed Structured Product Labeling (SPL) retrieved through openFDA. We identified 95 clinical label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, strengths, and NDC product-record counts are built separately from matching FDA National Drug Code Directory records. The linked DailyMed document is a representative official source for verification, not the page’s only clinical source. View the linked label on DailyMed →

Other forms & routes:
Injection Ophthalmic
Dexamethasone at a glance The quick version — the full detail is in the Patient Information Guide below.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
The Pharmacist’s Take By · Clinical pharmacist · Written

Dexamethasone is a powerful, long-acting corticosteroid (steroid anti-inflammatory) that calms inflammation and immune overreaction in allergic, skin, hormone, bowel and eye conditions and, as Hemady, multiple myeloma; an older standby since about 1958, it is available as a generic. Short courses are usually well tolerated, though many people notice a bigger appetite, trouble sleeping, mood swings and sometimes hiccups. The main thing to watch is infection, since it weakens your defenses and can mask a fever, plus rises in blood sugar and blood pressure. After long use it can thin bones, and stopping suddenly can cause dangerous adrenal insufficiency (too little of your own steroid hormone), so it is tapered.

Clinical pearls

  • A once-daily dose is usually taken in the morning, which mimics your body's own cortisol rhythm and causes less sleeplessness.
  • If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar more often while taking it, because your diabetes medicines may need adjusting.
  • Combining it with aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen raises the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding, so check before adding a painkiller.
  • Report any chickenpox or measles exposure promptly, and mention past tuberculosis or hepatitis B before starting, since it can reactivate infections.
How we write & review this content — our editorial policy →
How you get itPrescription and over the counter
Comes asTablet, Injection, Oral solution +3
Earliest FDA record1958
Companies listing it with the FDA58
FDA label last updatedJan 9, 2026
FDA’s strongest warning (boxed)None on the label

Patient information guide A plain-language walkthrough of Dexamethasone, written from its FDA label.

What Dexamethasone is used for

▾

Dexamethasone is used across several products for these conditions:

  • Severe allergic conditions such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, drug reactions, allergic rhinitis and serum sickness (oral products)
  • Skin diseases such as pemphigus and severe erythema multiforme (oral products)
  • Hormone disorders such as adrenal insufficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hypercalcemia from cancer and nonsuppurative thyroiditis
  • Certain bowel diseases (oral products)
  • Injection: used when oral therapy is not feasible, including endocrine disorders and shock unresponsive to conventional therapy
  • Hemady tablets: multiple myeloma in adults, with other anti-myeloma products
  • Dextenza: eye inflammation and pain after surgery, and itching from allergic conjunctivitis
  • Ozurdex: macular edema after retinal vein occlusion, non-infectious posterior uveitis, and diabetic macular edema
  • Maxidex and dexamethasone sodium phosphate eye drops: steroid-responsive inflammation of the eye surface and front of the eye; the sodium phosphate drops are also labeled for outer ear inflammation

How Dexamethasone works

▾

Dexamethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid. It calms inflammation and changes the way the immune system responds. It has very little salt-retaining effect compared with hydrocortisone. In multiple myeloma it causes myeloma cells to die, though the exact mechanism is unknown.

Dexamethasone dosage

▾

Dexamethasone can be taken by mouth, injected, or used in the eye, depending on the product. Doses vary with your condition and response, and your prescriber may lower the dose gradually once you improve.

  • Oral tablets and liquid: swallowed, with the amount set by your prescriber
  • Injection: given by a healthcare professional
  • Do not stop suddenly after long use

Dosing details from the FDA-approved label

From the Dexamethasone prescribing information (“Dosage and Administration”). Doses are set by your prescriber for your product, condition, kidney function and age — never change a dose on your own.

  • Intravenous and Intramuscular Injection (initial dosage)
    • 0.5 to 9 mg a day depending on the disease being treated
    • In less severe diseases doses lower than 0.5 mg may suffice, while in severe diseases doses higher than 9 mg may be required
    • When the intravenous route is used, dosage usually should be the same as the oral dosage
  • Shock
    • Dosages suggested by various authors: 3 mg/kg of body weight per 24 hours by constant intravenous infusion after an initial intravenous injection of 20 mg (Cavanagh)
    • 2 to 6 mg/kg of body weight as a single intravenous injection (Dietzman)
    • 40 mg initially followed by repeat intravenous injection every 4 to 6 hours while shock persists (Frank)
    • 40 mg initial
    • High dose therapy continued only until the condition has stabilized, usually not longer than 48 to 72 hours
  • Cerebral Edema
    • Initially 10 mg intravenously followed by four mg every six hours intramuscularly until the symptoms of cerebral edema subside
    • Response usually noted within 12 to 24 hours; dosage may be reduced after two to four days and gradually discontinued over five to seven days
  • Palliative management of recurrent or inoperable brain tumors
    • Maintenance therapy with two mg two or three times a day may be effective
  • Acute Allergic Disorders
    • First day, 1 or 2 mL (4 or 8 mg) injection intramuscularly
    • Dexamethasone tablets 0.75 mg: second and third days, 4 tablets in two divided doses each day
    • Fourth day, 2 tablets in two divided doses
    • Fifth and sixth days, 1 tablet each day
    • Seventh day, no treatment
    • Eighth day, follow-up visit
  • Intra-articular, Intralesional and Soft Tissue Injection (general)
    • Usual dose is from 0.2 to 6 mg
    • Frequency usually ranges from once every three to five days to once every two to three weeks
    • Generally used when affected joints or areas are limited to one or two sites; frequent intra-articular injection may damage joint tissues
  • Large Joints (e.g., Knee)
    • 2 to 4 mg
  • Small Joints (e.g., Interphalangeal, Temporomandibular)
    • 0.8 to 1 mg
  • Bursae
    • 2 to 3 mg
  • Soft Tissue Infiltration
    • 2 to 6 mg
Read the label’s full dosing text

