LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Dexamethasone: Patients
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Dexamethasone is used to treat many inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, eg. rheumatoid arthritis. It is ... given to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, to counteract certain side-effects of their antitumour treatment. Dexamethasone can augment the antiemetic effect of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists like ondansetron. It is also given in small amounts (usually 5-6 tablets) before and/or after some forms of dental surgery, such as the extraction of the wisdom teeth, an operation which often leaves the patient with puffy, swollen cheeks.
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Dexamethasone has been reported to be effective in reducing the incidence of emesis in patients undergoing chemotherapy since 1981 (1–5). In these studies, the antiemetic effect of dexamethasone was reported to be equal to or better than that of serotonin subtype 3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists such as ondansetron and granisetron (4,5). Dexamethasone ... reduced the occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients recovering from general anesthesia (6–15).
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Dexamethasone is often prescribed to patients with cancer. In some cases, the drug is part of the drug treatment for the disease, and in other cases it is used to manage side effects caused by the treatment or the cancer itself. For example, dexamethasone may be given to treat nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy.
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Dexamethasone is ... used in the treatment of blood cell cancers (leukemias), and lymph gland cancers (lymphomas). Blood diseases involving destruction of platelets by the body's own immune cells (idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura), and destruction of red blood cells by immune cells (autoimmune hemolytic anemia) can also be treated with dexamethasone. Other miscellaneous conditions treated with this medication include thyroiditis and sarcoidosis. Finally, dexamethasone is used as a hormone replacement in patients whose adrenal glands are unable to produce sufficient amounts of corticosteroids.
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Dexamethasone is available in oral, intravenous (IV), topical, ophthalmic, or inhaled form. In cancer patients, the oral and IV routes are used most frequently. The pill is available in several color-coded dosages [0.25 milligrams (mg), 0.5mg, 0.75mg, 1.5mg, 4mg, and 6mg]. Dexamethasone should be given very slowly by the IV route.
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Dexamethasone eye drops are given to treat or prevent many eye conditions. The eye drops are most commonly given to patients with leukemia or lymphoma, to prevent inflammation of the eyes (conjunctivitis), if you are receiving high dose chemotherapy (usually Cytarabine [Ara-C]). The eye drops are given every six hours, in both eyes, and for at least 48 hours after the chemotherapy has completed. Do not stop taking these eye drops unless directed by your healthcare provider.
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