Dexamethasone 0.5 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Severe allergic reactions and asthma or COPD flare-ups; Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions – rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease.
Listed MRPs range from ₹0.19 to ₹0.23 per tablet across 6 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dexamethasone Tablets IP 0.5 mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹1.88 | ₹0.19 | 19 October 2026 |
| Wymesone 0.5 | Pfizer Ltd | 10 | ₹2.04 | ₹0.20 | 19 October 2026 |
| Lupidexa 0.5 | Lupin Ltd | 10 | ₹2.02 | ₹0.20 | 19 October 2026 |
| Dexona 0.5 | Zydus Healthcare Limited | 30 | ₹6.93 | ₹0.23 | 19 October 2026 |
| Decdan 0.5 | Wockhardt Ltd | 10 | ₹2.31 | ₹0.23 | 19 October 2026 |
| Demisone 0.5 | Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹2.31 | ₹0.23 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Severe allergic reactions and asthma or COPD flare-ups.
- Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions – rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease.
- Reducing swelling around brain tumours and in some cancers, and preventing chemotherapy nausea.
- Croup and other airway swelling in children (single dose).
- Replacing steroid hormone when the adrenal glands do not make enough.
How to take it
Take it exactly as prescribed, usually once a day in the morning with or just after breakfast – never on an empty stomach. If you are prescribed 2 or 3 doses a day, take the last one before 6 pm to avoid sleep problems. Swallow with water. Short courses of a few days can be stopped straight away; after a longer course (more than about 3 weeks) or higher doses, the dose must be reduced gradually, because your adrenal glands need time to start working again – stopping suddenly can cause severe tiredness, weakness, body aches and low blood pressure. Carry a steroid card if you are on long-term treatment, and tell any doctor or dentist. Avoid people with chickenpox or measles if you have not had them.
Side effects
Common
- Increased appetite and weight gain.
- Indigestion or heartburn.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Mood changes – irritability or restlessness.
- Raised blood sugar.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Signs of infection – fever, sore throat, mouth sores – steroids hide infection; see a doctor.
- Severe stomach pain, black stools or vomiting blood (ulcer or pancreatitis).
- Serious mood changes – depression, confusion, hallucinations.
- Blurred vision or eye pain; swelling of the face, weight gain on the back or belly with long courses (Cushing's syndrome).
Safety information
Alcohol
Limit alcohol; both irritate the stomach and raise the risk of ulcers.
Pregnancy
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Dexamethasone is used in pregnancy when needed, including to mature the baby's lungs before early delivery, under specialist care.
Kidney problems
Tell your doctor about kidney disease; steroids can cause fluid retention and raise blood pressure.
Liver problems
No routine dose change, but tell your doctor about liver disease.
Children
Used in children under a doctor's supervision, dose by weight. Long courses can slow growth, so growth is monitored.
Missed dose
If you take it once a day, take it when you remember unless it is already the next day – then skip it. Never take two doses together.
Interactions
- Painkillers like ibuprofen, diclofenac and high-dose aspirin (NSAIDs) – much higher risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.
- Diabetes medicines and insulin – blood sugar rises; doses may need increasing.
- Warfarin – effect may change; INR needs checking.
- Rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine – lower dexamethasone levels; ketoconazole and some HIV medicines raise them.
- Diuretics and blood pressure medicines – steroids can raise BP and lower potassium.
- Live vaccines (MMR, chickenpox, yellow fever) – avoid during high-dose or long steroid courses; tell your doctor about any vaccination.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dexona tablet used for?
Dexona contains dexamethasone 0.5 mg, a strong steroid. Doctors prescribe it for severe allergies, asthma flare-ups, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, swelling in some cancers and chemotherapy nausea. It must be used only as prescribed.
Is it safe to take Dexona for weight gain or body building?
No. This is a dangerous misuse. Dexamethasone causes water retention and fat gain, not healthy weight, and prolonged use leads to diabetes, high blood pressure, bone thinning, infections and adrenal failure. Never take it without a doctor.
Should Dexona be taken in the morning or at night?
In the morning with breakfast. This matches your body's natural steroid rhythm and reduces sleep problems. If more than one dose is prescribed, take the last by 6 pm.
Can I stop Dexona suddenly?
After a short course of a few days, yes. After longer courses or higher doses, no – your adrenal glands stop making their own steroid and need weeks to recover. Your doctor will taper the dose gradually.
Can I take Dexona with alcohol?
Limit alcohol. Both irritate the stomach lining and together increase the risk of ulcers and bleeding.
Does dexamethasone raise blood sugar?
Yes. Steroids raise blood sugar, and people with diabetes often need higher doses of their diabetes medicines during a course. Check your sugar more often and tell your doctor.
Dexona vs Wysolone (prednisolone) – what is the difference?
Both are steroids. Dexamethasone is much more potent milligram for milligram and longer-acting; 0.5 mg of dexamethasone is roughly equal to 4 mg of prednisolone. Your doctor picks based on the condition and how long treatment is needed.
Can I take vaccines while on Dexona?
Inactivated vaccines are generally fine. Live vaccines (MMR, chickenpox, yellow fever) should be avoided during high-dose or long courses because the immune system is suppressed. Tell your doctor about any planned vaccination.
Is Dexona safe in pregnancy?
Dexamethasone is used in pregnancy when the benefit is clear, including to mature the baby's lungs before premature delivery. Do not take it in pregnancy without a doctor's advice.
Sources
- NHS – Dexamethasone tablets and liquid (19 October 2026)
- NHS – How and when to take dexamethasone (19 October 2026)
- NHS – Side effects of dexamethasone (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms