Who can and cannot take dexamethasone tablets and liquid

Most adults and children (including babies) can take dexamethasone.

Dexamethasone is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• ever had an allergic reaction to dexamethasone or any other medicine
• recently been in contact with someone with shingles, chickenpox or measles
• an infection or any unhealed wounds
• liver or kidney problems
• ever had mental health problems (or a close family member has)
• ever had tuberculosis (TB)
• high blood pressure, heart failure or have recently had a heart attack
• diabetes
• epilepsy
• glaucoma
• an underactive thyroid
• osteoporosis (thinning bones)
• a stomach ulcer
• myasthenia gravis, a rare condition that causes muscle weakness
• recently had vaccinations, or are due to have vaccinations
• been trying to get pregnant, or are pregnant or breastfeeding