Label: DEXAMETHASONE elixir

  • Category: HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG LABEL
  • DEA Schedule: None
  • Marketing Status: Abbreviated New Drug Application

Drug Label Information

Updated March 14, 2024

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  • DESCRIPTION

    Each red colored, cherry flavored, 5 mL (teaspoonful) contains:

    Dexamethasone, USP ……….. 0.5 mg

    Also contains:

    Benzoic Acid, USP …..…… 0.1% w/v  (as preservative)

    Ethyl Alcohol ……………………. 5.1% v/v

    Inactive Ingredients:  citric acid, sodium citrate dihydrate, sucrose, ethyl alcohol, benzoic acid, propylene glycol, wild cherry flavor, FD&C Red #40, and purified water.

    Dexamethasone, a synthetic adrenocortical steroid, is a white to practically white, odorless, crystalline powder. It is stable in air. It is practically insoluble in water. The molecular weight is 392.47. It is designated chemically as 9-fluoro-11β,17,21-trihydroxy-16α-methylpregna-1, 4-diene-3,20-dione. The molecular formula is C 22H 29FO 5 and the structural formula is:

    Dexamethasone-chemical-structure

  • CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

    Naturally occurring glucocorticoids (hydrocortisone and cortisone), which also have salt-retaining properties, are used as replacement therapy in adrenocortical deficiency states. Their synthetic analogs, including dexamethasone, are primarily used for their potent anti-inflammatory effects in disorders of many organ systems. Glucocorticoids cause profound and varied metabolic effects. In addition, they modify the body's immune responses to diverse stimuli. At equipotent anti-inflammatory doses, dexamethasone almost completely lacks the sodium-retaining property of hydrocortisone and closely related derivatives of hydrocortisone.

  • INDICATIONS AND USAGE

    Allergic States
    Control of severe or incapacitating allergic conditions intractable to adequate trials of conventional treatment:
           Seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis
           Bronchial asthma
           Contact dermatitis
           Atopic dermatitis
           Serum sickness
           Drug hypersensitivity reactions

    Collagen Diseases
    During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of:
           Systemic lupus erythematosus
           Acute rheumatic carditis

    Dermatologic Diseases
           Pemphigus
           Bullous dermatitis herpetiformis
           Severe erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
           Exfoliative dermatitis
           Mycosis fungoides
           Severe psoriasis
           Severe seborrheic dermatitis

    Edematous States
    To induce a diuresis or remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome, without uremia, of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

    Endocrine Disorders
    Primary or secondary adrenocortical insufficiency (hydrocortisone or cortisone is the first choice; synthetic analogs may be used in conjunction with mineralocorticoids where applicable; in infancy mineralocorticoid supplementation is of particular importance).
           Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
           Nonsuppurative thyroiditis
           Hypercalcemia associated with cancer

    Gastrointestinal Diseases
    To tide the patient over a critical period of the disease in:
           Ulcerative colitis
           Regional enteritis

    Hematologic Disorders
           Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in adults
           Secondary thrombocytopenia in adults
           Acquired (autoimmune) hemolytic anemia
           Erythroblastopenia (RBC anemia)
           Congenital (erythroid) hypoplastic anemia

    Miscellaneous
    Diagnostic testing of adrenocortical hyperfunction

    Tuberculous meningitis with subarachnoid block or impending block when used concurrently with appropriate antituberculous chemotherapy
           Trichinosis with neurologic or myocardial involvement

    Neoplastic Diseases
    For palliative management of:
           Leukemia and lymphomas in adults
           Acute leukemia of childhood

    Ophthalmic Diseases
    Severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory processes involving the eye and its adnexa, such as:
           Allergic conjunctivitis
           Keratitis
           Allergic corneal marginal ulcers
           Herpes zoster ophthalmicus
           Iritis and iridocyclitis
           Chorioretinitis
           Anterior segment inflammation
           Diffuse posterior uveitis and choroiditis
           Optic neuritis
           Sympathetic ophthalmia

