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What are the differences between dexamethasone and prednisone

Corticosteroids are prescribed for treating many forms of conditions; key among them are autoimmune problems like joint pains (owing to arthritis), discomforts caused by allergies, respiratory conditions, immune-cells related discomforts, etc. In this milieu, dexamethasone and prednisone are widely prescribed corticosteroids. Both these meds are known to possess a few essential chemicals to decrease inflammation / internal swelling. But what are the major differences between these two meds i.e., dexamethasone and prednisone? It becomes essential to know more.

Medications that are classified as corticosteroids are known to reduce the responses of your immunity system. Essential chemicals these drugs have in them enable modification of messages that activate responses to allergies. Most likely responses are rashes, swelling, itchiness, etc. Corticosteroids help keep immunity mechanisms under control, and thus help mitigate one or more of above discomforts.

What is dexamethasone?

Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid. It is used for managing blood-related disorders, hormonal conditions, arthritis-induced pains, a few ocular conditions, bowel-related conditions, etc. This med can also treat immune-system based disorders; the active chemicals help decrease discomforts caused by allergies – such as inflammation, reddening of skin, rashes, etc.

What is prednisone?

Prednisone is also a corticosteroid, and is prescribed to modify the ways the immunity system functions. Its ingredients are known to exert ample control on immune-cells and make typical allergic reactions less severe. Caregivers may use prednisone for the treatment of swollen joint / painful joins – both triggered by the onset of arthritis. This drug’s extended uses include treatment of eye-based infections, breathing difficulties which show up as gasping or wheezing.

What are the differences between dexamethasone and prednisone?

Prednisone is available as an oral medication; however, dexamethasone is sold in multiple forms viz., pill, eye-drop and injection. Studies done on which med is effective remains largely inconclusive. For example – for treating spells of breathing difficulties, both drugs are equally effective.

However, dexamethasone is considered high on potency when compared with prednisone. Hence, for medical conditions needing a more powerful steroidal medicine, caregiving teams are more likely to use dexamethasone. In general, ingredients of dexamethasone tend to work longer than prednisone’s. Moreover, the underlying condition is a key differentiating point in between these two meds.

In case of eye problems or infections, your doctor may prescribe an eye-drop; as dexamethasone is available in the form of eye-drops. Similarly, if your clinical condition necessitates injecting a steroidal med, again – dexamethasone is administered. This is because of this drug’s availability as an injection.

It is unsafe to use both meds together. In a few one-off cases, eye-drops (i.e., dexamethasone) and pills (of prednisone) have been co-administered. In such cases, as these two drugs are co-administered to treat two separate conditions, it is unlikely to trigger an overdose of steroids or a toxic condition.

How to safely use either of these meds?

It can be unsafe to stop taking either of these meds – i.e., dexamethasone and prednisone, without the consent of your caregiving team. The final few doses of these meds need to be tapered off; this practice is likely to reduce likely signs of withdrawal. Users of either of these meds – when they stop the doses in an abrupt manner may develop a splitting headache, they may turn tired and weak or may witness abdominal conditions such as dyspepsia, nausea along with vomiting.

Upon experiencing one or more of these signs of withdrawal, you are advised to seek support from a healthcare setting closer to where you stay. Those in the US may call 911; people living in Canada may reach out to a local poison control unit.

Disclaimer

Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.