Decadron

Decadron is a prescription steroid medication used to treat a variety of conditions. It works by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system. Although the brand-name version of this drug is no longer available, there is a generic version currently available in several forms. While most people tolerate this medication well, side effects can include dizziness, headaches, and insomnia.

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What Is Decadron?

Decadron^® (dexamethasone) is a prescription medication that belongs to a group of medications called corticosteroids (also called glucocorticoids, or "steroids" for short). Decadron contains dexamethasone, which is similar to a natural hormone produced by the body. It reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system. This medicine is approved to treat a variety of conditions.

Decadron used to be available as a tablet, elixir (oral liquid), cream, ophthalmic ointment (eye ointment), ophthalmic/otic solution (eye and ear drop), and an injection. Brand-name Decadron is no longer available. However, generic dexamethasone is available in many of the same forms.

(Click Decadron Uses for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes This Medication?

Decadron was made by Merck and Co., Inc. Generic versions are made by several manufacturers.

How Does Decadron Work?

Like other corticosteroids, Decadron works by decreasing inflammation. It also suppresses the immune system by interfering with pathways in the body involved in immune response. Dexamethasone, the active ingredient in Decadron, is similar to a natural hormone produced in the body.

When you take Decadron for a long period of time, your body slowly stops making this natural hormone. For this reason, Decadron is often gradually stopped, which allows the body time to adjust to not having this steroid.

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