    Respiratory Diseases
           Symptomatic sarcoidosis
           Loeffler's syndrome not manageable by other means
           Berylliosis
           Fulminating or disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis when used concurrently with
           appropriate antituberculous chemotherapy
           Aspiration pneumonitis

    Rheumatic Disorders
    As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration (to tide the patient over an acute episode or exacerbation) in:
           Psoriatic arthritis
           Rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require
           low-dose maintenance therapy)
           Ankylosing spondylitis
           Acute and subacute bursitis
           Acute nonspecific tenosynovitis
           Acute gouty arthritis
           Post-traumatic osteoarthritis
           Synovitis of osteoarthritis
           Epicondylitis

  • CONTRAINDICATIONS

    Contraindicated in patients with known systemic fungal infections (See WARNINGS: Infections: Fungal Infections) and patients with a known sensitivity to this drug.

  • WARNINGS

    In patients on corticosteroid therapy subjected to unusual stress, increased dosage of rapidly acting corticosteroids before, during, and after the stressful situation is indicated.

    Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infection

    Corticosteroids, including dexamethasone elixir, suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infection with any pathogen, including viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan, or helminthic pathogens. Corticosteroids can:

    • Reduce resistance to new infections
    • Exacerbate existing infections
    • Increase the risk of disseminated infections
    • Increase the risk of reactivation or exacerbation of latent infections
    • Mask some signs of infection

    Corticosteroid-associated infections can be mild but can be severe and at times fatal. The rate of infectious complications increases with increasing corticosteroid dosages.

    Monitor for the development of infection and consider dexamethasone elixir withdrawal or dosage reduction as needed.

    Tuberculosis

    If dexamethasone elixir is used to treat a condition in patients with latent tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity, reactivation of tuberculosis may occur.

    Closely monitor such patients for reactivation. During prolonged dexamethasone elixir therapy, patients with latent tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity should receive chemoprophylaxis.

    Varicella Zoster and Measles Viral Infections

    Varicella and measles can have a serious or even fatal course in non-immune patients taking corticosteroids, including dexamethasone elixir. In corticosteroid-treated patients who have not had these diseases or are non-immune, particular care should be taken to avoid exposure to varicella and measles:

    • If a dexamethasone elixir-treated patient is exposed to varicella, prophylaxis with varicella zoster immune globulin may be indicated. If varicella develops, treatment with antiviral agents may be considered.
    • If a dexamethasone elixir-treated patient is exposed to measles, prophylaxis with immunoglobulin may be indicated.

    Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation

    Hepatitis B virus reactivation can occur in patients who are hepatitis B carriers treated with immunosuppressive dosages of corticosteroids, including dexamethasone elixir. Reactivation can also occur infrequently in corticosteroid-treated patients who appear to have resolved hepatitis B infection.

    Screen patients for hepatitis B infection before initiating immunosuppressive (e.g., prolonged) treatment with dexamethasone elixir. For patients who show evidence of hepatitis B infection, recommend-consultation with physicians with expertise in managing hepatitis B regarding monitoring and consideration for hepatitis B antiviral therapy.

    Fungal Infections

    Corticosteroids, including dexamethasone elixir, may exacerbate systemic fungal infections; therefore, avoid dexamethasone elixir use in the presence of such infections unless dexamethasone elixir is needed to control drug reactions. For patients on chronic dexamethasone elixir therapy who develop systemic fungal infections, dexamethasone elixir withdrawal or dosage reduction is recommended.

    Amebiasis

    Corticosteroids, including dexamethasone elixir, may activate latent amebiasis. Therefore, it is recommended that latent amebiasis or active amebiasis be ruled out before initiating dexamethasone elixir in patients who have spent time in the tropics or patients with unexplained diarrhea.

