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Comparing Dexamethasone vs Prednisone

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Dexamethasone Remove Dexamethasone from your drug comparison Prednisone Remove Prednisone from your drug comparison
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Dexamethasone Remove Dexamethasone from your drug comparison Prednisone Remove Prednisone from your drug comparison

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

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

Prescription only

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

View all 112 reviews

View all 728 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

See the full dexamethasone side effects document.

See the full prednisone side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance
Quantity 4 tablet
Dosage 4 mg
Per Unit* $2.85
Cost* $11.40

View all dexamethasone prices

Quantity 10 tablet
Dosage 10 mg
Per Unit* $1.07
Cost* $10.70

View all prednisone prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Yes (this medicine)

Dosage Form(s) 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

36 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 682 drugs are known to interact with dexamethasone:

  • 121 major drug interactions (341 brand and generic names)
  • 510 moderate drug interactions (1857 brand and generic names)
  • 51 minor drug interactions (258 brand and generic names)

A total of 511 drugs are known to interact with prednisone:

  • 61 major drug interactions (171 brand and generic names)
  • 411 moderate drug interactions (1610 brand and generic names)
  • 39 minor drug interactions (217 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

Consumer 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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