What each one is for, how to take it, side effects and warnings, side by side from the official labels.
| Dexamethasone | Prednisone | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A steroid (corticosteroid) | A steroid (corticosteroid) |
| Used for | A l l ergic States: Control of severe or incapacitating a llergic conditions intractable to adequate trials of conventional treatment in asthma, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, drug hypersensitivity reactions, perennial or seasonal allergic rhinitis, an… | Prednisone tablets are indicated in the following conditions: 1. Endocrine Disorders Primary or secondary adrenocortical insufficiency (hydrocortisone or cortisone is the first choice; synthetic analogs may be used in conjunction with mineralocorticoids where… |
| Children | In pediatric patients, the initial dose of dexamethasone may vary depending on the specific disease entity being treated. | Not on the label |
| Prescription (U.S.) | Yes | Yes |
| Common side effects | (listed alphabetica ll y, under each subsection) The following adverse reactions have been reported with dexamethasone or other corticosteroids: A ll ergic Reactions: Anaphylactoid reaction, anaphylaxis, angioedema. Cardiovascular… | Fluid and Electrolyte Disturbances Sodium retention Fluid retention Congestive heart failure in susceptible patients Potassium loss Hypokalemic alkalosis Hypertension Musculoskeletal Muscle weakness Steroid myopathy Loss of muscle… |
| Pregnancy | Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category C. Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic in many species when given in doses equivalent to the human dose. Animal studies in which cortico… | Not on the label |
From the official U.S. labels. Brands and strengths differ between countries.
Neither official label mentions the other. That does not prove they are safe together: ask a pharmacist, and use the free interaction checker.
Check them togetherDexamethasone is a steroid (corticosteroid) and Prednisone is a steroid (corticosteroid). Dexamethasone is used for: A l l ergic States: Control of severe or incapacitating a llergic conditions intractable to adequate trials of conventional treatment in asthma, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, drug hypersensitivity reactions, perennial or seasonal allergic rhinitis, an… Prednisone is used for: Prednisone tablets are indicated in the following conditions: 1. Endocrine Disorders Primary or secondary adrenocortical insufficiency (hydrocortisone or cortisone is the first choice; synthetic analogs may be used in conjunction with mineralocorticoids where…
Neither official label mentions the other. That does not prove they are safe together: ask a pharmacist, and use the free interaction checker.
It depends on what you are treating, your health and other medicines. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you which one suits you; this page shows what each official label says.