    Strongyloides Infestation

    Corticosteroids, including dexamethasone elixir, should be used with great care in patients with known or suspected Strongyloides (threadworm) infestation. In such patients, corticosteroid-induced immunosuppression may lead to Strongyloides hyperinfection and dissemination with widespread larval migration, often accompanied by severe enterocolitis and potentially fatal gram-negative septicemia.

    Cerebral Malaria

    Avoid corticosteroids, including dexamethasone elixir, in patients with cerebral malaria.

    Kaposi’s Sarcoma

    Kaposi’s sarcoma has been reported to occur in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy, most often for chronic conditions. Discontinuation of corticosteroids may result in clinical improvement of Kaposi’s sarcoma.

    Drug-induced secondary adrenocortical insufficiency may result from too rapid withdrawal of corticosteroids and may be minimized by gradual reduction of dosage. This type of relative insufficiency may persist for months after discontinuation of therapy; therefore, in any situation of stress occurring during that period, hormone therapy should be reinstituted. If the patient is receiving steroids already, dosage may have to be increased. Since mineralocorticoid secretion may be impaired, salt and/or a mineralocorticoid should be administered concurrently.

    In cerebral malaria, a double-blind trial has shown that the use of corticosteroids is associated with prolongation of coma and a higher incidence of pneumonia and gastrointestinal bleeding.

    Prolonged use of corticosteroids may produce posterior subcapsular cataracts, glaucoma with possible damage to the optic nerves, and may enhance the establishment of secondary ocular infections due to fungi or viruses.

    Usage in Pregnancy

    Since adequate human reproduction studies have not been done with corticosteroids, use of these drugs in pregnancy or in women of childbearing potential requires that the anticipated benefits be weighed against the possible hazards to the mother and embryo or fetus. Infants born of mothers who have received substantial doses of corticosteroids during pregnancy should be carefully observed for signs of hypoadrenalism.

    Corticosteroids appear in breast milk and could suppress growth, interfere with endogenous corticosteroid production, or cause other unwanted effects. Mothers taking pharmacologic doses of corticosteroids should be advised not to nurse.

    Average and large doses of hydrocortisone or cortisone can cause elevation of blood pressure, salt and water retention, and increased excretion of potassium. These effects are less likely to occur with the synthetic derivatives except when used in large doses. Dietary salt restriction and potassium supplementation may be necessary. All corticosteroids increase calcium excretion.

    Administration of live virus vaccines, including smallpox, is contraindicated in individuals receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids. If inactivated viral or bacterial vaccines are administered to individuals receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids, the expected serum antibody response may not be obtained. However, immunization procedures may be undertaken in patients who are receiving corticosteroids as replacement therapy, e.g., for Addison's disease.

    Literature reports suggest an apparent association between use of corticosteroids and left ventricular free wall rupture after a recent myocardial infarction; therefore, therapy with corticosteroids should be used with great caution in these patients.

  • PRECAUTIONS

    Following prolonged therapy, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in symptoms of the corticosteroid withdrawal syndrome including fever, myalgia, arthralgia, and malaise. This may occur in patients even without evidence of adrenal insufficiency.

    There is an enhanced effect of corticosteroids in patients with hypothyroidism and in those with cirrhosis.

    Corticosteroids should be used cautiously in patients with ocular herpes simplex because of possible corneal perforation.

    The lowest possible dose of corticosteroid should be used to control the condition under treatment, and when reduction in dosage is possible, the reduction should be gradual.

    Psychic derangements may appear when corticosteroids are used, ranging from euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, and severe depression, to frank psychotic manifestations. Also, existing emotional instability or psychotic tendencies may be aggravated by corticosteroids.

    Aspirin should be used cautiously in conjunction with corticosteroids in hypoprothrombinemia.

    Steroids should be used with caution in nonspecific ulcerative colitis, if there is a probability of impending perforation, abscess, or other pyogenic infection, diverticulitis, fresh intestinal anastomoses, active or latent peptic ulcer, renal insufficiency, hypertension, osteoporosis and myasthenia gravis. Fat embolism has been reported as a possible complication of hypercortisonism.

