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Indications & Uses
Sonexa is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid that reduces inflammation by stopping white blood cells from migrating to affected tissue and reversing increased capillary permeability. It also suppresses the normal immune response.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
In general, glucocorticoid dosage depends on the severity of the condition and the response of the patient. If no favourable response is noted within a couple of days, continuing glucocorticoid therapy is not advisable. In chronic conditions requiring long term therapy, the lowest dosage that gives adequate, though not necessarily complete, relief should be used. For tablets, in adult patients daily oral dosages vary from 1 mg to 10 mg, and in children from 0.03 to 0.20 mg per kg body weight, according to the individual response. In some patients higher dosages may be needed temporarily to control the disease. As soon as circumstances permit, the dosage should be decreased. For a short dexamethasone suppression test, 1 mg of dexamethasone is given at 11 p.m. and plasma cortisol is measured the next morning. Patients who do not show a decrease in cortisol can be given a longer test, in which 0.5 mg of dexamethasone is given at 6 hour intervals for 48 hours, followed by 2 mg every 6 hours for a further 48 hours. Twenty four hour urine collections are made before, during and at the end of the test to determine 17 alpha hydroxycorticoids. For injection, dexamethasone can be given by intravenous, intramuscular or local injection. Dexamethasone injections can also be diluted with an infusion fluid or injected directly into the infusion line. Intravenous injections of large doses should be given slowly, over several minutes. Intramuscular administration should be given by deep intramuscular injection to prevent atrophy of the subcutaneous fatty tissue. Intra articular injections should be given under strictly aseptic conditions, since glucocorticoids reduce resistance to infection. When diluted with these infusion fluids, dexamethasone keeps its potency for at least 24 hours at room temperature and in daylight conditions. Sodium chloride 0.9%, anhydrous glucose 5%, invert sugar 10%, sorbitol 5%, Ringer's solution and Hartman's solution, also known as Ringer lactate, can be used as infusion fluids among others. The dosage of dexamethasone depends on the severity of the condition and the response of the patient. For systemic therapy in adults, daily doses of 0.05 to 0.20 mg per kg body weight are usually sufficient. For emergencies, such as anaphylaxis, acute severe asthma or cerebral edema, substantially higher doses are required. An initial dose of 10 to 20 mg IV is followed by 6 mg IV or IM every 6 hours, until a satisfactory result is obtained, after which the dosage has to be tapered off gradually. For local therapy, the following doses are recommended. Intra articularly, 2 to 4 mg in large joints and 0.8 to 1 mg in small joints. Intrabursally, 2 to 4 mg, and in tendon sheaths, 0.4 to 1 mg. The frequency of these injections may vary from every 3 to 5 days to every 2 to 3 weeks.
Side Effects
Prolonged systemic glucocorticoid therapy has been associated with the following adverse reactions. Endocrine and metabolic effects: Cushing-like syndrome, hirsutism, menstrual irregularities, premature closure of the growth plates, secondary unresponsiveness of the adrenal cortex and pituitary gland, reduced glucose tolerance, and negative nitrogen and calcium balance. Fluid and electrolyte disturbances: retention of sodium and fluid, high blood pressure, loss of potassium, and hypokalaemic alkalosis. Musculoskeletal effects: myopathy, abdominal distension, osteoporosis, and aseptic necrosis of the femoral and humeral heads. Gastrointestinal effects: gastric and duodenal ulceration, perforation, and haemorrhage. Dermatological effects: impaired wound healing, skin atrophy, stretch marks, pinpoint spots and bruise-like discolouration, easy bruising, facial redness, increased sweating, and acne. Central nervous system effects: psychic disturbances ranging from euphoria to overt psychotic symptoms, and convulsions; in children, pseudotumor cerebri (benign intracranial hypertension) with vomiting and swelling of the optic disc. Ophthalmic effects: glaucoma, raised pressure within the eye, and posterior subcapsular cataracts. Immunosuppressive effects: heightened susceptibility to infections, and reduced response to vaccination and skin tests.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
General: Use the lowest possible dose of corticosteroids that controls the condition being treated. Reduce the dose gradually. Cardio-renal: Use these medicines with caution in patients with congestive heart failure, hypertension, or renal insufficiency. Endocrine: Drug-induced secondary adrenocortical insufficiency can be reduced by lowering the dose gradually. Gastrointestinal: Use steroids with caution in people who have active or latent peptic ulcers, diverticulitis, intestinal anastomoses, or nonspecific ulcerative colitis, because they may raise the risk of a perforation. Musculoskeletal: Before starting corticosteroid therapy, give special thought to patients who are at higher risk of osteoporosis, for example postmenopausal women. Neuro-psychiatric: An acute myopathy has been seen with high doses of corticosteroids. It occurs most often in people with myasthenia gravis, or in people who are also taking neuromuscular blocking drugs such as pancuronium. Mood and behaviour changes can appear, ranging from euphoria, insomnia, mood swings and personality changes to severe depression, and in some cases frank psychotic symptoms.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with gastric or duodenal ulcers, systemic or ophthalmic fungal infections, viral infections such as chickenpox and genital herpes, other viral eye infections, glaucoma, or known hypersensitivity to corticosteroids.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Glucocorticoids appear in breast milk. Mothers taking high dosages of corticosteroids should be advised not to breast-feed.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Use in Special Populations
When children are given dexamethasone, the dose should be adjusted down to the lowest one that still works. This keeps the possible effect of corticosteroids on growth as small as possible.
Overdose
An overdose of dexamethasone is unlikely, whether it comes from local use or from accidentally swallowing it.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Keep dexamethasone tablets in a cool, dry place, away from light and moisture.
Dexamethasone injection should be stored below 30° C and protected from light. Do not freeze it.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Sonexa 6 mg
What is Sonexa 6 mg Tablet?
Sonexa 6 mg Tablet is a medicine that contains Dexamethasone. It is made by Aristopharma Limited.
What is Sonexa used for?
Sonexa is used for: Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Tuberculosis, Eczema, Anemia, Allergy, Cancer, Edema.
What are the side effects of Sonexa?
Prolonged systemic glucocorticoid therapy has been associated with the following adverse reactions. Endocrine and metabolic effects: Cushing-like syndrome, hirsutism, menstrual irregularities, premature closure of the growth plates, secondary unresponsiveness of the adrenal cortex and pituitary gland, reduced glucose tolerance, and negative nitrogen and calcium balance.
Can I take Sonexa during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Sonexa?
An overdose of dexamethasone is unlikely, whether it comes from local use or from accidentally swallowing it. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Sonexa?
Keep dexamethasone tablets in a cool, dry place, away from light and moisture. Dexamethasone injection should be stored below 30° C and protected from light.
Can I take other medicines with Sonexa?
Some medicines can interact with Dexamethasone, for example: Rifampicin, Primidone, Phenytoin, Magnesium, Dexamethasone + Chloramphenicol, Ciprofloxacin + Dexamethasone. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Is there a cheaper medicine with the same ingredient?
Sonexa is already among the lowest-priced brands of Dexamethasone at this strength.
Do I need a prescription for Sonexa?
Sonexa is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.