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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 162 ratings on Drugs.com. 47% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 36% reported a negative effect.

Prednisone has an average rating of 7.5 out of 10 from a total of 868 ratings on Drugs.com. 68% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 18% reported a negative effect.

View all 162 reviews

View all 868 reviews

Side Effects Experienced by Users Side effects are reported in Drugs.com user reviews and not clinically verified.

View all Dexamethasone side effects

View all Prednisone side effects
Drug Class
Generic Availability

Lower cost generic

Lower cost generic
Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance
Quantity 4 tablet
Strength 4 mg
Per unit* $2.84
Cost* $11.37

View all Dexamethasone prices

Quantity 5 tablet
Strength 20 mg
Per unit* $2.07
Cost* $10.35

View all Prednisone prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Dosage Forms
  • 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 Drug half-life is the time required for plasma concentration to reduce to half its original value.

N/A

4 hours
CSA Schedule 1 View glossary of CSA 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 820 drugs are known to interact with Dexamethasone:

  • 166 major drug interactions (452 brand and generic names)
  • 598 moderate drug interactions (2253 brand and generic names)
  • 56 minor drug interactions (277 brand and generic names)

A total of 624 drugs are known to interact with Prednisone:

  • 79 major drug interactions (218 brand and generic names)
  • 502 moderate drug interactions (1911 brand and generic names)
  • 43 minor drug interactions (232 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 classifications
More Information
Patient Resources
Professional Resources
Related Treatment Guide

1 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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