    When large doses are given, some authorities advise that corticosteroids be taken with meals and antacids taken between meals to help to prevent peptic ulcer.

    Growth and development of infants and children on prolonged corticosteroid therapy should be carefully observed.

    Steroids may increase or decrease motility and number of spermatozoa in some patients.

    Phenytoin, phenobarbital, ephedrine, and rifampin may enhance the metabolic clearance of corticosteroids, resulting in decreased blood levels and lessened physiologic activity, thus requiring adjustment in corticosteroid dosage. These interactions may interfere with dexamethasone suppression tests which should be interpreted with caution during administration of these drugs.

    False-negative results in the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) in patients being treated with indomethacin have been reported. Thus, results of the DST should be interpreted with caution in these patients.

    The prothrombin time should be checked frequently in patients who are receiving corticosteroids and coumarin anticoagulants at the same time because of reports that corticosteroids have altered the response to these anticoagulants. Studies have shown that the usual effect produced by adding corticosteroids is inhibition of response to coumarins, although there have been some conflicting reports of potentiation not substantiated by studies.

    When corticosteroids are administered concomitantly with potassium-depleting diuretics, patients should be observed closely for development of hypokalemia.

    Information for Patients

    Persons who are on immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids should be warned to avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles. Patients should also be advised that if they are exposed, medical advice should be sought without delay.

  • ADVERSE REACTIONS

    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 mass
       Osteoporosis
       Vertebral compression fractures
       Aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads
       Pathologic fracture of long bones
       Tendon rupture

    Gastrointestinal:
       Peptic ulcer with possible perforation and hemorrhage
       Perforation of the small and large bowel, particularly in patients with inflammatory bowel
       disease
       Pancreatitis
       Abdominal distention
       Ulcerative esophagitis

    Dermatologic:
       Impaired wound healing
       Thin fragile skin
       Petechiae and ecchymoses
       Erythema
       Increased sweating
       May suppress reactions to skin tests

       Other cutaneous reactions, such as allergic dermatitis, urticaria, angioneurotic edema

    Neurologic:
       Convulsions
       Increased intracranial pressure with papilledema (pseudotumor cerebri) usually after
       treatment
       Vertigo
       Headache
       Psychic Disturbances

    Endocrine:
       Menstrual irregularities
       Development of cushingoid state
       Suppression of growth in children
       Secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness,
       particularly in times of stress, as in trauma, surgery, or illness
       Decreased carbohydrate tolerance
       Manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus
       Increased requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents in diabetes
       Hirsutism

    Ophthalmic:
       Posterior subcapsular cataracts
       Increased intraocular pressure
       Glaucoma
       Exophthalmos

    Metabolic:
       Negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism

    Cardiovascular:
       Myocardial rupture following recent myocardial infarction (See  WARNINGS)

    Other:
       Hypersensitivity
       Thromboembolism
       Weight gain
       Increased appetite
       Nausea
       Malaise
       Hiccups

  • OVERDOSAGE

    Reports of acute toxicity and/or death following overdosage of glucocorticoids are rare. In the event of overdosage, no specific antidote is available; treatment is supportive and symptomatic.

    The oral LD 50 of dexamethasone in female mice was 6.5 g/kg.

  • DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

    For oral administration:

    DOSAGE REQUIREMENTS ARE VARIABLE AND MUST BE INDIVIDUALIZED ON THE BASIS OF THE DISEASE AND THE RESPONSE OF THE PATIENT.

    The initial dosage varies from 0.75 to 9 mg a day depending on the disease being treated. In less severe diseases doses lower than 0.75 mg may suffice, while in severe diseases doses higher than 9 mg may be required. The initial dosage should be maintained or adjusted until the patient's response is satisfactory. If satisfactory clinical response does not occur after a reasonable period of time, discontinue dexamethasone elixir and transfer the patient to other therapy.