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For Oral Administration The initial dosage varies from 0.75 mg to 9 mg a day depending on the disease being treated. It Should Be Emphasized That Dosage Requirements Are Variable And Must Be Individualized On The Basis Of The Disease Under Treatment And The Response Of The Patient. After a favorable response is noted, the proper maintenance dosage should be determined by decreasing the initial drug dosage in small decrements at appropriate time intervals until the lowest dosage that maintains an adequate clinical response is reached. Situations which may make dosage adjustments necessary are changes in clinical status secondary to remissions or exacerbations in the disease process, the patient's individual drug responsiveness, and the effect of patient exposure to stressful situations not directly related to the disease entity under treatment. In this latter situation it may be necessary to increase the dosage of the corticosteroid for a period of time consistent with the patient's condition. If after long-term therapy the drug is to be stopped, it is recommended that it be withdrawn gradually rather than abruptly. In the treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis, daily doses of 30 mg of dexamethasone for a week followed by 4 mg to 12 mg every other day for one month have been shown to be effective (see PRECAUTIONS: Neuro-Psychiatric ). In pediatric patients, the initial dose of dexamethasone may vary depending on the specific disease entity being treated. The range of initial doses is 0.02 mg to 0.3 mg/kg/day in three or four divided doses (0.6 mg to 9 mg/m 2 bsa/day). For the purpose of comparison, the following is the equivalent milligram dosage of the various corticosteroids: Cortisone, 25 mg Triamcinolone, 4 mg Hydrocortisone, 20 mg Paramethasone, 2 mg Prednisolone, 5 mg Betamethasone, 0.75 mg Prednisone, 5 mg Dexamethasone, 0.75 mg Methylprednisolone, 4 mg These dose relationships apply only to oral or intravenous administration of these compounds. When these substances or their derivatives are injected intramuscularly or into joint spaces, their relative properties may be greatly altered.

Excerpted — the section continues on the label. Read the full Dosage and Administration section on DailyMed →

Dexamethasone side effects

▾

Common side effects include:

Common side effects

  • Increased appetite and weight gain
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Trouble sleeping and mood swings
  • Fluid retention
  • Increased sweating
  • Thin, fragile skin and easy bruising
  • Hiccups

When to get medical help

  • Signs of infection, such as fever, or exposure to chickenpox or measles while on a steroid
  • Severe mood changes, depression, thoughts of suicide, or psychosis
  • Black or bloody stools, or severe stomach pain, which may signal an ulcer or bowel perforation
  • Eye pain, vision changes or halos, which may signal glaucoma or cataracts
  • Swelling, shortness of breath or rapid weight gain from fluid retention or heart failure
  • Leg swelling or pain, sudden chest pain or breathlessness, which may signal a blood clot
  • Severe weakness, nausea, vomiting or dizziness after stopping, which may signal adrenal insufficiency
  • Allergic reaction such as hives, swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing

Dexamethasone warnings and precautions

▾
  • Immune suppression raises infection risk and can hide signs of infection.
  • Stopping suddenly after long use can cause dangerous adrenal insufficiency.
  • It can raise blood sugar and blood pressure, and cause fluid retention and low potassium.
  • Long use can cause bone loss, cataracts and glaucoma.
  • It can cause mood and behavior changes, stomach ulcers or perforation, and blood clots.
  • Avoid live vaccines during immunosuppressive doses.
  • Epidural steroid injection is not an approved use.

Dexamethasone interactions

▾

Several medicines can change how dexamethasone works or be affected by it:

  • Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as itraconazole): raise dexamethasone levels
  • Strong CYP3A4 inducers, ephedrine and cholestyramine: may lower its effect
  • Estrogens and erythropoietic agents: may increase clot risk or exposure
  • Blood thinners: may work less well
  • Diabetes medicines: blood sugar may rise
  • Aspirin and NSAIDs: more stomach side effects
  • Digitalis and potassium-lowering drugs: risk of low potassium and rhythm problems
  • Live vaccines: avoid during immunosuppressive doses

Interactions listed in the FDA-approved label

From the Dexamethasone prescribing information (“Drug Interactions”): what the manufacturer studied or reported to the FDA.

  • Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: Coadministration increased dexamethasone exposure, which may increase the risk of adverse reactions. Avoid coadministration or consider alternative medication; if it cannot be avoided, closely monitor for adverse drug reactions.
  • Strong CYP3A4 inducers: May decrease dexamethasone exposure, which may result in loss of efficacy. Avoid coadministration or consider alternative medication; if it cannot be avoided, consider increasing the dose of HEMADY.
  • Cholestyramine: May increase the clearance of corticosteroids and potentially decrease corticosteroid exposure. Avoid coadministration and consider alternative agents.
  • Anticholinesterases: Concomitant use with corticosteroids may produce severe weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. If possible, withdraw anticholinesterase agents at least 24 hours before initiating corticosteroid therapy.
  • Ephedrine: May decrease dexamethasone exposure, which may result in loss of efficacy. Consider increasing the dose of HEMADY when used with ephedrine.
  • Estrogens, including oral contraceptives: Estrogens may decrease the hepatic metabolism of certain corticosteroids and increase exposures, which may increase the risk of adverse reactions.
  • CYP3A4 substrates: Dexamethasone may decrease the concentration of these drugs, which may result in loss of efficacy.
  • Oral anticoagulants: Corticosteroids may reduce the response to anticoagulants. Frequently monitor coagulation indices to maintain the desired anticoagulant effect.
  • Amphotericin B injection and potassium-depleting agents: Sodium retention with resultant edema and potassium loss may occur in patients receiving corticosteroids. Closely monitor potassium levels when potassium-depleting agents are coadministered.
  • Antidiabetics: Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Consider adjusting the dose of antidiabetic agents, as necessary.
Read the label’s full interactions text

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • Avoid concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers. (‎ 7.1 ) • Concomitant therapies such as erythropoietin stimulating agents or estrogen containing therapies may have an increased risk of thromboembolism. ( ‎7.2 ) 7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on HEMADY Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors Coadministration of strong and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors increased dexamethasone exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (‎ 12.3 )] , which may increase the risk of adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (‎ 5 ) and Adverse Reactions (‎ 6 )] . Avoid coadministration of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or consider alternative medication that are not strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. If concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors cannot be avoided, closely monitor for adverse drug reactions. Strong CYP3A4 inducers Coadministration of strong CYP3A4 inducers may decrease dexamethasone exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (‎ 12.3 )] , which may result in loss of efficacy. Avoid coadministration of strong CYP3A4 inducers or consider alternative medication that are not CYP3A4 inducers. If concomitant use strong CYP3A4 inducers cannot be avoided, consider increasing the dose of HEMADY. Cholestyramine Cholestyramine may increase the clearance of corticosteroids and potentially decrease corticosteroid exposure. Avoid coadministration of cholestyramine and HEMADY and consider alternative agents. Anticholinesterases Concomitant use of anticholinesterase agents and corticosteroids may produce severe weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. If possible, anticholinesterase agents should be withdrawn at least 24 hours before initiating corticosteroid therapy. Ephedrine Ephedrine may decrease dexamethasone exposure. Decreased exposure may result in loss of efficacy. Consider increasing the dose of HEMADY when used concomitantly with ephedrine.

Excerpted — the section continues on the label. Read the full Drug Interactions section on DailyMed →

Not a complete list. The label covers the interactions the manufacturer studied or reported, and our own interaction database does not cover every medicine either. Bring your full medication list, including vitamins and herbal products, to your pharmacist.

🌿221 supplements and herbs with documented Dexamethasone interactions, ranked by severity Check Dexamethasone against a supplement or herb →

Before taking Dexamethasone

▾
  • Do not use with a systemic fungal infection or an allergy to any ingredient, including sulfites.
  • Tell your doctor about diabetes, heart failure, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, ulcers, ulcerative colitis or diverticulitis.
  • Tell your doctor about tuberculosis, hepatitis B or any current infection.
  • Pregnancy: may harm a fetus; discuss with your doctor.
  • Breastfeeding: Hemady's label advises against breastfeeding during treatment and for 2 weeks after.
  • Older adults have a higher risk of bone loss and other steroid side effects.

Dexamethasone overdose

▾

Serious toxicity from a steroid overdose is rare. There is no specific antidote, and treatment is supportive and symptom-based. If you take too much, contact your doctor or poison control.

What Dexamethasone does in the body

▾

After a single oral dose in healthy people, the body's own cortisol level dropped the most by about 12 hours. It returned to near baseline about 3 days later.

How your body processes Dexamethasone

▾

With Hemady tablets, peak blood levels occur in about 1 hour. A high-fat meal did not change overall exposure but lowered the peak by 23%. The half-life is about 4 hours. Dexamethasone is broken down by the CYP3A4 liver enzyme, and less than 10% is cleared in urine. Injectable dexamethasone sodium phosphate has a rapid onset and short duration of action.

