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Comparing Dexamethasone vs Prednisone

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Dexamethasone Prednisone
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Dexamethasone Prednisone
Prescription only

Dexamethasone reduces inflammation and calms down an overactive immune system and is significantly more potent than prednisolone. It may be given to control inflammation associated with eye disease... View more

Prescription only

Prednisone effectively controls inflammation and an overactive immune system but may not be suitable for everybody. Long-term use is limited by potentially severe side effects such as adrenal... View more

More about Dexamethasone More about Prednisone
Ratings & Reviews

Dexamethasone has an average rating of 5.9 out of 10 from a total of 156 ratings on Drugs.com. 49% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 36% reported a negative effect.

Prednisone has an average rating of 7.6 out of 10 from a total of 856 ratings on Drugs.com. 70% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 18% reported a negative effect.

View all 156 reviews

View all 856 reviews

Drug Class
Side Effects

See also: dexamethasone side effects in more detail.

See also: prednisone side effects in more detail.
Generic Availability

Lower cost generic

Lower cost generic
Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance
Quantity 4 tablet
Dosage 4 mg
Per Unit* $2.76
Cost* $11.02

View all dexamethasone prices

Quantity 5 tablet
Dosage 20 mg
Per Unit* $1.96
Cost* $9.82

View all prednisone prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Dosage Forms Available
  • Injectable solution
  • Oral liquid
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral solution
  • Oral tablet
Brand Names
De-Sone LA, Dexabliss, Dexamethasone Intensol, Dxevo, Hemady, HiDex, TaperDex, Zcort, ZoDex View more Rayos
Half Life The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

N/A

4 hours
CSA Schedule ** View glossary of terms
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
Pregnancy Category
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

Excluding First Trimester

D
Category D Positive evidence of risk

First Trimester

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
Drug Interactions

A total of 772 drugs are known to interact with dexamethasone:

  • 157 major drug interactions (431 brand and generic names)
  • 564 moderate drug interactions (2025 brand and generic names)
  • 51 minor drug interactions (268 brand and generic names)

A total of 590 drugs are known to interact with prednisone:

  • 77 major drug interactions (214 brand and generic names)
  • 473 moderate drug interactions (1763 brand and generic names)
  • 40 minor drug interactions (227 brand and generic names)
Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions

No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Disease Interactions
First Approval Date

October 30, 1958

February 21, 1955
WADA Class View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.
More Information
Patient resources
Professional Resources
Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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