    After a favorable initial response, the proper maintenance dosage should be determined by decreasing the initial dosage in small amounts to the lowest dosage that maintains an adequate clinical response.

    Patients should be observed closely for signs that might require dosage adjustment, including changes in clinical status resulting from remissions or exacerbations of the disease, individual drug responsiveness, and the effect of stress (e.g., surgery, infection, trauma). During stress it may be necessary to increase dosage temporarily.

    If the drug is to be stopped after more than a few days of treatment, it usually should be withdrawn gradually.

    The following milligram equivalents facilitate changing to dexamethasone elixir from other glucocorticoids:

     DEXAMETHASONE ELIXIR

     METHYLPREDNISOLONE
    AND TRIAMCINOLONE

     PREDNISOLONE
    AND
    PREDNISONE

     HYDROCORTISONE

     CORTISONE

     0.75 mg =

     4 mg =

     5 mg =

     20 mg =

     25 mg

    Dexamethasone suppression tests

    1. Tests for Cushing's syndrome.
      Give 1 mg of dexamethasone orally at 11:00 p.m. Blood is drawn for plasma cortisol determination at 8:00 a.m. the following morning.
      For greater accuracy, give 0.5 mg of dexamethasone orally every 6 hours for 48 hours. Twenty-four hour urine collections are made for determination of 17-hydroxycorticosteroid excretion.
    2. Test to distinguish Cushing's syndrome due to pituitary ACTH excess from Cushing's syndrome due to other causes.
      Give 2 mg of dexamethasone orally every 6 hours for 48 hours. Twenty-four hour urine collections are made for determination of 17-hydroxycorticosteroid excretion.
  • HOW SUPPLIED

    Dexamethasone Elixir, USP, 0.5 mg/5 mL is supplied as a red colored, cherry-flavored liquid in the following size:

    Bottles of 8 fl oz (237 mL) NDC 62135-114-37

    STORAGE

    Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

    KEEP TIGHTLY CLOSED

    AVOID FREEZING

    Dispense in a tight container as defined in the USP.

    Manufactured for:
    Chartwell RX, LLC.

    Congers, NY 10920

    L71175
    Rev 02/2024

  • PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

    Dexamethasone Elixir, USP, 0.5 mg/5 mL - NDC 62135-114-37 - 8 fl oz (237 mL) Bottle Label

    Dexamethasone-elixir-usp-237ml-bottle-label

  • INGREDIENTS AND APPEARANCE
    DEXAMETHASONE 
    dexamethasone elixir
    Product Information
    Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC:62135-114
    Route of AdministrationORAL
    Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
    Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
    DEXAMETHASONE (UNII: 7S5I7G3JQL) (DEXAMETHASONE - UNII:7S5I7G3JQL) DEXAMETHASONE0.5 mg  in 5 mL
    Inactive Ingredients
    Ingredient NameStrength
    ANHYDROUS CITRIC ACID (UNII: XF417D3PSL)  
    TRISODIUM CITRATE DIHYDRATE (UNII: B22547B95K)  
    SUCROSE (UNII: C151H8M554)  
    ALCOHOL (UNII: 3K9958V90M)  
    BENZOIC ACID (UNII: 8SKN0B0MIM)  
    PROPYLENE GLYCOL (UNII: 6DC9Q167V3)  
    FD&C RED NO. 40 (UNII: WZB9127XOA)  
    WATER (UNII: 059QF0KO0R)  
    Product Characteristics
    ColorredScore    
    ShapeSize
    FlavorCHERRYImprint Code
    Contains    
    Packaging
    #Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    1NDC:62135-114-37237 mL in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product01/13/2023
    Marketing Information
    Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    ANDAANDA09118805/11/2011
    Labeler - Chartwell RX, LLC (079394054)
    Registrant - Chartwell Pharmaceuticals Carmel, LLC (118673485)