How to store Dexamethasone

▾

Store and Dispense Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). Dispense in a tight light-resistant, child-resistant container as defined in the USP/NF. Do not freeze.

Written from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

221

Supplements & herbs that interact with Dexamethasone

221 supplements and herbal products have documented interactions with Dexamethasone in the licensed clinical database we use. Most are manageable — but your pharmacist should know about everything you take, including vitamins and herbals.

Severity mix
  • Major · 4
  • Moderate · 182
  • Minor · 35
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL Major GRAPEFRUIT Major LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY Major ST. JOHN'S WORT Major ACACIA RIGIDULA Moderate ACTIVE HEXOSE CORRELATED COMPOUND (AHCC) Moderate ADRAFINIL Moderate AFRICAN WILD POTATO Moderate +213 more
Every supplement checked against Dexamethasone — ranked by severity The full interaction hub: 4 major · 182 moderate · 35 minor · every one linked to its full report. Check Dexamethasone against your exact supplements

Educational information from a licensed clinical database (Natural Medicines) — see our data sources & update cadence. Not medical advice: an interaction being documented does not mean it will happen to you; do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance.

8

Nutrient depletion considerations

Dexamethasone has been associated with lower levels of 8 nutrients in the clinical literature. This does not mean a deficiency will occur — it means these may be worth discussing with your pharmacist or healthcare provider, especially with long-term use.

Evidence & significance mix
  • Higher significance · 1
  • Moderate · 5
  • Unrated · 2
ZINC Insignificant Depletion CALCIUM Moderate Depletion CHROMIUM Moderate Depletion MAGNESIUM Moderate Depletion POTASSIUM Moderate Depletion VITAMIN D Moderate Depletion SELENIUM Insufficient Evidence STRONTIUM Insufficient Evidence
See the full Dexamethasone nutrient depletion report

Educational information from a licensed clinical database (Natural Medicines) — not medical advice. Do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance.

Dexamethasone: pharmacist answers to common questions

Quick, plain-English answers to the questions patients ask most about Dexamethasone — the kind of thing our pharmacy team would talk through with you at the counter.

What is dexamethasone used for?

▾
It's a steroid that calms inflammation and immune overreaction. Depending on the product, it treats allergic conditions, skin diseases, hormone disorders and eye conditions. Hemady is used with other medicines for multiple myeloma.

How should I take it?

▾
Follow your prescription label exactly. Tablets and liquid are swallowed, and your prescriber sets the amount based on your condition. Please don't stop suddenly after long use, because your body needs time to restart its own steroid production.

What side effects should I expect?

▾
Increased appetite, weight gain, trouble sleeping, mood swings, nausea and fluid retention are common. Call your doctor for signs of infection, black stools, vision changes, or severe mood changes.

Can I take it with my other medicines?

▾
Some medicines interact with it, including certain antifungals, blood thinners, diabetes medicines, aspirin or NSAIDs, and estrogen products. Check with me before adding anything new.

Is it safe in pregnancy?

▾
Corticosteroids cross the placenta and have been linked to problems such as cleft lip or palate and lower birth weight. Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or planning to be. Hemady's label also advises against breastfeeding during treatment and for 2 weeks after.

Do I need to worry about vaccines or infections?

▾
Yes. Dexamethasone weakens your defenses, so avoid live vaccines at immunosuppressive doses. Try to avoid chickenpox and measles exposure, and call your doctor right away if you're exposed or feel sick.

Is Dexamethasone available over the counter?

▾
Both. Some Dexamethasone products are sold over the counter and others need a prescription. According to their FDA listings, the topical cream, ointment or gel form is sold over the counter and the tablet, injection, oral solution and eye drops forms need a prescription. The package says which kind you have. Your pharmacist can tell you which product is right for you.

When was Dexamethasone first available?

▾
The earliest FDA record we hold for Dexamethasone is from 1958: its first approval in Drugs@FDA or its earliest product listing in the NDC Directory, whichever is older. Many older medicines were in use before their first formal FDA approval, so this is the earliest date on record, not necessarily when Dexamethasone was first used.

Who makes Dexamethasone?

▾
58 companies currently list Dexamethasone products in the FDA's NDC Directory, including Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC, Bryant Ranch Prepack. That count includes repackagers and distributors as well as manufacturers (companies that sell only the raw ingredient are not counted), so fewer companies actually make it; the label on your bottle names the one that supplied yours.

Answers drafted from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

More about Dexamethasone on HelloPharmacist

📊Dexamethasone supplement interactions221 checked — ranked by severity 🌿Drug & Supplement CheckerDexamethasone vs. vitamins & herbs 💬Ask a PharmacistFree answer, usually < 24h 🔎NDC & pricing lookupFind Dexamethasone NDCs & costs 🅰️Browse Drugs A–ZLook up any medication
Detailed data & references for Dexamethasone Forms & strengths, pricing, billing codes, manufacturers, safety reports and sourcing — the data behind the page. Most people can stop here. Each section below opens on a tap.

