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Hexadrol Side Effects

Generic name: dexamethasone

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 9, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Hexadrol Side Effects associated with dexamethasone. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Hexadrol.

Applies to dexamethasone: oral elixir, oral solution, oral tablet.

Serious side effects of Hexadrol

Along with its needed effects, dexamethasone (the active ingredient contained in Hexadrol) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking dexamethasone:

More common side effects

  • aggression
  • agitation
  • anxiety
  • blurred vision
  • decrease in the amount of urine
  • dizziness
  • fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
  • headache
  • irritability
  • mental depression
  • mood changes
  • nervousness
  • noisy, rattling breathing
  • numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
  • pounding in the ears
  • swelling of the fingers, hands, feet, or lower legs
  • trouble thinking, speaking, or walking
  • troubled breathing at rest
  • weight gain

Incidence not known

  • abdominal or stomach cramping and/or burning (severe) or pain
  • backache
  • bloody, black, or tarry stools
  • cough or hoarseness
  • darkening of the skin
  • decrease in height
  • decreased vision
  • diarrhea
  • dry mouth
  • eye pain
  • eye tearing
  • facial hair growth in females
  • fainting
  • fatigue
  • fever or chills
  • flushed, dry skin
  • fractures
  • fruit-like breath odor
  • full or round face, neck, or trunk
  • heartburn and/or indigestion (severe and continuous)
  • increased hunger
  • increased thirst
  • increased urination
  • loss of appetite
  • loss of sexual desire or ability
  • lower back or side pain
  • menstrual irregularities
  • muscle pain or tenderness
  • muscle wasting or weakness
  • nausea
  • pain in the back, ribs, arms, or legs
  • painful or difficult urination
  • skin rash
  • sleeplessness
  • sweating
  • trouble healing
  • trouble sleeping
  • unexplained weight loss
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • vision changes
  • vomiting
  • vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds

Other side effects of Hexadrol

Some side effects of dexamethasone may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

  • increased appetite

Incidence not known

  • abnormal fat deposits on the face, neck, and trunk
  • acne
  • dry scalp
  • lightening of normal skin color
  • red face
  • reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin
  • swelling of the stomach area
  • thinning of the scalp hair

For healthcare professionals

Applies to dexamethasone: compounding powder, inhalation aerosol with adapter, injectable solution, injectable suspension, intravenous solution, oral concentrate, oral liquid, oral tablet, transdermal solution.

General adverse events

The most commonly occurring side effects have included alteration in glucose tolerance, behavioral and mood changes, increased appetite, and weight gain; the incidence generally correlates with dosage, timing of administration, and duration of treatment.[Ref]

Psychiatric

A wide range of psychiatric reactions including affective disorders (e.g., irritable, euphoric, depressed, labile mood, and suicidal ideation) psychotic reactions (e.g., mania, delusions, hallucinations, aggravation of schizophrenia), behavioral disturbances, irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances and cognitive dysfunction (e.g., confusion, amnesia) have been reported. These reactions have been reported in adults and children. In adults, the occurrence of severe reactions has been estimated to be about 5% to 6%.[Ref]

Nervous system

Gastrointestinal

Hypersensitivity

Endocrine

Metabolic

Ocular

Rare instances of blindness have been associated with corticosteroid intralesional therapy around the face and head.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Musculoskeletal

Corticosteroids can cause a dose-dependent inhibition of growth in infancy, childhood, and adolescence due to it causing early closure of the epiphyses, which may be irreversible.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Hematologic

Genitourinary

Hepatic

Immunologic

Other

Respiratory

References

1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

2. (2016) "Product Information. Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate (dexamethasone)." West Ward Pharmaceutical Corporation

3. (2017) "Product Information. Dexamethasone (dexamethasone)." Par Pharmaceutical Inc (formerly Qualitest Pharmaceuticals Inc)

4. Sechi GP, Piras MR, Demurtas A, Tanca S, Rosati G (1987) "Dexamethasone-induced schizoaffective-like state in multiple sclerosis: prophylaxis and treatment with carbamazepine." Clin Neuropharmacol, 10, p. 453-7

5. Carroll BJ, Schroeder K, Mukhopadhyay S, Greden JF, Feinberg M, Ritchie J, Tarika J (1980) "Plasma dexamethasone concentrations and cortisol suppression response in patients with endogenous depression." J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 51, p. 433-7

6. (2001) "Product Information. Decadron (dexamethasone)." Merck & Co., Inc

7. Jaime Vazquez J (1993) "Persistent hiccup as a side-effect of dexamethasone treatment." Hum Exp Toxicol, 12, p. 52

8. Kanwar AJ, Kaur S, Dhar S, Ghosh S (1993) "Hiccup--a side-effect of pulse therapy." Dermatology, 187, p. 279

9. Fadul CE, Lemann W, Thaler HT, Posner JB (1988) "Perforation of the gastrointestinal tract in patients receiving steroids for neurologic disease." Neurology, 38, p. 348-52

10. McDonnell M, Evans N (1995) "Upper and lower gastrointestinal complications with dexamethasone despite H2 antagonists." J Paediatr Child Health, 31, p. 152-4

11. Whitmore SE (1994) "Dexamethasone injection-induced generalized dermatitis." Br J Dermatol, 131, p. 296-7

12. New MI, Peterson RE, Saenger P, Levine LS (1976) "Evidence for an unidentified ACTH-induced steroid hormone causing hypertension." J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 43, p. 1283-93

13. Spenney JG, Eure CA, Kreisberg RA (1969) "Hyperglycemic, hyperosmolar, nonketoacidotic diabetes. A complication of steroid and immunosupressive therapy." Diabetes, 18, p. 107-10

14. Ludvik B, Clodi M, Kautzky-Willer A, Capek M, Hartter E, Pacini G, Prager R (1993) "Effect of dexamethasone on insulin sensitivity, islet amyloid polypeptide and insulin secretion in humans." Diabetologia, 36, p. 84-7

15. Tsoi WW (1994) "Cushing's syndrome caused by analgesic/dexamethasone preparation." Ann Pharmacother, 28, p. 1411

16. Kobayashi Y, Akaishi K, Nishio T, Kimura Y (1974) "Posterior subcapsular cataract in nephrotic children receiving steroid therapy." Am J Dis Child, 128, p. 671-3

17. Bluming AZ, Zeegen P (1986) "Cataracts induced by intermittent Decadron used as an antiemetic." J Clin Oncol, 4, p. 221-3

18. Godel V, Regenbogen L, Stein R (1978) "On the mechanism of corticosteroid-induced ocular hypertension." Ann Ophthalmol, 10, p. 191-6

19. Francois J (1977) "Corticosteroid glaucoma." Ann Ophthalmol, 9, p. 1075-80

20. Schmidt GB, Meier MA, Sadove MS (1972) "Sudden appearance of cardiac arrhythmias after dexamethasone." JAMA, 221, p. 1402-4

21. Rao G, Zikria EA, Miller WH, Samadani SR, Ford WB (1972) "Cardiac arrhythmias after dexamethasone." JAMA, 222, p. 1185

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Hexadrol side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.