Dexamethasone forms and strengths (how it comes)

Dexamethasone is available in 6 forms. Different forms and brands can have different approved uses, doses, schedules, and directions. Follow the instructions for your exact product, and do not switch forms without guidance from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Tablet

By mouth
Brands Hemady TaperDex 6-day TaperDex 12-day
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Hemady is used with other anti-myeloma products for adults with multiple myeloma.
  • TaperDex and DEXAMETHASONE 6-Day tablets are used for allergic states, skin diseases, hormone disorders and certain bowel diseases.
Important instructions
  • Dexamethasone tablets are taken by mouth, and the dose is individualized to your condition and response.
  • After improvement, your prescriber may lower the dose in small steps.
Available strengths 11 strengths
0.25 mg 0.5 mg 0.5 mg/0.5 mg 0.75 mg 0.75 mg/0.75 mg 1 mg
Show 5 more strengths Show fewer strengths
1.5 mg 2 mg 4 mg 6 mg 20 mg
230 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Injection

Into a joint · Into a muscle · Into a vein · Intralesional · Soft Tissue
Brands Dmt Suik
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate injection is used by vein or muscle when oral therapy is not feasible, for conditions such as adrenal insufficiency and other steroid-responsive disorders.
  • Viadox is labeled for intramuscular or intravenous use.
Important instructions
  • Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate injection can be given from the vial or added to an IV drip.
  • Some Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate products can also be injected into a joint, a lesion or soft tissue; others are for IV or muscle use only.
Available strengths 3 strengths
4 mg/mL 10 mg/mL 100 mg/10 mL
195 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Oral solution

By mouth
Brands Dexamethasone Intensol
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Dexamethasone and Dexamethasone Intensol oral products are used for allergic states, skin diseases, hormone disorders and certain bowel diseases.
Important instructions
  • Dexamethasone Intensol is taken by mouth, with the dose individualized to your condition and response.
Available strengths 2 strengths
0.5 mg/5 mL 1 mg/mL
15 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Eye drops

In the eye · Intracanalicular
Brands Dextenza Maxidex Ozurdex
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Dextenza is used for eye inflammation and pain after eye surgery, and for itching from allergic conjunctivitis.
  • Ozurdex is used for macular edema after retinal vein occlusion, non-infectious posterior uveitis and diabetic macular edema.
  • Maxidex and Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate eye drops are used for steroid-responsive inflammation of the front of the eye.
Important instructions
  • Dextenza is not recommended for allergic conjunctivitis itching in children who need sedation for insertion.
Available strengths 3 strengths
0.4 mg 0.7 mg 1 mg/mL
7 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Insert or device

By mouth
Available strengths 2 strengths
0.4 mg 0.7 mg
2 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Topical cream, ointment or gel

On the skin
Brands Seacall Dexamethasone Ointment.
Available strengths 1 strength
0.075 g/100 g
1 FDA-listed product record ⓘ

Dexamethasone on the U.S. market: products, makers and brands

How Dexamethasone appears in the FDA’s National Drug Code Directory — including its dosage forms, strengths, brand names, manufacturers, and FDA-listed product records. These are directory records, not sales or prescription volume.

58 companies list 243 Dexamethasone product records with the FDA, mostly as tablet, injection, oral solution; the earliest marketing or approval year on record is 1958. Brand names on the directory include Decadron, Dexamethasone Intensol, Dexpak Taperpak and 12 more; the rest are generics.

6
Dose forms ⓘ
58
Labelers (makers, repackagers, distributors)
12
Brand names
243
FDA-listed product records ⓘ
1958
Earliest FDA record ⓘ

FDA-listed product records by dose form (tablet variants merged) — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

Also listed with the FDA, not a patient dose form: Powder (42) — bulk drug substance sold to compounders/manufacturers and multi-item kits. These aren’t counted in the dose-form total above.

Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.8%
Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC5%
Bryant Ranch Prepack5%
Sportpharm LLC5%
Asclemed USA, Inc.4%
Proficient Rx LP4%
Other makers70%

Share of FDA-listed product records by manufacturer — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

How widely Dexamethasone is used (Medicaid data)

A general measure of how commonly Dexamethasone is prescribed, based on Medicaid — one of the largest public drug programs. The figure below is prescriptions filled in Q1–Q4 2025, summed across every form and brand of the drug.

Think of this as a proxy for how widely Dexamethasone is used, drawn from freely available public data. Medicaid is just one program — these numbers don’t include Medicare, other government coverage, or commercial and cash-pay prescriptions, so real-world use is higher than what’s shown here.

2,033,076
Medicaid prescriptions filled (Q1–Q4 2025)
$74.7M gross Medicaid reimbursement (before mandatory rebates — net cost is lower)

How commonly is Dexamethasone prescribed? Of the 1,601 medications we measure, Dexamethasone ranks #110 by Medicaid prescriptions — more than 93% of them.

Where Dexamethasone ranks among the drugs we measure · Q1–Q4 2025 · neighbors ±5
Total prescriptions — #110 of 1,601
#105 Lidocaine Transdermal... 2,146,915 Rx #106 Baclofen 2,144,009 Rx #107 Tamsulosin 2,108,678 Rx #108 Lorazepam 2,080,821 Rx #109 Pregabalin 2,058,308 Rx #110 Dexamethasone 2,033,076 Rx #111 Prazosin 2,024,285 Rx #112 Potassium 1,949,817 Rx #113 Nicotine 1,920,723 Rx #114 Dulaglutide Injection 1,895,289 Rx #115 Valacyclovir 1,885,604 Rx

Utilization by Dexamethasone product

Pick a product to see its own Medicaid numbers. Each chip is one clinical product — a specific strength & dosage form as defined by RxNorm — with brand-name and generic versions combined.

The 4 mg oral tablet is the most-dispensed Dexamethasone product — about 21% of these Medicaid prescriptions.

dexamethasone 4 MG Oral Tablet Most dispensed

421,958 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 21% of Dexamethasone prescriptions shown $5.3M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $13 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 13 of 166 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 197582

dexamethasone phosphate 10 MG/ML Injectable Solution

395,350 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 19% of Dexamethasone prescriptions shown $13.2M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $33 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 7 of 36 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 309696

1 ML dexamethasone phosphate 4 MG/ML Injection

378,555 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 19% of Dexamethasone prescriptions shown $19.6M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $52 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 8 of 35 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1812194

dexamethasone phosphate 4 MG/ML Injectable Solution

293,065 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 14% of Dexamethasone prescriptions shown $12M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $41 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 13 of 66 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1116927

1 ML dexamethasone phosphate 10 MG/ML Injection

219,303 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 11% of Dexamethasone prescriptions shown $11.2M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $51 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 7 of 34 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1812079

dexamethasone 0.1 MG/ML Oral Solution

66,926 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 3% of Dexamethasone prescriptions shown $994,023 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $15 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 4 of 13 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 309686

dexamethasone 6 MG Oral Tablet

62,410 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 3% of Dexamethasone prescriptions shown $551,538 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $8.84 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 11 of 22 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 197583

dexamethasone 2 MG Oral Tablet

60,528 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 3% of Dexamethasone prescriptions shown $716,252 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $12 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 10 of 31 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 197581

dexamethasone 1 MG Oral Tablet

60,440 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 3% of Dexamethasone prescriptions shown $460,635 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $7.62 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 4 of 10 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 197579

dexamethasone phosphate 1 MG/ML Ophthalmic Solution

24,795 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 1% of Dexamethasone prescriptions shown $1.1M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $46 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 4 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 226343

dexamethasone 1 MG/ML Oral Solution

12,678 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Dexamethasone prescriptions shown $233,946 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $18 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 1 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 309684

dexamethasone 0.75 MG Oral Tablet

10,146 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Dexamethasone prescriptions shown $80,769 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $7.96 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 6 of 40 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 343033

dexamethasone 0.5 MG Oral Tablet

9,451 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Dexamethasone prescriptions shown $69,884 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $7.39 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 6 of 10 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 197577

dexamethasone 0.7 MG Drug Implant

5,914 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Dexamethasone prescriptions shown $8.1M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $1,362 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 3 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 854177

dexamethasone 0.4 MG Drug Implant

3,142 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Dexamethasone prescriptions shown $509,001 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $162 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 2 of 7 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 2108015

1 ML dexamethasone phosphate 4 MG/ML Prefilled Syringe

2,493 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Dexamethasone prescriptions shown $324,778 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $130 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 2 of 3 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1812095

dexamethasone 1 MG/ML Ophthalmic Suspension

2,431 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Dexamethasone prescriptions shown $207,437 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $85 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 2 of 2 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 309692

dexamethasone 1.5 MG Oral Tablet

2,215 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Dexamethasone prescriptions shown $20,411 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $9.21 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 5 of 38 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 197580

1 ML dexamethasone phosphate 10 MG/ML Prefilled Syringe

1,265 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Dexamethasone prescriptions shown $5,101 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $4.03 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 2 of 4 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 2099700

dexamethasone 20 MG Oral Tablet

11 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Dexamethasone prescriptions shown $194 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $18 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 4 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 2261802

Shares are of the Medicaid prescriptions shown here. Product grouping follows RxNorm (the National Library of Medicine’s drug terminology), so “one product” means one strength & dosage form regardless of manufacturer. Dollar figures are gross Medicaid reimbursement before mandatory rebates — rebates (often large, especially for brand-name drugs) are confidential, so actual net cost to Medicaid is lower than shown.

Source: Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data (CMS), aggregated by generic ingredient — summed across every NDC (all brands, strengths, salt forms and dosage forms) of Dexamethasone, and across all states and both fee-for-service and managed-care claims. A general popularity signal; it excludes Medicare, commercial insurance and cash prescriptions, so it is not total U.S. use. Based on the 106 of 529 listed Dexamethasone NDCs with Medicaid activity.

Compare Dexamethasone products

A representative set of FDA-listed product records for Dexamethasone — across manufacturers, strengths, and dosage forms, grouped by form with each product’s manufacturer and how the FDA approved it. The same medicine may be made and packaged by different companies, so a single drug can have many directory entries. (It’s also why a refill can look different — a new shape, color, or box — even though it contains the same medication.)

Showing 98 of 243 products — FDA National Drug Code Directory. See every product, package size and price: browse all 243 Dexamethasone NDCs →

Dexamethasone recall history

A recall is when a specific batch of a medicine is pulled from the market — usually a manufacturing issue, not a problem with the drug itself. Class I is most serious, Class III least.

The FDA’s enforcement reports list 2 Dexamethasone recalls since July 2021. Both are still ongoing or began in the last six months. A recall names specific lots from one company, so check the lot number on your own bottle rather than assuming every product is affected; your pharmacist can check whether your supply came from an affected lot.

Ongoing Class II Feb 4, 2026 · SOMERSET THERAPEUTICS LLC
Failed Impurities/Degradation Specifications - OOS impurities result observed during long term stability testing at product expiry (24 months) were above specs for these impurities: Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate EP impurity G (Impurity RU 49336) and dexameth…
  • Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection, USP, 100 mg/ 10 mL, (10 mg/mL), 10x10 mL Multiple Dose Vials, Rx only, Manufactured for: Somerset Therapeutics, LLC., Somerset, NJ 08873, NDC carton: 70069-0… Lots: Lot #: A240421, Exp 07/31/2026 FDA record D-0398-2026 →
Ongoing Class II May 23, 2024 · Eugia US LLC
Failed Impurities/Degradation Specifications: impurity sulfonic acid adduct of dexamethasone phosphate results were above spec.
  • Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate injection USP, 120mg per 30mL (4mg/mL), 30 mL Multiple-Dose Vial, Rx only, Distributed by: AuroMedics Pharma LLC, 279 Princeton-Hightstown Rd. E. Windsor, NJ 08520, Mad… Lots: Lot#: 3DS23001, 3DS23004, Exp 6/30/2024; 3DS23009, 3DS23011, Exp 7/31/2024 FDA record D-0555-2024 →

Source: FDA enforcement (recall) reports, via openFDA; our copy was last updated Sep 24, 2026.

RxNorm Concept Web — From Ingredient to Every Form and Strength

This page starts with one ingredient concept (IN). The branches below show its dose-form concepts (SCDF), then the available clinical drug and strength concepts (SCD). Combination products remain separate concepts with their own pages.

Ingredient (IN) Dexamethasone RxCUI 3264 11 dose forms · 29 strengths
  1. Dose form (SCDF) Drug Implant RxCUI 854176 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.4 MG RxCUI 2108015 0.7 MG RxCUI 854177
  2. Dose form (SCDF) Injectable Solution RxCUI 371725 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) phosphate 10 MG/ML RxCUI 309696 phosphate 4 MG/ML RxCUI 1116927 sodium phosphate 0.4 MG/ML RxCUI 1249712 sodium phosphate 4 MG/ML RxCUI 1049400 2 MG/ML RxCUI 435681 3 MG/ML RxCUI 880649
  3. Dose form (SCDF) Injectable Suspension RxCUI 371721 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) acetate 8 MG/ML RxCUI 1374372
  5. Dose form (SCDF) Ophthalmic Solution RxCUI 377418 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) phosphate 1 MG/ML RxCUI 226343
  6. Dose form (SCDF) Ophthalmic Suspension RxCUI 371723 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 1 MG/ML RxCUI 309692
  7. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Solution RxCUI 371728 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.1 MG/ML RxCUI 309686 1 MG/ML RxCUI 309684
  8. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Tablet RxCUI 371729 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.25 MG RxCUI 197576 0.5 MG RxCUI 197577 0.75 MG RxCUI 343033 1 MG RxCUI 197579 1.5 MG RxCUI 197580 2 MG RxCUI 197581 4 MG RxCUI 197582 6 MG RxCUI 197583 20 MG RxCUI 2261802
  10. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Ointment RxCUI 2691148 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.00075 MG/MG RxCUI 2691149
  11. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Solution RxCUI 393151 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 1 MG/ML RxCUI 388755

Look up RxCUI 3264 in the RxCUI Atlas →

RxNorm is the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s normalized drug vocabulary. Its concept hierarchy can include forms that are not currently marketed; the status on each branch compares that concept with current FDA listings. RxCUIs identify vocabulary concepts, not individual packages or manufacturers.

💵 What Dexamethasone costs pharmacies (NADAC benchmark)

The national average invoice price pharmacies pay for the drug itself, from CMS's NADAC survey (data as of Sep 30, 2026). This is a supply-cost benchmark — not a retail price and not what you'd pay at the counter.

FormStrengthPharmacy acquisition benchmark
Tablet · Oral 4 mg $0.193 per tablet NDC details & price history
Tablet · Oral 1.5 mg $0.174 per tablet NDC details & price history
Tablet · Oral 2 mg $0.252 per tablet NDC details & price history
Tablet · Oral 6 mg $0.382 per tablet NDC details & price history
Tablet · Oral 0.75 mg $0.090 per tablet NDC details & price history
Tablet · Oral 1 mg $0.155 per tablet NDC details & price history
Tablet · Oral 0.5 mg $0.071 per tablet NDC details & price history
Injection, Solution · Intra-articular, Intralesional, Intramuscular, Intravenous, Soft Tissue 10 mg/mL $1.16 per mL NDC details & price history
Why show this? Your out-of-pocket cost depends on insurance, pharmacy markup, and discounts — but the acquisition benchmark tells you whether the medication itself is inexpensive or costly, which strengths cost more per dose, and whether a cash-price quote is in a reasonable range. Each row links to the NDC-level record with its full price history.

Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC), a survey of retail pharmacy invoice prices. Benchmarks shown are the range across package sizes of a representative product for each form and strength — other manufacturers' products may differ.

Dexamethasone brand names

Dexamethasone is sold under 15 brand names in the FDA directory — Decadron, Dexamethasone Intensol, Dexpak Taperpak, Dexium and others. A brand and its generic contain the same active ingredient; the brand name belongs to one company's product.

Decadron Dexamethasone Intensol Dexpak Taperpak Dexium Dexasone Dexycu Maxidex Dextenza Hemady Dexlyt Ozurdex Dmt Suik TaperDex 6-day TaperDex 12-day Seacall Dexamethasone Ointment.

Who makes Dexamethasone: manufacturers and labelers

58 companies list Dexamethasone products with the FDA. By number of product records, the largest are Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC, Bryant Ranch Prepack. Labelers include manufacturers and repackagers; the product in your bottle depends on which one your pharmacy stocks.

Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. 19 Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC 13 Bryant Ranch Prepack 11 Sportpharm LLC 11 Asclemed USA, Inc. 10 Proficient Rx LP 9 Mylan Institutional LLC 8 A-S Medication Solutions 7 ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 7 Advagen Pharma Ltd. 7 Apotex Corp. 7 Direct_Rx 7 Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC 7 HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst 7 Viona Pharmaceuticals Inc 7 Zydus Lifesciences Limited 7 NorthStar Rx LLC 6 Preferred Pharmaceuticals Inc. 6 Remedyrepack Inc. 6 Cardinal Health 107, LLC 5 Eugia US LLC 5 PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 5 Somerset Therapeutics, LLC 5 Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC 4

…and 34 more on the FDA NDC directory.

Dexamethasone drug class (RxNorm)

Dexamethasone belongs to the Corticosteroid class.

Pharmacologic class Corticosteroid
Drug family (ATC) Corticosteroids for local oral treatment, Corticosteroids, Corticosteroids, moderately potent (group II)
How it works Corticosteroid Hormone Receptor Agonists

Classified by RxNorm RxClass — the U.S. National Library of Medicine's standardized drug-classification service (Established Pharmacologic Class from the FDA, the ATC drug family from the WHO, and mechanism of action). Reference only, not medical advice.

Sources for this Dexamethasone page

Core label, product, RxNorm, safety, and utilization data on this page come from the sources identified below. AI-written, editorial, and licensed sections are labeled separately.

📄
FDA-filed drug labels (SPL) Uses, dosing, warnings & side effects from SPL records retrieved through openFDA; the linked representative set can be verified on DailyMed. ✓ Linked label effective Jan 9, 2026
🏭
Forms, brands & labelersAggregated from ingredient-matched FDA National Drug Code Directory product records for Dexamethasone.
📈
Real-world reportsThe FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), served through openFDA.
🚨
Recalls & shortagesopenFDA drug-enforcement reports and the FDA drug-shortage database.
🧾 Clinical label set — FDA-filed SPL labels retained for Dexamethasone after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching
Clinical labels in scope
95
Finished products in the current FDA directory
243
Companies listing them (makers, repackagers, distributors)
58
FDA labeler codes behind them ⓘ
67
Linked representative label ⓘ
Edenbridge Pharmaceuticals LLC.
Linked label effective
Jan 9, 2026
Composite sections available
22
Linked SPL Set ID
6b9cf32c-6d60-4853-bbfd-2304ffc2c129
Linked SPL Document ID
d3488fd8-88b2-4f73-9fa4-fbcf14ddd972
Open the linked representative label on DailyMed ↗

How this page is built

HelloPharmacist combines public FDA and NLM records and does not author the underlying clinical facts. The plain-language sections are written with AI from the FDA-approved label text and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Edenbridge Pharmaceuticals LLC. is the representative DailyMed label linked for verification and dates. This is general education, not medical advice: always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own medicines. How we build and review drug pages →